Uscg Regional Examination Center News

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a reminder to U.S. mariners that the "grandfather" clause allowing persons who began service or training in the towing industry before May 21, 2001 to receive a license as master of towing vessels under the old requirements will expire on May 20, 2004. Since the license must actually be issued no later than that date, applications should be submitted well in advance. Persons potentially affected by this issue should contact their local USCG Regional Examination Center as soon as possible. (Source: HK Law)

The New Orleans Regional Examination Center (REC) will move to its permanent facility in Mandeville, La., and is scheduled to open on April 2. The Metairie REC location will close permanently at 3 p.m. on Wednesday to start the move. No telephone or email service to the old REC will be available after Wednesday. The REC's hours of operation in Mandeville will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Friday. The office will remain open for "limited services" during the lunch hour. Testing will be conducted during the same hours, but the latest time to start a new exam is 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon on Friday.