Contact: Lieut. Gene Maestas
(202) 267-0932

MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS EXTENDED IN THE GULF REGION

WASHINGTON – The Coast Guard is extending the expiration dates of credentials held by merchant mariners impacted by the effects of Hurricane Katrina until Feb. 28, 2006.

The authority for this temporary relief measure was included in the Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-141).  Details are contained in the notice published in the Federal Register on Jan. 17, 2006 (see http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont06.html).

This measure applies to certain mariners whose credentials expired on or after March 1, 2005, or will expire before Feb. 28, 2006.  The requirements are as follows:
 

• Credentials are automatically extended for mariners whose home of record is listed as Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana on their merchant mariner credentials.  To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials.
• Credentials issued by Regional Examination Center New Orleans are automatically extended.  To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials.
• Other mariners who believe their ability to renew their credentials in a timely manner has been adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina should contact any Regional Examination Center to establish their eligibility for an extension.

If credentials were lost or damaged due to Hurricane Katrina, mariners may apply to any Regional Examination Center to receive a duplicate credential that will bear the same expiration date and information as the lost or damaged one.  Mariners whose home of record is Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana may receive a waiver of the fees for issuance of duplicate credentials.

All mariners whose credentials are within one year of expiration are encouraged to submit renewal applications as early as possible.

Mariners may contact any Regional Examination Center with questions regarding these temporary measures, for a copy of the Federal Register notice, or for any other assistance.  The Regional Examination Center locations and phone numbers are:

Anchorage, Alaska - (907) 271-6736

Baltimore - (410) 962-5132/5147

Boston - (617) 223-3040/41/42

Charleston, S. C. - (843) 720-3250 or (800) 826-1511

Guam - (671) 339-2001

Honolulu - (808) 522-8264

Houston - (713) 948-3350/51

Juneau, Alaska - (907) 463-2458

San Pedro, Calif. - (310) 732-2080

Memphis, Tenn. - (901) 544-3297 or (866) 777-2784

Miami - (305) 536-6548/49/6874 or (800) 982-9374

New Orleans (temporarily operating in Memphis, Tenn.) - (901) 544-3941

New York - (212) 668-7492/7864/4970/6395

Portland, Ore. - (503) 240-9346

Oakland, Calif. - (510) 637-1124

San Juan, Puerto Rico - (787) 729-2376

Seattle - (206) 220-7327

St. Louis - (314) 539-3091

Toledo, Ohio - (419) 418-6010

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