Licensing & Training Hub

Former SeaRiver CEO Jack Buono takes helm at Kings Point

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy alumnus Jack Buono has become the school’s 13th superintendent.

by Bill Bleyer

In the simulator ‘hot seat’ Part II: Expand your horizons

At the maritime school where I teach, the simulator is truly something special.

BY CAPT. DENNIS MURPHY

San Jacinto’s Maritime Program receives Bellwether Award

The program takes the top honor in work force development

NMC reopens, updates deadlines due to government shutdown

All Regional Exam Centers (RECs) will be fully operational and open by Jan. 30

Government shutdown leads to lapse in STCW endorsement processing

The Coast Guard will consider dispensation requests from affected mariners

NMC extends credential deadlines again due to government shutdown

Documents with expirations in December, January or February are now valid until April 30

Community colleges expand maritime training as regulations stiffen

Community colleges have a well-earned reputation for filling the gaps, providing a path for high school graduates wary of a four-year academic commitment and for adults looking to transition to a new career.

Industry prepares for new global ECDIS standards, training requirement

The industry is bracing for updated standards for electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) that go into effect in August 2016, as deck officers face a training certification deadline by the end of the year.

FuelGuru’s Russo: With more fuel training, mariners and fleet operators can influence diesel suppliers, save money

The modern diesel engines that power the professional marine trades are highly calibrated marvels of engineering, while at the same time the diesel fuel that feeds them varies considerably from fuel to fuel. A diet of the best possible diesel fuel is critical to the performance and efficiency of these modern, high performance engines.

STCW mariners to receive mandatory leadership training

In a conference room surrounded by a half-dozen captains and mates, Capt. Scott Conway leads a discussion of leadership needs aboard their vessels — and what can go wrong when communication is poor.

STCW mariners will need to renew some fire training ashore

A blaze is raging inside a tanker’s engine space. Two teams of mariners prepare to enter. A pair of fire hoses are at the ready.

Russo: Subchapter M will require higher level of training, more written lesson plans

With the pending implementation of Subchapter M for towing vessels, many companies and masters are examining how these changes might affect their operations.

Clawson: Coast Guard’s STCW policy letters provide window into future of rest hours, endorsements, ECDIS

You received an “A.I.” letter from the National Maritime Center, but you can’t fulfill the request within the 90-day limit. What do you do?

Q&A

When your license is at stake, hiring a consultant can make a difference

Randy Cole, a captain on articulated tug barges, renewed his 200 ton master near coastal and 200 ton master of towing licenses in 2011. He did not do it alone.

New law reduces TWIC visits, calls for NMC medical-program review

Soon mariners will be able to get their Transportation Worker Identification Credential with only one visit to a TWIC center.