[Federal Register: November 17, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 220)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 59353-59442]
[DOCID:fr17no09-17]

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Part II

Department of Homeland Security

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Coast Guard

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46 CFR Part 10, 11, 12, and 15

Implementation of the 1995 Amendments to the International Convention
on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers,
1978; Proposed Rule

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 10, 11, 12, and 15

[Docket No. USCG-2004-17914]
RIN 1625-AA16

Implementation of the 1995 Amendments to the International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers, 1978

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to amend its regulations to fully
incorporate the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW
Convention), as well as the Seafarer's Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) in the requirements for the credentialing
of United States merchant mariners as found in 46 CFR Parts 10, 11, 12,
and 15. The changes proposed incorporate lessons learned from
implementation of the STCW Convention and STCW Code through the interim
rule and attempt to clarify those regulations that have generated
confusion in the past.

DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our
online docket via http://www.regulations.gov on or before February 16,
2010 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. Comments
sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on collection of
information must reach OMB on or before February 16, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Coast Guard docket
number USCG-2004-17914 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    (4) Hand Delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone
number is<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these methods. See the
``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting
comments.
    Collection of Information Comments: If you have comments on the
collection of information discussed in section VII.D of this NPRM, you
must also send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB). To ensure that
your comments to OIRA are received on time, the preferred methods of
receipt are by e-mail to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>(include the
docket number and ``Attention: Desk Officer for Coast Guard, DHS'' in
the subject line of the e-mail) or fax at<PHONE_NUMBER>. An alternate,
though slower, method is by U.S. mail to the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street
NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attn: Desk Officer, U.S. Coast Guard.
    Viewing incorporation by reference material: You may inspect the
material proposed for incorporation by reference at room 1210, U.S.
Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-
0001 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The telephone number is<PHONE_NUMBER>. Copies of the material
are available as indicated in the ``Incorporation by Reference''
section of this preamble.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), call or e-mail Mark Gould, Maritime
Personnel Qualifications Division, U. S. Coast Guard, telephone 202-
372-1409, e-mail<EMAIL_ADDRESS>If you have questions on
viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright,
Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
    A. Submitting Comments
    B. Viewing Comments and Documents
    C. Privacy Act
    D. Public Meeting
II. Abbreviatins
III. Background
IV. Discussion of Proposed Rule
    A. Overview
    B. Differences Between This NPRM and the Coast Guard's Current
Regulations
    1. Medical Competency
    2. Medical Standards for Issuance of STCW Endorsements
    3. Training Schools and Approved Courses
    4. Acceptance of Military Sea Service and Training To Qualify
for an STCW Endorsement
    5. Basic Safety Training Requirements
    6. Application of the STCW Convention to Mariners serving on
Vessels of Less Than 200 Gross Register Tons (GRT)/500 Gross Tonnage
(GT)
    7. Deck Officer Progression
    8. Engineer Officer Endorsements
    9. Officer Endorsements
    10. Rating Endorsements
    11. Manning
    12. Grandfathering
    13. Minimum Age
    C. Table of Proposed Changes
    D. Part 12 Renumbering
    E. Request for Comments
V. Discussion of Comments on the Interim Rule (IR)
    1. Scope of Application--General
    2. Application to Fishing Industry Vessels
    3. Application to Towing Industry Vessels
    4. Application to Small Passenger Vessels
    5. Application to Offshore Supply Vessels
    6. Tonnage Issues
    7. STCW Certificate or Endorsement
    8. Length of Service Requirement
    9. Qualifications of Instructors and Designated Examiners
    10. License Structure
    11. Bridge Teamwork Procedures
    12. License Renewal and Refresher Training
    13. QSS and ISM Code
    14. QSS, Coast Guard Course Approval, and Maritime Academies
    15. QSS Alternatives
    16. Simulators
    17. Basic Safety Training and Ship-Specific Familiarization
    18. Training Record Books
    19. Standards of Medical Fitness
    20. Training for Those Providing Medical First Aid or for
Qualification as Person in Charge of Medical Care Onboard Ship
    21. Fatigue and STCW--General
    22. STCW Rest Periods for Watchkeeping Personnel
    23. GMDSS--General
    24. GMDSS and ARPA
    25. GMDSS and Electronics Technician
    26. Proficiency in Survival Craft and Lifeboatman
    27. Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats
    28. Company Recordkeeping Responsibilities
    29. Special Requirements for Personnel on Ro-Ro Passenger Ships
    30. Special Requirements for Personnel on Passenger Ships
    31. Publication of STCW Requirements in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR)
VI. Incorporation by Reference
VII. Regulatory Analyses
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Small Entities
    C. Assistance for Small Entities
    D. Collection of Information
    E. Federalism
    F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    G. Taking of Private Property
    H. Civil Justice Reform
    I. Protection of Children
    J. Indian Tribal Governments
    K. Energy Effects
    L. Technical Standards
    M. Environment

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted,

without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, and will include any
personal information you have provided.

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
rulemaking (USCG-2004-17914), indicate the specific section of this
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material
online or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of
these means. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing
address, an e-mail address, or a phone number in the body of your
document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your
submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, in
the ``Document Type'' drop down menu, select ``Proposed Rules'' and
insert ``USCG-2004-17914'' as the ``Keyword.'' If you submit your
comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no
larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic
filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they
reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard
or envelope.
    We will consider all comments and material received during the
comment period and may change this proposed rule based on your
comments.

B. Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, in
the ``Document Type'' drop down menu, select ``Proposed Rules'' and
insert ``USCG-2004-17914'' as the ``Keyword.'' If you do not have
access to the Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the
Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue,
SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the
Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility.

C. Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008 issue of the
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

D. Public Meeting

    We plan to hold public meetings. We will announce the dates and
locations of these meetings in a later Federal Register notice.

II. Abbreviations

A/B Able Seaman
ARPA Automatic Radar Plotting Aid
BCO Ballast Control Operator
BRM Bridge Resource Management
BS Barge Supervisor
BST Basic Safety Training
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COI Certificate of Inspection
COLREGS International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
CPR Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
DC Damage Control
DDE Designated Duty Engineer
DE Designated Examiner
DL Dangerous Liquid
DOT Department of Transportation
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
ERM Engine Room Resource Management
FCC Federal Communications Commission
F.H. Food Handler
FR Federal Register
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GRT Gross Register Tons
GT Gross Tonnage
HP Horsepower
IMDG The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
IMO International Maritime Organization
IR Interim Rule
IRFA Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act
ISM International Safety Management Code
ISO International Organization for Standardization
ISPS International Ship and Port Facility Security
ITB Integrated Tug Barge
ITC International Tonnage Convention on Tonnage Measurement of
Ships, 1969
KUP Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency
kW Kilowatts
LG Liquefied Gas
MARAD Maritime Administration
MARPOL 73/78 International Convention for the Prevention of
Pollution From Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978
MERPAC Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee
MMC Merchant Mariner Credential
MMD Merchant Mariner Document
MODUs Mobile Offshore Drilling Units
NAVSAC Navigation Safety Advisory Committee
NDR National Driver Register
NMC U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center
NEPA National Environment Policy Act of 1969
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
NVIC Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular
OCMI Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection
OICEW Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch
OICNW Officer in Charge of a Navigation Watch
OIM Offshore Installation Manager
OIRA Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
OMB Office of Management and Budget
OSVs Offshore Supply Vessels
OUPV Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vehicle
PIC Person in Charge
PMS Preventive Maintenance System
PSC Proficiency in Survival Craft
QMED Qualified Member of the Engineering Department
QSS Quality Standard Systems
REC Regional Examination Center
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
RFPEW Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch
RFPNW Ratings Forming Part of a Navigation Watch
SHIP Seafarers' Health Improvement Program
SOLAS The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(1974)
STCW Code Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code
STCW Convention International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended
STCW-F International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification, and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel
TOAR Towing Officer's Assessment Record
TRB Training Record Book
TSA Transportation Security Administration
TSAC Towing Safety Advisory Committee
UPVs Uninspected Passenger Vessels
UTV Uninspected Towing Vessels
VSO Vessel Security Officer

