The US Coast Guard proposes to amend certain regulations relating to the training and service requirements for merchant marine officers. These proposed changes would, if adopted, remove the expiration date of the radar-observer endorsement from the merchant mariner’s license, allow for an apprentice mate of towing vessels to reduce sea-service time form mate (pilot) of towing vessels by completing additional approved training, and provide an alternate path to mate (pilot) of towing vessels for master of steam or motor vessels of any tonnage that is 200 GRT or less. Comments should be submitted by October 14.
Source: HK Law