Hi ALl,
From my friends at 3Bs Captain's School today. Play particular attention to the 8 hr. for a "day at sea."
Changes in CG licensing:
The CG is centralizing the licensing procedure in Martinsburg,WV where all applications will be processed. Local RECs will be mostly mail drops and fingerprinting! The change has already started ith New Orleans paperwork and progressing on the other RECs with the target date to be completed by January 2008. I'm sure that initially it'll be confusing but it should benefit licensed mariners as the license requirements will be more uniform. Approved school just just had a meeting ith NMC (CG licensing section) and we were assured that the changeover has been and will be smooth. I
It would be smart to get your paperwork to them in sufficient to allow fthem to process it. They will process renewals up to year in advance but will hold the issuance until just prior to due date so you get a full 5 years from your licence. One caveat......you must request the delay so your lkicense is not issued immediately.
Fingerprinting still has to be done at every renewal!
Overall, this will be a good move as we, as many schools, deal many different REC where there are many different interpetations of licensing regulations.
One reminder, when indicating sea service times only 8 hour days count.
Thanks,
Capt. Ed