III. Background

    The Coast Guard published an interim rule (IR) on June 26, 1997 (62
FR 34505), making changes to the regulations governing the
credentialing of merchant mariners. A complete discussion of the
background for the IR is found in the preamble to the IR (62 FR 34506).
These changes were necessary to implement amendments to the
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 as amended (the STCW Convention),
which the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted in 1995,
and which entered into force on February 1, 1997. The 1997 IR ensured
that U.S. merchant mariner credentials would meet International
Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, thereby reducing the possibility
that U.S. ships could be detained in a foreign port for non-compliance.
    The Coast Guard proposes to update the changes made by the 1997 IR
through experience gained during the implementation of that rule. This
proposed rule will also incorporate all

effective amendments to the STCW Convention and Code up to and
including the publication date of this proposed rule. The Coast Guard
determined, as a result of comments from the public and federal
advisory committees (the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee
and the Towing Safety Advisory Committee), that more information,
including more detailed regulation text, was required for the regulated
public. We have identified a number of issues with the current
regulations:
    (1) There are several areas as outlined in the Table of Changes
pertaining to the requirements a mariner must meet in order to obtain a
credential, that need clarification and/or additional information;
    (2) The Coast Guard conducted an independent evaluation of the
credentialing program and found that, although the program was giving
the STCW Convention full and complete effect, there were a number of
areas that should be clarified, as outlined in the Table of Changes.
    (3) In addition, we made several technical changes throughout parts
10, 11, 12, and 15 of 46 CFR, including the renumbering of part 12 to
bring the numbering of the sections in line with the numbering in the
other parts of subchapter B of title 46.
    On May 20, 2008, the Coast Guard issued an interim rule amending
its regulations to implement the vessel security officer training and
certification amendments to the STCW Convention and the STCW Code (73
FR 29060). These amendments incorporate the training and qualification
requirements for vessel security officers (VSOs) into the requirements
for the credentialing of United States merchant mariners. These
amendments (73 FR 29060) are not impacted by this proposed rulemaking.
    The VSO requirements apply to all vessels subject to the STCW
Convention under current regulations. This includes all seagoing
vessels, defined in the proposed 46 CFR 10.107 (currently 15.1101) to
mean self-propelled vessels that operate beyond the Boundary Line
established by 46 CFR part 7, except those vessels which have been
determined to be otherwise exempt from the STCW Convention as per 46
CFR 15.103(e) and (f).
    On March 16, 2009, the Coast Guard published a final rule titled
``Consolidation of Merchant Mariner Qualification Credentials'' (74 FR
11196). This final rule streamlined regulations and consolidated four
separate credentialing documents into one Merchant Mariner Credential
(MMC), and also eliminated redundant burdens and government processes.
As noted in the Table of Changes, some minor changes have been made in
this proposed rule that would affect the portions of subchapter B
revised by the MMC rulemaking.

IV. Discussion of Proposed Rule

A. Overview

    This proposed rule is a result of ongoing work to ensure that U.S.
mariners comply with the standards set forth in the STCW Convention.
During the implementation process for the IR (from 1997 to the
present), the Coast Guard recognized a need to make substantial changes
to the merchant mariner licensing and documentation credentialing
program. Because of these substantial changes, we recognized the
necessity of developing a more comprehensive rule, and of providing
additional opportunity--through this NPRM--for the public to comment on
these changes.
    Most seagoing merchant mariners must comply with the requirements
of the STCW Convention. STCW requirements reflected in the CFR are not
currently organized in a manner that is easy to read and understand.
This NPRM seeks to make the requirements for merchant mariners clear
and concise, and proposes a scheme that will make both domestic and
international requirements easier to understand.

B. Differences Between This NPRM and the Coast Guard's Current
Regulations

    This list provides a brief summary of the significant changes
proposed in this NPRM. The ``Table of Proposed Changes'' in part C of
this section provides more detailed information and explanation of the
changes in the summarized listing below.
1. Medical Competency
    Would establish clear requirements for attaining competence as a
person in charge (PIC) of medical care and as a medical first aid
provider.
    Would establish that all officers onboard seagoing ships must hold
medical first aid competence.
2. Medical Standards for Issuance of STCW Endorsements
    Would provide requirements on the medical fitness standards for
merchant mariners. As part of this effort, a quick-reference table is
provided.
    Would establish physical abilities expected of merchant mariners.
    Would clarify when the medical practitioner must conduct tests
demonstrating the merchant mariner's physical ability.
    Would provide clarification that staff officers and entry level
ratings need only demonstrate physical ability when serving on vessels
to which the STCW Convention applies.
3. Training Schools and Approved Courses
    Would update the requirements for the material that must be
submitted as part of an application for an approved course or training
program.
    Would require information that the Coast Guard had previously only
requested from course developers for Coast Guard approval of training
courses.
    Would remove the specific requirements for radar courses, providing
the industry more flexibility when developing courses and curriculum.
    Would specify the requirement for providers of approved courses and
training programs to be compliant with a quality standard systems
(QSS). This would clarify that Coast Guard-accepted QSS organizations
may accept and monitor training on behalf of the Coast Guard.
4. Acceptance of Military Sea Service and Training To Qualify for an
STCW Endorsement
    Would provide that a member of the military can qualify for an STCW
endorsement after meeting the training and service requirements for
merchant mariners.
5. Basic Safety Training Requirements
    Would clarify that the requirement for basic safety training (BST)
is no longer considered an STCW endorsement; BST continues to be a
manning requirement.
    Would add a manning requirement in part 15 for BST that is
consistent with STCW Convention requirements.
6. Application of the STCW Convention to Mariners serving on Vessels of
Less Than 200 Gross Register Tons (GRT)/500 Gross Tonnage (GT)
    Would establish requirements for mariners serving on seagoing
vessels of less than 200 GRT/500 GT on international voyages, whether
they are near-coastal or oceans routes.
7. Deck Officer Progression
    Would revise the deck officer progression to be consistent with the
standards set forth by the STCW Convention.
    Would remove the 200 GRT/500 GT-level endorsements.
    Would revise service requirements for mariners qualifying for the
1,600 GRT/3,000 GT-level endorsements.

