U.S. COAST GUARD REPORTS INCOMPLETE MARINER LICENSE APPLICATIONS

U.S. COAST GUARD REPORTS INCOMPLETE MARINER LICENSE APPLICATIONS    The U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers have reported a rise in the number of incomplete mariner applications.
   “This problem is worsening an already severe backlog at many RECs caused in part by a surge of last-minute filings to meet new training and qualifications standards that went into effect Feb. 1, 2002,” the Coast Guard said.
   The regional exam centers said mariners either believe the faster they get their applications in the faster they’re processed, or they will continue to work on vessels in foreign trades while their applications are being processed.
   “Neither is true, and there is nothing to be gained in submitting an incomplete package,” said Capt. Ernest J. Fink, commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center.
   The Coast Guard said it has taken steps to reduce the backlog and improve customer service at the regional exam centers. This includes new systems and additional staff.
   The Coast Guard said also it needs the cooperation of mariners to overcome the backlogs at the regional exam centers. “Mariners are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review their applications for completeness prior to submission to the Coast Guard for evaluation,” the agency said.
   For more information about the application process and requirements, access https://www.uscg.mil/nmc .