The National Maritime Center said last week that mariners seeking an original national endorsement or raise of grade based on training or service started before March 24, 2014, will be examined under the regulations in effect before that date unless they have specifically requested to examine for their endorsement under the final rule published by the Coast Guard on Dec. 24, 2013, (78 FR 77796). On March 24, the final rule (78 FR 77796), "Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, and Changes to National Endorsements," became effective. This rule introduced changes to the content of merchant mariner credentialing exams.