8. Engineer Officer Endorsements
    Would revise the engineer officer progression to be consistent with
the standards set forth by the STCW Convention.
    Would provide limited engineer endorsements for service on vessels
less than 10,000 horsepower (HP)/7,500 kilowatts (kW) on near-coastal
waters.
9. Officer Endorsements
    Would provide specific areas of knowledge, understanding, and
proficiency (KUP) required for operational and management level
licenses.
    Would provide equivalencies between GRT and GT for use only with
the issuance of mariner credentials.
10. Rating Endorsements
    Would add sections for STCW-specific ratings.
    Would add a new endorsement entitled ``Survivalman'' for
individuals serving on vessels without installed lifeboats.
11. Manning
    Would move sections detailing the certification requirements for
ratings from part 12 to part 15.
12. Grandfathering
    Would clarify that this proposed rule does not require a mariner to
meet newly proposed requirements in order to retain a credential
already held. However, a mariner would have to meet any newly proposed
requirements in order to upgrade a credential. For example, under this
proposed rule, a second mate/officer in charge of a navigational watch
(OICNW) who seeks to obtain a chief mate endorsement would not be
required to go back and complete training requirements for an OICNW.
13. Minimum Age
    Would establish the minimum age for those applicants seeking a
rating or STCW endorsement under Part 12.
    Would incorporate the age of 16 as the minimum age for issuing a
rating or STCW endorsement.

C. Table of Proposed Changes

    This table provides a more-detailed, CFR-section-referenced summary
of significant changes proposed in this NPRM. The table incorporates
the changes noted in the brief summary of the significant changes
listed in part C above, ``Differences between this NPRM and the Coast
Guard's Current Regulations.'' This part, and part B above, discuss all
substantive changes being proposed by this rulemaking.

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                                     Cite under proposed                                Explanation of proposed
           Current cite                      rule          Summary of proposed change            change
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10.107............................  10.107...............  Adds the definition of      Assists applicants in
                                                            boundary line.              understanding the limits
                                                                                of the STCW Convention.
                                                           Adds the definition of a    Adds definition regarding
                                                            Coast Guard-accepted        those organizations that
                                                            quality standards system    may conduct QSS
                                                            (QSS) organization.         activities in regard to
                                                                                training.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Clarifies that domestic
                                                            domestic voyage.            service does not include
                                                                                entering foreign waters.
                                                                                This clarification is
                                                                                necessary for those
                                                                                operating small
                                                                                passenger vessels in
                                                                                waters close to or
                                                                                adjacent to foreign
                                                                                waters to assist in
                                                                                determining whether the
                                                                                operator would be
                                                                                required to hold an STCW
                                                                                endorsement.
                                                           Adds definition of gross    Provides definition for
                                                            register tons (GRT).        term used in the
                                                                                proposed rule and
                                                                                establishes an
                                                                                abbreviation for the use
                                                                                of this term throughout
                                                                                this subchapter.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Provides definition for
                                                            gross tonnage (GT).         term used in the
                                                                                proposed rule consistent
                                                                                with the STCW Convention
                                                                                and establishes an
                                                                                abbreviation for use
                                                                                throughout this
                                                                                subchapter.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Clarifies what
                                                            international voyage.       constitutes an
                                                                                international voyage.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Provides the definition
                                                            kilowatt (kW).              of a term used in
                                                                                conjunction with the
                                                                                implementation of the
                                                                                STCW Convention and STCW
                                                                                Code.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Provides that master,
                                                            management level.           chief mate, chief
                                                                                engineer and first
                                                                                assistant engineer
                                                                                (second engineer
                                                                                officer) are considered
                                                                                management level under
                                                                                the STCW Convention.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Provides that officer
                                                            operational level.          endorsements other than
                                                                                management level are
                                                                                considered operational
                                                                                level under the STCW
                                                                                Convention.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Provides a more general
                                                            propulsion power.           definition of a ship's
                                                                                power.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Provides clarification of
                                                            quality standard system     what is intended by this
                                                            (QSS).                      term when used in this
                                                                                subchapter.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Assists in the
                                                            seagoing.                   interpretation of the
                                                                                requirements of the STCW
                                                                                Convention.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Adds definition to ensure
                                                            seagoing vessel.            it captures all vessels
                                                                                to which STCW applies.
                                                                                No commercial vessels
                                                                                restriction, as appears
                                                                                in current 46 CFR
                                                                                15.1101 definition,
                                                                                because that would have
                                                                                excluded vessels such as
                                                                                yachts and government-
                                                                                owned vessels, which are
                                                                                required to be operated
                                                                                by mariners holding an
                                                                                STCW endorsement.

                                                           Adds a definition of        Provides terminology for
                                                            survivalman.                a new endorsement for
                                                                                persons serving in a
                                                                                position similar to
                                                                                lifeboatman but on a
                                                                                vessel without a
                                                                                lifeboat.
                                                           Adds the definition of      Provides clarity
                                                            training program.           regarding what is
                                                                                intended by this term.
                                                           Revises the definition of   Reflects that this is a
                                                            near coastal.               domestic definition and
                                                                                that another country may
                                                                                define the term
                                                                                differently.
None..............................  10.205(b)(i).........  Adds grandfathering         Clarifies that this
                                                            provision for existing      proposed rule does not
                                                            STCW endorsements.          require a mariner to
                                                                                meet newly proposed
                                                                                requirements in order to
                                                                                retain a credential
                                                                                already held.
10.215............................  10.215...............  Revises the physical        Provides the Coast Guard
                                                            requirements for mariners   some flexibility in the
                                                            applying for a Coast        acceptance of other
                                                            Guard-issued credential.    tests, as well as
                                                            These changes include:      acknowledgement that
                                                            Annual submission of        some of the vision tests
                                                            physicals by pilots,        are no longer available.
                                                            removal of the specific     The requirement to
                                                            tests for color vision,     demonstrate physical
                                                            revision of vision          ability provides
                                                            standard, revision of       information required for
                                                            hearing standard,           those mariners serving
                                                            clarification regarding     on vessels to which STCW
                                                            demonstration of physical   applies.
                                                            ability.
11.202(b).........................  11.202(b)............  Moves the requirement for   Requires applicant to
                                                            basic safety training       meet BST requirements as
                                                            (BST) and refers to part    listed in Sec.
                                                            15.                         15.1105. BST
                                                                                requirements are found
                                                                                in part 15 under
                                                                                manning, rather than as
                                                                                a professional
                                                                                requirement to obtain a
                                                                                certificate.
11.202(c).........................  11.407(a)(2).........  Moves the requirement for   Moves requirement to the
                                                            automatic radar plotting    appropriate operational-
                                                            aid (ARPA) from the         level certificate.
                                                            general section.
11.202(d).........................  11.407(a)(2).........  Moves the requirement for   Incorporates the GMDSS
                                                            the training and            requirement with the
                                                            assessment on Global        requirement for the
                                                            Maritime Distress and       appropriate operational-
                                                            Safety System (GMDSS)       level certificate.
                                                            from the general section.
11.202(e).........................  11.407(a)(2).........  Moves the requirement for   Moves the BRM requirement
                                                            Bridge Resource             to the appropriate
                                                            Management (BRM)            operational-level
                                                            (formerly Procedures for    certificate.
                                                            Bridge Team Work) from
                                                            the general section.
11.213............................  11.213...............  Revises the rules           Clarifies that maritime
                                                            affecting the credit of     service from the armed
                                                            sea service towards a       forces must be
                                                            mariner's credential.       consistent with the
                                                                                requirements of other
                                                                                mariners, i.e., an
                                                                                individual must first
                                                                                hold an operational-
                                                                                level credential in
                                                                                order to qualify for a
                                                                                management-level
                                                                                credential.
11.301............................  10.301...............  Revises the applicability   Clarifies that the STCW
                                                            to include training         Convention covers all
                                                            programs.                   training used to pursue
                                                                                certification, whether
                                                                                or not it is part of an
                                                                                approved course or
                                                                                training program. See
                                                                                Regulation I/6 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention and
                                                                                Section A-I/6 of the
                                                                                STCW Code.
11.302............................  10.302...............  Revises the credit that     Provides industry more
                                                            can be provided by course   flexibility to complete
                                                            approval to allow for       the requirements, as
                                                            multiple purposes.          current regulations are
                                                                                too confining.
                                                           Revises the requirements    Incorporates previously
                                                            for the request for         issued guidance
                                                            course approval.            documents to assist
                                                                                industry in
                                                                                understanding otherwise
                                                                                vague requirements.
                                                           Clarifies the suspension    Organizes the
                                                            of approval requirements.   requirements for
                                                                                suspension of course
                                                                                approval.
                                                           Revises the reasons for     Clarifies reasons for
                                                            withdrawal of course        withdrawal of course
                                                            approval.                   approval.
11.303............................  10.303...............  Revises section to require  Ensures that the training
                                                            that each student           provided meets the
                                                            demonstrate practical       requirements of the STCW
                                                            skills appropriate for      Convention, i.e., not
                                                            the course.                 only ensuring applicant
                                                                                knowledge, understanding
                                                                                and proficiency (KUP),
                                                                                but also requiring a
                                                                                demonstration of skills.
                                                                                See STCW Regulation I/6
                                                                                of the STCW Convention.
                                                           Revises the records and     Provides the Coast Guard
                                                            reports required for each   the ability to fulfill
                                                            approved course.            its obligation under the
                                                                                STCW Convention to
                                                                                validate the training
                                                                                received by merchant
                                                                                mariners. See Regulation
                                                                                I/8 of the STCW
                                                                                Convention.

