USCG issues request for comments on recognition of foreign STCW certificates

As it was pointed out in the gCaptain forum, the U.S. Coast Guard has published a notice and request for comments on development of a policy for recognition of foreign STCW certificates.  The summary provided in the notice explains:

Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, (STCW) requires Parties to the Convention to establish procedures to recognize STCW certificates issued by or under the authority of another Party. In order to start this process, the Coast Guard is developing a policy regarding the United States’ recognition of foreign certificates held by foreign maritime officers who may be employed on some United States flag vessels. The Coast Guard is soliciting comments from mariners, industry, and the public to assist in development of this policy.

The notice appears in the September 27, 2010 Federal Register (75 FR 59281) and can be downloaded at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-24154.pdf

In particular, the Coast Guard is interested in receiving comments on the following information:

1. Which United States flag vessels employ foreign citizens?
2. What are the nationalities of foreign citizens working United States flag vessels?
3. What countries issue STCW certificates for foreign citizens working United States flag vessels?

Directions for submitting comments to the docket are described in the notice, and be sure to let us know by commnenting below or in the gCaptain forum HERE.

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