U.S. Merchant Mariner Document Renewals

The U.S. Coast Guard issued an interim rule enhancing the application procedures for the Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation program. The major change is that mariners seeking to renew current documents must appear in person at a Regional Examination Center (REC) for fingerprinting during the renewal process. All applicants will undergo criminal and security checks. New tamper-resistant documents will be issued. The rule comes into effect immediately. Comments should be submitted by April 5, 2004. 69 Fed. Reg. 526 (January 6, 2004). (Source: HK Law)