Coast Guard releases Merchant Mariner Medical Manual

The following is text of a news release from the National Maritime Center (NMC):

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The Coast Guard announces the availability of the Merchant Mariner Medical Manual, COMDTINST M16721.48. The guidance in this manual should assist medical practitioners, the maritime industry, individual mariners, and Coast Guard personnel in evaluating a mariner applicant's physical and medical status to meet the requirements of the merchant mariner medical certificate.

This manual incorporates and consolidates prior guidance on the medical evaluation of merchant mariners contained in several Coast Guard documents. The manual includes guidance on the medical certificate and related processes, including procedures for application, issuance, and cancellation of the medical certificate.

The Merchant Mariner Medical Manual is effective as of Sept. 9.

For information about this document or to suggest changes, email Dr. Adrienne Buggs, United States Coast Guard, Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing, at MMCPolicy@uscg.mil.

By Professional Mariner Staff