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Amends how the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination is reviewed, updated, and run by requiring a broader, more deliberate review process, a multi‑stakeholder working group (with remote participation), and a prohibition on using exam questions that have not completed review. The Coast Guard Commandant must also prepare a modernization plan for the exam and brief Congress. The change lengthens some review timelines and expands what reviewers must consider (industry standards, test relevancy, overlap with STCW competencies, etc.). It is intended to improve exam relevance, reduce redundancy with international competencies, and guide modernization of exam content and delivery, while creating new administrative and coordination duties for the Coast Guard, industry participants, exam vendors, and training organizations.
Amends Section 7510 of title 46, United States Code (the provision governing Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examinations).
Amends subsection (c) of Section 7510 (subsection heading is changed as part of the amendment).
In paragraph (1), increases a timeframe by striking “90 days” and inserting “180 days.”
In paragraph (1), broadens the review scope by changing the language from review of “new questions for inclusion in” to review of “questions, content, and relevancy of” the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination.
Redesignates subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) as (F), (G), and (H), respectively.
Who is affected and how:
Merchant mariners (applicants and current credential holders): Exam content, schedule, and administration may change. Applicants could see updated or restructured exam material better aligned with industry practice and STCW, but may also face short-term delays if additional review is required before questions are used.
U.S. Coast Guard (Commandant and credentialing offices): Responsible for convening and managing the working group, overseeing expanded review requirements, preventing use of unreviewed questions, preparing a modernization plan, and briefing Congress. These duties add administrative and coordination workload and may require internal reallocation of personnel/time or future funding.
Vessel operators, maritime employers, and unions: Will be affected by changes in credentialing standards and timelines; updated exams that better match industry standards could improve workforce readiness, but employers may need to adjust training schedules and hiring timelines while revisions are implemented.
Maritime training providers and testing/exam vendors: Must participate in review processes and adapt curricula and test-prep materials to any revised exam content; test vendors cannot use questions until they finish the statutory review, affecting content pipelines and delivery schedules.
Safety and regulatory outcomes: Better alignment with STCW and industry standards should reduce redundancy, improve credential validity, and potentially enhance safety and competency in the merchant fleet over time.
Resource and timing risks: Because the amendment does not appropriate funds, the Coast Guard and industry may absorb short-term costs and administrative burdens. Modernization recommendations in the Commandant’s plan could require additional investment (IT, vendor changes, new test delivery systems) to implement fully.
Overall impact: The amendment is primarily procedural and technical—targeted at how exams are developed and administered—intended to improve relevance and reduce duplication, while imposing new coordination and planning tasks on federal and industry actors.
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced May 13, 2025 by Salud Carbajal · Last progress May 13, 2025
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 52 - 12.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Discharged
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.