Hi, There are often many questions posted here on YF in regard to STCW Things. Is the USCG really going to keep up with the rest of the world or are they going to try and re invent the wheel and charge everyone more for it? http://maritimeprofessional.net/Blo...MERPAC-Aground-as-STCW-Flood-Tide-Crests.aspx
Is the USCG really going to keep up with the rest of the world or are they going to try and re invent the wheel and charge everyone more for it? Yes
It appears they have cancelled the MERPAC meeting because they released a Notice of Propose Rule Making (NPRM) that will for the fist time in history, allow foreign citizens with foreign licenses to serve as officers on American flag vessels. The timing of the MERPAC meeting would have exposed them to some very irate mariners. They have released the NPRM under the guise of "recognizing" STCW certificates but included wording that will create CeCs and allow non citizens to sail on American flag ships "when no qualified American mariner is available." Very few Americans will be available to sail on 12 month contracts for $3000 per month with no benefits. There is a long line of shipping company personel managers licking their lips over this one. The USCG is writing the death knell of the American merchant marine and they did not want to face a room full of merchant marine officers. They prefer to work in the backroom of lobbyist's offices and cocktail parties where they discuss the availability and pay scale of retirement jobs.