                                                           Adds QSS requirements for   Provides consistency with
                                                            an approved course.         the obligation under the
                                                                                STCW Convention for
                                                                                approved training to be
                                                                                part of a QSS. See
                                                                                Regulation I/8 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
11.304............................  10.304...............  Revises the requirement to  Provides service credit
                                                            substitute all sea          for training programs,
                                                            service for successful      since they regularly
                                                            completion of an approved   provide more extensive
                                                            training program.           training situations and
                                                                                broader opportunities to
                                                                                demonstrate proficiency.
11.305............................  None.................  Removes specific            Removes requirements now
                                                            requirements regarding      unnecessary due to other
                                                            radar-observer              proposed changes
                                                            certificates and            throughout this subpart.
                                                            qualifying courses.
None..............................  10.305...............  Adds requirements for       Ensures that qualified
                                                            qualification as a          individuals conduct
                                                            designated examiner.        evaluations of mariners
                                                                                as required by the STCW
                                                                                Convention. See Section
                                                                                A-I/6 of the STCW Code.
None..............................  10.308...............  Adds requirements for       Provides consistency with
                                                            training programs to meet   the obligation under the
                                                            the proposed requirements   STCW Convention for
                                                            for course approval and     approved training to be
                                                            general training            part of a QSS. See
                                                            standards, which includes   Regulation I/8 of the
                                                            being part of a QSS.        STCW Convention.
11.309............................  10.309...............  Revises section to reduce   Provides clarification
                                                            redundant language from     with reference to Sec.
                                                            other sections of this      10.302 for collecting
                                                            subpart.                    the necessary
                                                                                information.
                                                           Adds QSS requirements for   Provides consistency with
                                                            accepted training.          the obligation under the
                                                                                STCW Convention for
                                                                                approved training to be
                                                                                part of a QSS. See
                                                                                Regulation I/8 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
None..............................  10.311...............  Adds simulator performance  Provides consistency with
                                                            standards.                  existing requirements
                                                                                and Section A-I/12 of
                                                                                the STCW Code.
11.401............................  11.401...............  Revises section to more     Includes the STCW
                                                            specifically reflect STCW   Convention requirements
                                                            Convention requirements.    generally throughout the
                                                            Provides clarification      subpart in an effort to
                                                            regarding the               clarify regulations. See
                                                            requirements for STCW       Part A, Chapter II of
                                                            endorsements for mariners   the STCW Code.
                                                            on seagoing vessels.
                                                           Adds a requirement to       Provides a specific
                                                            complete an assessment of   requirement for an STCW
                                                            professional skills.        endorsement for those
                                                                                serving on seagoing
                                                                                vessels greater than 200
                                                                                GRT/500 GT or any vessel
                                                                                on an international
                                                                                voyage. This requirement
                                                                                was previously listed in
                                                                                46 CFR subpart I.
                                                           Revises the list of         Provides consistency with
                                                            requirements to obtain a    the STCW Convention list
                                                            master or mate              of requirements for
                                                            endorsement for vessels     persons on that size
                                                            of 200 GRT/500 GT or more   vessel, including basic
                                                            and for all seagoing        and advanced
                                                            vessels on international    firefighting, ARPA,
                                                            voyages.                    GMDSS, and radar
                                                                                observer.
                                                           Revises the flashing light  Extends the flashing
                                                            requirement.                light proficiency
                                                                                requirement to those to
                                                                                whom the STCW Convention
                                                                                applies, i.e., all
                                                                                mariners serving on
                                                                                seagoing vessels. See
                                                                                Table A-II/1 of the STCW
                                                                                Code.
                                                           Removes the requirement     Provides consistency with
                                                            for deck officers to        the STCW Convention that
                                                            obtain a qualification as   does not require a
                                                            able seaman.                qualification as able
                                                                                seaman for seagoing deck
                                                                                officers.
                                                           Revises the application of  Specifies that a course
                                                            equivalent sea service to   without seagoing service
                                                            mariners required to meet   would not be granted
                                                            STCW standards.             equivalent service under
                                                                                the STCW Convention,
                                                                                which requires service
                                                                                at sea for various
                                                                                endorsements. See
                                                                                Chapter II of the STCW
                                                                                Code.
                                                           Moves information           Makes the existing
                                                            requiring compliance with   requirements easier to
                                                            STCW Convention             locate and follow.
                                                            regulations and standards
                                                            of competence from Sec.
                                                            11.903.
11.402............................  11.402...............  Adds a table providing      Enables equating between
                                                            equivalencies between GRT   the two systems, for
                                                            and GT.                     credentialing purposes
                                                                                only.
                                                           Revises tonnage             Establishes a minimum
                                                            limitations for an          tonnage limitation. It
                                                            unlimited officer           was previously possible
                                                            endorsement by setting      to obtain a limitation
                                                            the minimum to 2,000 GRT/   of less than 2,000 GRT/
                                                            3,300 GT.                   3,300 GT; however, there
                                                                                is little reason to
                                                                                establish any limitation
                                                                                less than 2,000 GRT/
                                                                                3,300 GT.

