Changes in CFR's .....

Thanks Norleen for the information !

Federal Register: September 11, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 177)
[ Pages 52789-52795 (only part of p. 52789 & 52795 copied below)]
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
46 CFR Parts 10 and 15
[Docket No. USCG-2006-26202]
RIN 1625-AB10
Training and Service Requirements for Merchant Marine Officers
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard amends certain regulations relating to mariner training and service. These regulatory changes remove the expiration date of the radar-observer endorsement from the merchant mariner's license, allow for an apprentice mate of towing vessels to reduce sea-service time for mate (pilot) of towing vessels by completing additional approved training, and provide an alternate path to mate (pilot) of towing vessels for master of steam or motor vessels of any tonnage that is 200 GRT or less. These changes are intended and expected to eliminate confusion and provide alternate training and service requirements for mate (pilot) of towing vessels.

DATES: This final rule is effective October 14, 2008.

46 CFR 15.815 Radar observers.

(d) Each person who is required to hold a radar endorsement must have their certificate of training readily available to demonstrate that the endorsement is still valid.
(e) For the purposes of this section, ``readily available'' means that the mariner must carry the original certificate of training or a notarized copy thereof onboard. Alternatively, the mariner must provide a copy of the certificate of training to the requesting entity within 48 hours. The requested material may be delivered either physically, electronically, or by facsimile.