Merchant Mariner Credentials Extended in the Gulf Region

The Coast Guard is extending the expiration dates of licenses, merchant mariners' documents and certificates of registry held by merchant mariners impacted by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. The authority for this temporary relief measure was included in the Coast Guard Maritime and Transportation Act of 2006. Details are contained in the notice published Aug. 16, 2006 in the Federal Register. This measure applies to certain mariners holding any of the above credentials that have expired on or after Aug. 29, 2005, or will expire before April 1, 2007. The requirements are as follows: -- Credentials are automatically extended for one year from the expiration date for mariners whose home of record is listed as Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana on their merchant mariner credentials. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials.

-- Credentials issued by Regional Examination Center New Orleans are automatically extended for one year from the date of expiration. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. -- Other mariners who believe their ability to renew their credentials in a timely manner has been adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina should contact any regional examination center to establish their eligibility for an extension. If credentials were lost or damaged due to Hurricane Katrina, mariners may apply to any regional examination center to receive a duplicate credential that will bear the same expiration date and information as the lost or damaged one. Due to international obligations, the endorsement certificates issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) cannot be extended. Mariners holding a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document that is eligible for extension and an STCW endorsement certificate that has expired, or will expire, should apply for renewal of their STCW endorsement certificate at any regional examination center. All mariners whose credentials are within one year of expiration are encouraged to submit renewal applications as early as possible. Mariners may contact any regional examination center with questions regarding these temporary measures, to obtain a copy of the Federal Register notice, or for any other assistance. The regional examination center locations and phone numbers are:

Anchorage, Alaska - (907) 271-6736 Baltimore - (410) 962-5132/5147 Boston - (617) 223-3040/41/42 Charleston, S. C. - (843) 720-3250 or (800) 826-1511 Guam - (671) 339-2001 Honolulu - (808) 522-8264 Houston - (713) 948-3350/51 Juneau, Alaska - (907) 463-2458 Los Angeles/Long Beach, Calif. - (562)-495-1307 Memphis, Tenn. - (901) 544-3297 or (866) 777-2784 Miami - (305) 536-6548/49/6874 or (800) 982-9374 New Orleans - (504) 846-6190 New York - (212) 668-7492/7864/4970/6395 Portland, Ore. - (503) 240-9346 Oakland, Calif. - (510) 637-1124 San Juan, Puerto Rico - (787) 729-2376 Seattle - (206) 220-7327 St. Louis - (314) 539-3091 Toledo, Ohio - (419) 418-6010