[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 34 (Thursday, February 20, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 8326]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-4145]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

[USCG-2003-14500]


Merchant Mariners' Documents: Forms and Procedures for Renewals 
and Issuances

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of policy.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard suspended renewing and issuing Merchant 
Mariners' Documents (MMDs) using the previously issued form and has 
begun renewing and reissuing MMDs using a new form. The new MMD form is 
more tamper-resistant and facilitates verification of an MMD holder's 
identity, citizenship, and qualifications to work aboard U.S.-flagged 
vessels. MMDs in the new form will enhance maritime security.

DATES: The Coast Guard began renewing MMDs using the new form on 
February 3, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, 
call Mr. Donald J. Kerlin, Deputy Director, Coast Guard National 
Maritime Center (NMC), (202) 493-1006.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    MMDs both serve as identity cards for merchant mariners and provide 
information about the mariners' professional qualifications. MMDs, in 
the previously issued form (CG-2838 [Rev. 7-94]), serve the second of 
these purposes well enough; however, they no longer serve the first 
with sufficient confidence. The Coast Guard is replacing them using a 
new form (CG-2838 [Rev 09/02]) that will be issued through a more 
secure process. The Coast Guard will make every effort to effect a 
smooth and easy transition from the previously issued form to the new 
form. The Coast Guard will begin issuing MMDs in the new form to new 
applicants as soon as possible.
    The Coast Guard also is considering whether to allow mariners to 
replace their previously issued MMDs with new MMDs on an accelerated 
basis, i.e.,' at an earlier date than current expiration date. To 
ensure that only eligible mariners receive MMDs, the Coast Guard will 
conduct a criminal-record review of mariners seeking renewal or re-
issuance of a previously issued MMD, or issuance of an original MMD. 
The review may include verification of identities; criminal histories; 
and sobriety (as gauged from, among other sources, the National 
Drivers' Register). This review will be consistent with applicable law 
and Coast Guard regulations set forth in Title 46, Code of Federal 
Regulations (46 CFR 12.02-4). Because of the importance of establishing 
positive proof of identity to facilitate the background investigation, 
it will be necessary for holders of, and applicants for, an MMD to be 
present at a Regional Examination Center (REC) to be fingerprinted.
    Mariners may encounter delays incident to the new processes' going 
into practice and the delays may persist for some weeks. Holders and 
new applicants seeking re-issuance, renewal, and original issuance of 
their MMDs should inquire at their nearest REC, a list of which appears 
at 46 CFR 12.01-7, or contact Mr. Donald Kerlin at the National 
Maritime Center, 4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 630, Arlington, VA 22203-
1804, (202) 493-1006.

Authority

    46 U.S.C. 7301, 7302, 7303, 7304, 7305, 7503, 7505, and 49 CFR 
1.46.

    Dated: February 13, 2003.
Kevin J. Eldridge,
Rear Admiral, Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Governmental and 
Public Affairs.
[FR Doc. 03-4145 Filed 2-19-03; 8:45 am]
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