11.403............................  11.403 (See also,      Replaces deck officer       Reflects the proposed
                                     11.430(f) Structure    endorsements structure      progression for deck
                                     of deck officer        diagram with new diagram    officer endorsements
                                     endorsements for       showing progression of      limited to seagoing
                                     Great Lakes and        deck officer endorsements   service.
                                     inland waters          for seagoing service
                                     service).              based on vessel tonnage.
11.404............................  11.404...............  Revises the requirements    Allows advancement to
                                                            to allow multiple routes    master directly from
                                                            for progression to master.  either officer in charge
                                                                                of a navigation watch
                                                                                (OICNW) or chief mate,
                                                                                as provided in the STCW
                                                                                Convention. This
                                                                                progression would be
                                                                                allowed to assist those
                                                                                mariners who are unable
                                                                                to obtain service time
                                                                                as a chief mate. See
                                                                                Regulation II/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
                                                           Revises the requirement to  Provides consistency with
                                                            include meeting the         STCW Convention
                                                            training requirements for   requirements allowing
                                                            chief mate if the           applicants meeting the
                                                            applicant does not hold     same minimum training as
                                                            an endorsement or license   an individual
                                                            as chief mate.              progressing through
                                                                                chief mate to progress.
                                                                                See Regulation II/2 of
                                                                                the STCW Convention.
11.405............................  11.405...............  Revises the requirement     Provides a list of
                                                            for chief mate (oceans      necessary KUPs and sets
                                                            and near coastal) to        a requirement for
                                                            include the requirements    assessment of an
                                                            for approved training       individual seeking an
                                                            required by the STCW        endorsement as chief
                                                            Convention.                 mate. A chief mate
                                                                                serving on seagoing
                                                                                vessels must meet STCW
                                                                                Convention requirements.
                                                                                See Section A-II/2 of
                                                                                the STCW Code.
                                                           Provides specific           Provides necessary
                                                            requirements for            training requirements
                                                            transition for an           for mariners licensed at
                                                            endorsed or licensed        the management level for
                                                            applicant to serve on       vessels between 200 and
                                                            seagoing vessels between    1,600 GRT/500 and 3,000
                                                            200 and 1,600 GRT/500 and   GT. There are gaps
                                                            3,000 GT.                   currently in the
                                                                                requirements between
                                                                                these two vessel size
                                                                                categories.
                                                           Revises to specifically     Provides consistency with
                                                            state that service as a     STCW Convention
                                                            rating, while holding an    requirements, which do
                                                            officer endorsement,        not allow service as a
                                                            would not count toward a    rating to count toward a
                                                            management-level officer    management-level
                                                            endorsement.                certificate. See
                                                                                Regulation II/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
11.406............................  11.406...............  Revises the service         Provides consistency with
                                                            requirements for second     STCW Convention
                                                            mate to specify that the    requirements that
                                                            service must have been on   service towards those
                                                            a seagoing vessel.          endorsements be on
                                                                                seagoing vessels.
11.407............................  11.407...............  Revises the requirement     Provides a list of
                                                            for OICNW (oceans and       necessary KUPs and sets
                                                            near coastal) to provide    an assessment
                                                            for approved training as    requirement for
                                                            required by the STCW        endorsement as chief
                                                            Convention.                 mate. An OICNW serving
                                                                                on seagoing vessels must
                                                                                meet STCW Convention
                                                                                requirements. See
                                                                                Regulation II/1 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
                                                           Revises the paragraph,      Clarifies that an
                                                            allowing for graduation     individual must complete
                                                            from a maritime academy     an approved program to
                                                            to meet this requirement.   qualify for this
                                                                                endorsement, and opens
                                                                                up the process to more
                                                                                programs.
11.410............................  11.410...............  Revises the section         Clarifies that this
                                                            regarding the credential    credential would no
                                                            authorizing service on      longer be issued as an
                                                            vessels of not more than    original endorsement or
                                                            500 GRT/1,200 GT. No        as a raise of grade to
                                                            original endorsement with   this tonnage. There is
                                                            this tonnage, or a raise    limited need for the 500
                                                            of grade to this tonnage,   GRT/1,200 GT level
                                                            will be issued; however,    endorsement, and the
                                                            renewals will continue to   need could be met with
                                                            be issued.                  the credential for
                                                                                vessels less than 1,600
                                                                                GRT/3,000 GT by revising
                                                                                the requirements for
                                                                                those endorsements.
                                                           Restricts officer           Provides consistency with
                                                            endorsements issued under   STCW Convention
                                                            this section using orally   requirement for persons
                                                            assisted exams to vessels   serving on seagoing
                                                            to which the STCW           vessels of this size.
                                                            Convention does not apply.  Orally assisted exams do
                                                                                not satisfy the
                                                                                requirement. See Chapter
                                                                                II of the STCW Code.
11.412............................  11.412...............  Adds the requirement that   Provides consistency with
                                                            applicants for an           STCW Convention
                                                            endorsement as master       requirements that all
                                                            must be qualified as mate   persons seeking
                                                            & OICNW for vessels of      management-level
                                                            200 GRT/500 GT or more.     endorsements qualify as
                                                                                OICNW for vessels of 200
                                                                                GRT/500 GT or more. See
                                                                                Regulation II/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.

