USCG has resumed enforcing Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) requirements for Non-Operating Individuals (NOIs) as of January 1, 2025.
The United States Coast Guard has announced that effective January 1, 2025, it has resumed enforcement of the requirement for Non-Operating Individuals (NOIs) to hold Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs). This change marks the end of a four-year period during which the Coast Guard was prohibited by law from enforcing these requirements. The enforcement suspension was in effect from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2024, under legislation enacted by Congress.
Background on the Suspension of MMC Requirements
During the period of non-enforcement, the Coast Guard was legally restricted from requiring MMCs for specific categories of individuals engaged in maritime activities. These included marine firefighters, spill response personnel, salvage operators, and commercial divers or those providing diving support. These personnel were exempted from needing an MMC if they were aboard vessels solely to carry out activities related to spill response, salvage, marine firefighting, or commercial diving.
Furthermore, on certain vessels, such as Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs) or industrial vessels, additional personnel were exempt from MMC requirements if they were engaged in specific tasks that were outside the traditional scope of vessel crew duties. These tasks included:
- Supporting or performing industrial operations of the vessel.
- Conducting short-term surveys or investigations.
- Assessing the competence of the crew.
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