The U.S. Coast Guard has proposed removing six training requirements for some merchant mariners. According to the proposal, the move would "remove duplicative or outdated language from the regulatory text," reduce regulatory burden, and bring training requirements in line with international standards.
The amendments to training and endorsement requirements would affect "masters and officers in charge of a navigational watch" aboard vessels less than 500 gross tons in near-coastal waters and "officers in charge of an engineering watch" and "designated duty engineers" aboard vessels with engines rated at 750-kW or 1,000-hp or more.
The six requirements related to Seafarer's Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) endorsements that would be removed include the following.
- Leadership and managerial skills (LMS) training to qualify as a master of a vessel less than 500 gross tons in near-coastal waters or to renew that endorsement.
- Bridge resource management training to qualify as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel less than 500 gross tons in near-coastal waters.
- Demonstration of meeting the standard of competence in leadership and teamworking (LTW) skills to qualify as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel less than 500 gross tons in near-coastal waters or to renew that endorsement.
- Engineering Terminology and Shipboard Operations (ETSO) training to qualify as an officer in charge of an engineering watch on vessels with main propulsion rated at 750 kW or 1,000 hp or above.
- Computer Systems and Maintenance (CSM) training to qualify for an engineer's electro-technical rating on vessels with main propulsion rated at 750 kW or 1,000 hp or above.
- High Voltage Power Systems (HVPS) training to qualify for an engineer's electro-technical rating on vessels with main propulsion rated at 750 kW or 1,000 hp or above.
The Coast Guard estimates that an average of 825 mariners would benefit each year from eliminating the six training requirements, which would result in more than $42.8 million in tuition savings over a 10-year period.
The proposal is available for review online at www.regulations.gov under the docket USCG-2025-0392. The comment period runs through December 30.