                                                           Revises the service         Provides consistency with
                                                            required for an             STCW Convention
                                                            endorsement as master       requirements for this
                                                            from 4 years total to       level of endorsement.
                                                            either 36 months as         The total service time
                                                            OICNW, or 24 months         could now be between 5
                                                            including 12 months as      and 6 years. See
                                                            chief mate.                 Regulation II/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
                                                           Revises the process for     Clarifies that the
                                                            obtaining this              service, training, and
                                                            endorsement directly from   assessment requirements
                                                            OICNW or chief mate to      of this section must be
                                                            include service.            met to obtain an
                                                                                endorsement as master.
None..............................  11.413...............  Adds new requirements for   Provides consistency for
                                                            chief mate of self-         this management-level
                                                            propelled, seagoing         credential, available
                                                            vessels of less than        through the STCW
                                                            1,600 GRT/3,000 GT.         Convention. The Coast
                                                                                Guard received a
                                                                                recommendation from the
                                                                                Merchant Marine
                                                                                Personnel Advisory
                                                                                Committee (MERPAC) to
                                                                                include this level
                                                                                endorsement to assist
                                                                                domestic officers
                                                                                seeking service on
                                                                                foreign flag vessels.
                                                                                See Regulation II/2 of
                                                                                the STCW Convention.
11.414............................  11.414...............  Revises this section to     Provides consistency with
                                                            require that a person       STCW Convention
                                                            applying for an             requirements that an
                                                            endorsement as mate must    individual seeking this
                                                            meet the requirements for   level endorsement meet
                                                            OICNW in Sec.   11.407.     the requirements of any
                                                                                other OICNW for seagoing
                                                                                vessels. See Regulation
                                                                                II/1 of the STCW
                                                                                Convention.
                                                           Revises the service         Increases the number of
                                                            requirements for an         mariners who would
                                                            endorsement as mate to      qualify for an
                                                            allow service on vessels    endorsement as mate.
                                                            of 75 GRT or more.
11.418............................  None.................  Removes the officer         This endorsement would no
                                                            endorsement for master of   longer be required
                                                            vessels not more than 500   because it would lower
                                                            GRT.                        the tonnage requirements
                                                                                for those serving on
                                                                                vessels of not more than
                                                                                1,600 GRT/3,000 GT.
11.420............................  None.................  Removes the officer         This endorsement would no
                                                            endorsement for mate of     longer be required
                                                            vessels not more than 500   because it would lower
                                                            GRT.                        the tonnage requirements
                                                                                for those serving on
                                                                                vessels of not more than
                                                                                1,600 GRT/3,000 GT.
11.422............................  11.422...............  Adds the specific           Provides clarity as to
                                                            requirement that            what the Coast Guard
                                                            additional service as a     would look for when
                                                            deck officer is required    evaluating an
                                                            to raise a tonnage          application for raising
                                                            limitation.                 the tonnage limitation.
None..............................  11.423...............  Adds new section providing  Provides specific
                                                            requirements for those      requirements for those
                                                            seeking officer and STCW    seeking to obtain an
                                                            endorsements as master of   STCW endorsement as
                                                            vessels of less than 200    master on vessels of
                                                            GRT/500 GT on near-         less than 200 GRT/500
                                                            coastal waters.             GT. See Regulation II/3
                                                                                of the STCW Convention.
11.424............................  11.424...............  Revises section to address  Provides specific
                                                            those seeking officer and   requirements to meet
                                                            STCW endorsements as mate   STCW Convention
                                                            or OICNW of vessels less    requirements, including
                                                            than 200 GRT/500 GT on      36 months of service and
                                                            near coastal waters.        meeting training and
                                                                                assessment requirements.
                                                                                See Regulation II/3 of
                                                                                the STCW Convention.
                                                           Removes reference to        Provides consistency with
                                                            masters of ocean, stream,   the STCW Convention
                                                            or motor vessels of not     requiring that
                                                            more than 200 gross tons.   applicants seeking to
                                                                                operate vessels of 200
                                                                                GRT/500 GT or less on
                                                                                ocean waters must meet
                                                                                the requirements for the
                                                                                endorsement as master of
                                                                                seagoing vessels of
                                                                                between 200 GRT/500 GT
                                                                                and 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT.
11.426............................  11.426...............  Revises this section,       Clarifies existing
                                                            which is applicable only    regulations regarding
                                                            to those vessels to which   the applicability of an
                                                            the STCW Convention does    endorsement as master of
                                                            not apply.                  seagoing of less than
                                                                                200 GRT limited to
                                                                                domestic near-coastal
                                                                                voyages.
11.427............................  11.427...............  Revises this section,       Clarifies existing
                                                            which is applicable only    regulations regarding
                                                            to those vessels to which   the applicability of an
                                                            the STCW Convention does    endorsement as mate of
                                                            not apply.                  seagoing vessels of less
                                                                                than 200 GRT limited to
                                                                                domestic near-coastal
                                                                                voyages.
11.428............................  11.428...............  Revises this section,       Clarifies existing
                                                            which is applicable only    regulations regarding
                                                            to those vessels to which   the applicability of an
                                                            the STCW Convention does    endorsement as master of
                                                            not apply.                  seagoing vessels of less
                                                                                than 100 GRT limited to
                                                                                domestic near-coastal
                                                                                voyages.
11.429............................  11.429...............  Revises this section,       Clarifies existing
                                                            which is applicable only    regulations regarding
                                                            to those vessels to which   the applicability of an
                                                            the STCW Convention does    endorsement as limited
                                                            not apply.                  master of seagoing
                                                                                vessels of less than 100
                                                                                GRT on domestic near-
                                                                                coastal voyages.

11.463............................  11.463...............  Adds the requirement for    Clarifies the regulations
                                                            towing vessel officers      and policy for officers
                                                            serving on seagoing         on towing vessels.
                                                            vessels to comply with
                                                            the STCW Convention.
11.467............................  11.467...............  Adds the limitation to the  Clarifies that this
                                                            endorsement as operator     endorsement is limited
                                                            of uninspected passenger    to domestic near-coastal
                                                            vessels to not more than    waters not more than 100
                                                            100 nautical miles          nautical miles offshore.
                                                            offshore.
11.493............................  11.493...............  Revises language to         Eliminates unnecessary
                                                            require that Master (OSV)   language and ensures
                                                            applicants complete a       that all programs
                                                            Coast Guard-approved        approved by the Coast
                                                            program that meets STCW     Guard are consistent
                                                            Convention requirements.    with the STCW
                                                                                Convention. See Chapter
                                                                                II of the STCW Code.
11.495............................  11.495...............  Revises language to         Eliminates unnecessary
                                                            require that Chief Mate     language and ensures
                                                            (OSV) applicants complete   that all programs
                                                            a Coast Guard-approved      approved by the Coast
                                                            program that meets STCW     Guard are consistent
                                                            Convention requirements.    with the STCW
                                                                                Convention. See Chapter
                                                                                II of the STCW Code.
11.497............................  11.497...............  Revises language to         Reduces unnecessary
                                                            require that Mate (OSV)     language and ensures
                                                            applicants complete a       that all programs
                                                            Coast Guard-approved        approved by the Coast
                                                            program that meets STCW     Guard are consistent
                                                            Convention requirements.    with the STCW
                                                                                Convention. See Chapter
                                                                                II of the STCW Code.
Sec.   11.501.....................  Sec.   11.501........  Provides a list of          Includes the three
                                                            engineer officer            endorsements allowed by
                                                            endorsements for the STCW   the STCW Convention for
                                                            Convention.                 the two levels of
                                                                                engineer officers. These
                                                                                would be included to
                                                                                provide clarity in the
                                                                                incorporation of the
                                                                                STCW Convention. See
                                                                                Chapter III of the STCW
                                                                                Convention.
                                                           Moves information           Makes the existing
                                                            requiring compliance with   requirements easier to
                                                            STCW Convention             locate and follow.
                                                            regulations and standards
                                                            of competence from Sec.
                                                            11.903.
                                                           Adds a restriction          Provides the limitation
                                                            regarding limitation for    for those without the
                                                            those who do not hold an    endorsement to serve on
                                                            STCW endorsement.           vessels of limited
                                                                                horsepower because the
                                                                                STCW Convention applies
                                                                                to all seagoing vessels.
                                                                                See Chapter III of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
Sec.   11.502.....................  Sec.   11.502........  Adds specific language      Provides consistency with
                                                            requiring that training     the STCW Convention
                                                            on any propulsion mode be   requiring that an
                                                            added to an endorsement.    individual receive the
                                                                                training and education
                                                                                for the authority placed
                                                                                upon a credential. See
                                                                                Chapter III of the STCW
                                                                                Convention.
Sec.   11.505.....................  Sec.   11.505........  Adds a new diagram showing  Provides a visual
                                                            the progression and         representation of the
                                                            crossover introduced in     progression introduced
                                                            this rulemaking.            in this rulemaking.
                                                           Revises the existing        Provides consistency with
                                                            engineer license            the STCW Convention.
                                                            structure diagram to        This endorsement would
                                                            remove chief engineer       no longer exist; those
                                                            (limited oceans).           serving on seagoing
                                                                                vessels must hold an
                                                                                STCW endorsement.
None..............................  Sec.   11.506........  Adds section modifying the  Provides consistency with
                                                            required service for        the STCW Convention. See
                                                            chief engineer.             Regulation III/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
                                                           Provides additional path    Provides this progression
                                                            to chief engineer from      because the only
                                                            chief engineer (limited).   difference between the
                                                                                two endorsements is the
                                                                                required training and
                                                                                education.
                                                           Revises the service         Provides consistency with
                                                            requirements to remove      STCW Convention
                                                            the opportunity to use a    requirements, which
                                                            qualified member of the     count only service as an
                                                            engineering department      officer towards the
                                                            (QMED) service towards an   management level
                                                            endorsement as chief        endorsements. See
                                                            engineer.                   Regulation III/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
None..............................  Sec.   11.507........  Adds section to make the    Provides consistency with
                                                            prerequisite service be     STCW Convention
                                                            that of an officer in       requirements regarding
                                                            charge of an engineering    service and
                                                            watch (OICEW).              qualification as OICEW.
                                                                                See Regulation III/2 of
                                                                                the STCW Convention.
                                                           Adds a specific             Includes in regulation
                                                            requirement to complete     the requirement (based
                                                            approved training for a     upon STCW Convention
                                                            management-level            requirements) previously
                                                            endorsement.                published in a Coast
                                                                                Guard policy letter. See
                                                                                Regulation III/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
None..............................  Sec.   11.508........  Adds requirements for       Provides consistency with
                                                            officer endorsement as      STCW Convention
                                                            second assistant engineer   requirements regarding
                                                            and STCW endorsement as     service and
                                                            OICEW.                      qualification. See
                                                                                Regulation III/1 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.

