[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 17, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 16749]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9446]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 10, 12, and 13

[CGD 96-021]


Discussion of the Coast Guard's Course Approval Process

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard plans to hold a public meeting to solicit 
input from the maritime industry and from the general public concerning 
the course approval process currently used by the Coast Guard to 
evaluate maritime training offered in the United States.

DATES: The meeting will be held May 8, 1996, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 
Written comments must be submitted by July 24, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the New Orleans Airport Hilton, 
901 Airline Highway, Kenner, Louisiana, 70062.
    Written comments may be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Marine 
Safety Council (G-LRA), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second 
Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, or may be delivered to room 3406 
at the same address between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. Comments will become part of this docket [CGD 
96-021] and will be available for inspection or copying at room 3406, 
Coast Guard Headquarters, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    A copy of the current course approval guidelines may be obtained by 
writing to Director, National Maritime Center (NMC-4B), 4200 Wilson 
Blvd, Suite 510, Arlington, VA 22203-1804, or by calling (703) 235-
0014, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. Requests may also be submitted by facsimile at (703) 235-
1062.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Christine Meers, Chief, Marine Exam Administration Branch, National 
Maritime Center (NMC-4B), 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 510, Arlington, VA 
22203-1804, telephone (703) 235-0014.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Discussion

    Federal Regulations 46 CFR Parts 10, 12 and 13 require or allow 
applicants for merchant marine licenses and documents to successfully 
complete approved courses, or in some cases to substitute coursework in 
lieu of seatime or examinations when acquiring a licenses. In order to 
ensure that mariners are properly trained in these courses, the Coast 
Guard reviews and certifies the courses and the institutions as meeting 
minimum requirements.
    Current Process: Training institutions who want the Coast Guard to 
certify that their courses meet Federal standards submit their courses 
for approval to the Coast Guard via the nearest Regional Examination 
Center (REC). If the application package is complete in accordance with 
Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 5-95, it is forwarded 
to the NMC for review. If the course meets the minimum standards set 
forth in the regulations and NVIC 5-95, then certification is issued to 
the institution for that course.
    This certification notifies marines that the course will help them 
to fulfill some of the Federal requirements for acquiring a Coast Guard 
license and documentation. The certification also encourages training 
institutions to provide courses which meet the minimum standards for 
mariner licensing and documentation.
    In order to improve the quality of the public service that we 
provide, we are holding this meeting to solicit the views and comments 
of the maritime training community, mariners, and the affected public. 
We intend to identify any perceived problems with our current system, 
and to discuss ways that we could revise our policies (e.g. NIV 5-95 or 
specific course guidelines). The meeting will be held as an open forum 
and we strongly encourage members of the maritime community and general 
public to actively participate and provide their insight and knowledge, 
so that we can continue to provide high-quality service to the public.
    Attendance is open to the public. Members of the public are 
encouraged to make oral presentations during the meeting. Written 
material may be submitted before, during, or after the meeting. Persons 
unable to attend the public meeting are encouraged to submit written 
comments on or before July 24, 1996.
    Those needing the assistance of sign language interpretation at the 
meeting should notify the person listed above under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT as soon as possible so that arrangements may be 
made to provide the necessary assistance.

    Dated: April 10, 1996.
Norman W. Lemley,
Director, National Maritime Center.
[FR Doc. 96-9446 Filed 4-16-96; 8:45 am]
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