USA issues new policy letter for Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements for Service on Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities

The Policy Letter details the changes made to credentialing since personnel serving on non-vessel Floating OCS Facilities (FOFs) will no longer be required to hold Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs).

Until recently, all FOFs were treated as vessels and their personnel were required to hold MMCs with the appropriate endorsements, while non-self propelled floating OCS facilities were referred to as Floating Offshore Installations (FOIs).

FOFs that qualify as seagoing motor vessels may also be regulated under United States Code Title 46 and associated regulations, but mariners serving on non-vessel FOFs will no longer be required to hold Merchant Mariner Credentials.

In association with these changes, the Coast Guard is cancelling USCG District 8 Policy Letter 08-2001, Licensing Requirements for Personnel on Non-Self Propelled Floating OCS Facilities.

RELEVANT DOCUMENT (AVAILABLE ONLY TO SUBSCRIBERS):

Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements for Service on Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities Policy Letter 01-22