None..............................  Sec.   11.509........  Adds requirements for       Provides consistency with
                                                            officer endorsements as     STCW Convention
                                                            third assistant engineer    requirements regarding
                                                            for seagoing service with   service and
                                                            an STCW endorsement as      qualification. See
                                                            OICEW.                      Regulation III/1 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention
                                                           Accepts the use of          Clarifies that successful
                                                            training programs as a      completion of an
                                                            process to achieve these    approved program is the
                                                            endorsements.               most specific method for
                                                                                meeting the requirement.
                                                                                This allows for a
                                                                                broader acceptance of
                                                                                training programs.
                                                           Lists the training and      Provides consistency with
                                                            education requirements      STCW Convention
                                                            for an endorsement as       requirements regarding
                                                            third assistant engineer    specific training and
                                                            and OICEW.                  education for these
                                                                                endorsements. See
                                                                                Regulation III/1 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
                                                           Provides progression from   Allows those holding an
                                                            assistant engineer          approved STCW
                                                            (limited) and designated    endorsement with
                                                            duty engineer (DDE) after   limitations to only
                                                            completing approved or      complete the additional
                                                            accepted training.          training between the two
                                                                                endorsements. These
                                                                                requirements are based
                                                                                on STCW Convention
                                                                                requirements and were
                                                                                previously published in
                                                                                a Coast Guard policy
                                                                                letter. See Regulation
                                                                                III/1 of the STCW
                                                                                Convention.
Sec.   11.510.....................  Sec.   11.510........  Adds new section to allow   Provides U.S. mariners
                                                            an applicant to obtain a    the opportunity to
                                                            chief engineer              reduce the training and
                                                            endorsement limited to      education requirements
                                                            vessels less than 10,000    for service in near-
                                                            HP and near-coastal         coastal waters allowed
                                                            waters.                     by the STCW Convention.
                                                                                See Regulation III/2 of
                                                                                the STCW Convention.
                                    Sec.   11.520........  Moves the requirements for  This requirement still
                                                            chief engineer              exists for inland
                                                            endorsements without STCW   engineers.
                                                            endorsements.
None..............................  Sec.   11.511........  Adds new section allowing   Provides U.S. mariners
                                                            applicants to obtain a      the opportunity to
                                                            first assistant engineer    reduce the training and
                                                            endorsement limited to      education requirements
                                                            vessels less than 10,000    for service in near-
                                                            HP and near-coastal         coastal waters allowed
                                                            waters. This section        by the STCW Convention.
                                                            provides the management-    See Regulation III/2 of
                                                            level training required     the STCW Convention.
                                                            for these limited
                                                            endorsements.
None..............................  Sec.   11.512........  Adds a new section for      Provides for the training
                                                            chief engineer, limited     and education for
                                                            to vessels of less than     vessels of this
                                                            4,000 HP.                   propulsion power,
                                                                                consistent with the STCW
                                                                                Convention. See
                                                                                Regulation III/3 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
None..............................  Sec.   11.513........  Adds requirements to        Provides consistency with
                                                            qualify as first            STCW Convention
                                                            assistant engineer with     requirements regarding
                                                            an STCW endorsement as      service and
                                                            second engineer officer     qualification. See
                                                            on motor or gas turbine     Regulation III/2 of the
                                                            propelled vessels of less   STCW Convention.
                                                            than 4,000 HP/3,000 kW.
Sec.   11.514.....................  Sec.   11.522........  Moves and revises the       This requirement still
                                                            requirements for second     exists for inland
                                                            assistant engineer          engineers.
                                                            endorsements without STCW
                                                            endorsements.
                                    Sec.   11.514........  Revises section to add      Provides an option
                                                            requirements for            consistent with the STCW
                                                            assistant engineer on       Convention for a limited
                                                            vessels of not more than    endorsement for
                                                            4,000 HP on near-coastal    engineers on vessels of
                                                            routes.                     limited propulsion on
                                                                                near-coastal routes. See
                                                                                Regulation III/3 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
Sec.   11.512.....................  Sec.   11.521........  Moves the requirements for  This requirement still
                                                            first assistant engineer    exists for inland
                                                            endorsements without STCW   engineers.
                                                            endorsements.
Sec.   11.516.....................  Sec.   11.523........  Moves and revises the       This requirement still
                                                            requirements for third      exists for inland
                                                            assistant engineer          engineers.
                                                            endorsements without STCW
                                                            endorsements.
Sec.   11.518.....................  Sec.   11.524........  Moves and revises the       This requirement still
                                                            requirements for chief      exists for inland
                                                            engineer (limited)          engineers.
                                                            endorsements without STCW
                                                            endorsements.
Sec.   11.522.....................  Sec.   11.525........  Moves and revises the       This requirement still
                                                            requirements for            exists for inland
                                                            assistant engineer          engineers.
                                                            (limited) endorsements
                                                            without STCW endorsements.
Sec.   11.524.....................  Sec.   11.526........  Revises the requirement     Complies with STCW
                                                            for DDE.                    Convention requirements
                                                                                for service on vessels
                                                                                to which the STCW
                                                                                Convention doesn't
                                                                                apply, and to vessels on
                                                                                the Great Lakes and
                                                                                other inland waters. See
                                                                                Chapter III of the STCW
                                                                                Convention.

