The U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship Directorate announced March 16 the publication of a final rule consolidating regulations for the issuance of merchant mariner qualification credentials. The changes simplify the existing merchant mariner qualification credentialing process by reducing the number of credentials a mariner will need to hold. The rule also eliminates redundant regulatory burdens and government processes. Mariners who self-identify when applying for Transportation Worker Identification Credentials will no longer need to appear in person at a Coast Guard Regional Exam Center when applying for a new, renewal or upgrade credential. This rulemaking works in tandem with the joint final rule published in Jan.