Sec.   11.551.....................  11.551...............  Revises the section to      Consolidates and
                                                            provide the completion of   clarifies the
                                                            a program of training,      information that was
                                                            assessment, and sea         previously in Sec.  Sec.
                                                            service approved by the       11.551, 11.553 and
                                                            Coast Guard for offshore    11.555.
                                                            supply vessel (OSV)
                                                            engineer endorsements.
Sec.   11.811(b)..................  Sec.   10.215........  Includes medical            Meets the new STCW
                                                            requirements for vessel     Convention requirements
                                                            security officer (VSO).     that come into force on
                                                                                July 1, 2009.
Sec.   11.901.....................  11.901...............  Revises the section to      Notifies applicants that
                                                            require keeping the         the Coast Guard will
                                                            record of demonstrations    maintain a record of
                                                            of proficiency in the       completed assessments.
                                                            applicant's file.
                                                           Removes the list of         Amends section because
                                                            endorsements requiring      the list of endorsements
                                                            STCW endorsement.           was redundant and
                                                                                unnecessary in this
                                                                                location.
Sec.   11.903.....................  11.903...............  Revises the list of         Removes the endorsements
                                                            endorsements requiring      that don't require an
                                                            examination.                examination, based on a
                                                                                change in policy and
                                                                                progression consistent
                                                                                with the STCW
                                                                                Convention, i.e., master
                                                                                and second mate.
                                                           Deletes the paragraph       The exclusion for master
                                                            excluding master and mate   and mate of towing
                                                            of towing vessels.          vessels would be
                                                                                provided in Sec.  Sec.
                                                                                11.464 and 11.465
                                                           Revises table 11.903(c)     Improves the use of the
                                                            and moves it to the         table as a reference for
                                                            subpart on requirements     applicants seeking
                                                            for deck and engine         information on the
                                                            officers in Sec.  Sec.      requirements for various
                                                            11.401 and 11.501,          endorsements.
                                                            respectively.
Sec.   11.910.....................  11.910...............  Revises table 11.910-1....  Reflects the combined
                                                                                endorsements at the
                                                                                management and
                                                                                operational levels.
                                                           Revises table 11.910-2....  Revises the table of
                                                                                subjects based on
                                                                                combined examinations at
                                                                                the operational and
                                                                                management levels and
                                                                                updates the information
                                                                                for the STCW Convention.
Sec.   11.950.....................  11.950...............  Revised table 11.950 by     Reflects the combined
                                                            creating table for          endorsements at the
                                                            seagoing vessels and        management and
                                                            another for Great Lakes     operational levels and
                                                            and inland waters.          updates information for
                                                                                the STCW Convention.
None..............................  Sec.   12.201........  Adds a minimum age          Incorporates STCW
                                                            required to obtain a        Convention requirements
                                                            rating endorsement.         and current Coast Guard
                                                                                practices that use 16 as
                                                                                the minimum age for
                                                                                these credentials.
Sec.   12.03-1....................  Subpart C of part 10.  Consolidates Coast Guard-   Reduces regulatory
                                                            accepted and approved       redundancy.
                                                            training into one subpart.
Sec.   12.05-3....................  Sec.   12.412........  Revises the general         Clarifies the A/B
                                                            requirements to obtain an   requirement to allow
                                                            endorsement as able         being qualified for
                                                            seaman (A/B) to include     lifeboatman or
                                                            holding or qualified to     survivalman, and removes
                                                            hold an endorsement as      the requirement to pass
                                                            lifeboatman or              the lifeboatman exam if
                                                            survivalman.                the individual already
                                                                                holds the appropriate
                                                                                endorsement.
Sec.   12.05-3(c).................  Sec.   12.420........  Adds a new section to       Provides requirements for
                                                            provide the requirements    RFPNW, required by the
                                                            for ratings forming part    STCW Convention, in one
                                                            of a navigational watch     location. The
                                                            (RFPNW).                    regulations do not
                                                                                currently identify these
                                                                                requirements. See
                                                                                Regulation II/4 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
Sec.   12.05-5 [Reserved].........  Sec.   10.215........  Consolidates the physical   Clarifies the
                                                            and medical requirements    requirements for this
                                                            with all other              endorsement.
                                                            endorsements and provides
                                                            specific requirements
                                                            rather than referring the
                                                            applicant to the
                                                            requirements for deck
                                                            officers.
Sec.   12.05-9....................  Sec.   12.416........  Adds the option of          Provides additional
                                                            survivalman as meeting      flexibility for mariners
                                                            the requirements for        serving on vessels
                                                            lifeboatman.                without lifeboats by
                                                                                allowing them the
                                                                                ability to obtain an A/B
                                                                                endorsement.
Sec.   12.05-11...................  Sec.   12.418........  Adds the option of          Allows for additional
                                                            survivalman.                flexibility for the
                                                                                industry.
Sec.   12.10-1....................  Sec.   15.403........  Moves this requirement to   Moves section to part 15
                                                            Sec.   15.403.              as it is a manning
                                                                                requirement.
Sec.   12.10-3....................  Sec.   12.610........  Revises the section to add  Includes demonstrations
                                                            the STCW Convention         of proficiency required
                                                            requirements for            by the STCW Convention.
                                                            proficiency in survival     Lifeboatman endorsement
                                                            craft and rescue boats.     must comply with the
                                                            Removes the list of         STCW Convention. There
                                                            specific programs from      is no need to list the
                                                            meeting the requirements.   approved programs as
                                                                                they are in the list of
                                                                                approved courses. See
                                                                                Regulation VI/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.

Sec.   12.10-5....................  12.610...............  Incorporates revised        Moves these requirements
                                                            examination and             for clarity.
                                                            demonstration of ability
                                                            requirements into Sec.
                                                            12.610 with other
                                                            requirements for
                                                            lifeboatman.
Sec.   12.10-7....................  None.................  Removes section...........  Information is provided
                                                                                under able seamen (see
                                                                                proposed Sec.   12.418)
                                                                                and not required in this
                                                                                subpart.
Sec.   12.10-9....................  Sec.   12.620........  Revises the requirements    Provides additional
                                                            for certificates of         information clarifying
                                                            proficiency in fast         the STCW Convention
                                                            rescue boats, adding a      requirements to obtain
                                                            specific number of drills   an endorsement for
                                                            and the specific areas of   proficiency in fast
                                                            competence the STCW         rescue boats. See
                                                            Convention requires.        Regulation VI/2 of the
                                                                                STCW Convention.
None..............................  Sec.   12.630........  Provides a new section for  Adds new section because
                                                            a survivalman endorsement.  there are individuals
                                                                                assigned to vessels
                                                                                without lifeboats who do
                                                                                not need to meet the
                                                                                full requirements for
                                                                                lifeboatman, but must
                                                                                still meet the
                                                                                proficiency in the