Mariner Credentialing Program Transformation, 102298-102340 [2024-27026]

Agencies

• Coast Guard
• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 102298-102340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-27026]



[[Page 102297]]

Vol. 89

Tuesday,

No. 242

December 17, 2024

Part III





Department of Homeland Security





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Coast Guard





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46 CFR Parts 1, 10 et al.





Mariner Credentialing Program Transformation; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 242 / Tuesday, December 17, 2024 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 102298]]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16

[Docket No. USCG-2021-0834]
RIN 1625-AC86


Mariner Credentialing Program Transformation

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is issuing this final rule to permit the 
electronic submission of required mariner credentialing information to 
allow for the future implementation of a new Merchant Mariner 
Credentialing information technology system. This rule also requires 
the electronic payment of mandatory merchant mariner credentialing 
fees, removes the requirement for prospective mariners to take an oath 
before an authorized official, and changes the requirements for the 
Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariners. Finally, this rule makes 
technical amendments to update addresses and websites, remove 
antiquated terminology, and adopt gender-neutral terms.

DATES: This final rule is effective January 19, 2025.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2021-0834 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, in the Document 
Type column, select ``Supporting & Related Material.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document 
call or email call or email Mr. Charles J. Bright, Coast Guard Office 
of Merchant Mariner Credentialing, Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-1046, 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents for Preamble

I. Abbreviations
II. Basis and Purpose, and Regulatory History
III. Discussion of Comments and Changes
IV. Discussion of the Rule
V. Regulatory Analysis
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Small Entities
    C. Assistance for Small Entities
    D. Collection of Information
    E. Federalism
    F. Unfunded Mandates
    G. Taking of Private Property
    H. Civil Justice Reform
    I. Protection of Children
    J. Indian Tribal Governments
    K. Energy Effects
    L. Technical Standards
    M. Environment

I. Abbreviations

ACH Automated Clearing House
BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics
CBO Congressional Budget Office
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CG-MMC Coast Guard Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing
DHS Department of Homeland Security
EFT Electronic Funds Transfer
Form CG-718A Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariner
Form CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential
FR Federal Register
FRED Federal Reserve Economic Data
GS General Schedule
GSA General Services Administration
ICR Information Collection Request
IT Information Technology
MCP Mariner Credentialing Program
MMC Merchant Mariner Credential
MMLD Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NMC National Maritime Center
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
OMB Office of Management and Budget
OPM Office of Personnel Management
RA Regulatory analysis
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
REC Regional Exam Center
Sec.  Section
TWIC Transportation Worker Identification Credential
U.S.C. United States Code
USCG United States Coast Guard

II. Basis and Purpose, and Regulatory History

    The legal basis of this final rule is title 46 of the United States 
Code (U.S.C.) Sections 7101(b) and 7301(b), which authorizes the 
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the 
experience and professional qualifications required for the issuance of 
merchant mariner licenses and documents. The DHS Secretary has 
delegated the rulemaking authority under 46 U.S.C. 7101 and 7301 to the 
Coast Guard through DHS Delegation No. 00170.1(II)(92)(e), Revision No. 
01.4. Additionally, 14 U.S.C. 102(3) grants the Coast Guard broad 
authority to issue and enforce regulations for the promotion of safety 
of life and property on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the 
United States, which includes establishing the experience and 
professional qualifications required for the issuance of credentials.
    This final rule revises title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR), subchapter A, part 1, and subchapter B, parts 10-16, to allow 
for the electronic submission of information to the Coast Guard for the 
issuance of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and the supporting 
administrative processes, including requiring the payment of mandatory 
fees through the federal government-recognized system, Pay.gov. The 
Coast Guard is also removing the requirement for prospective mariners 
to take an oath before an authorized official and changing requirements 
for the completion and issue of a Certificate of Discharge to Merchant 
Mariner (Form CG-718A). In addition, the Coast Guard is making 
technical amendments to update addresses and websites, remove 
antiquated terminology, and adopt gender-neutral language.
    On March 14, 2024, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) titled ``Mariner Credentialing Program 
Transformation,'' (89 FR 18706) requesting comments on the proposed 
changes implemented by this final rule. A detailed description of the 
background and proposed changes can be found in the NPRM. See 89 FR at 
18707-09.

III. Discussion of Comments and Changes

    In response to our NPRM, the Coast Guard received five written 
submissions. All were in support of the proposed changes. Two 
submissions each contained a single comment in support of the proposed 
changes. Three submissions captured multiple comments, for a total of 
11 comments, which provided detailed support of the proposed changes. 
One comment included a recommendation, which is discussed below.
    One commenter recommended the implementation of an electronic 
merchant mariner credential or e-credential. The Coast Guard 
appreciates this recommendation and may consider it as part of the 
future information technology system and the overall changes to the 
Mariner Credentialing Program (MCP), but finds the recommendation is 
beyond the scope of this rulemaking. Coast Guard regulations do not 
specify the form of the credential.
    After considering these comments, the Coast Guard is making two 
modifications from our previously proposed changes. In the NPRM, we 
proposed removing the words ``the applicant's fingerprints'' from 46 
CFR 10.209(e)(3). This paragraph concerns information supplied from the 
mariner's Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) 
enrollment before an MMC or endorsement is issued by the Coast Guard. 
This proposed change was included in the proposed amendatory

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instructions but not in Table 2--Summary of Impacts by Affected CFR 
Part, Subpart, and Section, or part of the NPRM's Regulatory Analysis. 
See 89 FR at 18707-30.
    After consideration, the Coast Guard is not removing the words 
``applicant's fingerprints'' from 46 CFR 10.209(e)(3) as part of this 
final rule. Applicant's fingerprints are a required part of the TWIC 
enrollment process governed by the Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA). Although fingerprints are not specifically used 
by the Coast Guard at this time on MMCs, the Coast Guard will retain 
the ability to use fingerprints on future MMCs for increased security 
purposes, especially if an electronic credential is developed as 
suggested by a comment received to the NPRM and discussed previously.
    The Coast Guard is also correcting a scrivener's error contained in 
our proposed amendatory language for 46 CFR 10.209(d)(1) by removing an 
unintentional repeat of the word ``and.''
    Finally, this final rule removed some amendatory language included 
in the NPRM that was superseded by the publication of Electronic 
Submission of Mariner Course Completion Data final rule (Docket No. 
USCG-2021-0097, RIN 1625-AC75) on November 25, 2024.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This final rule allows for the electronic submission of MMC 
applications and supporting documents to the Coast Guard and requires 
electronic payment of mandatory fees through Pay.gov. This final rule 
also removes the requirement for original MMC applicants to take an 
oath before an authorized official or notary because the Coast Guard 
has determined it is a redundant part of the original MMC application 
process. This rule further amends the process for issuing certificates 
of discharge for mariners after completing a voyage by clarifying the 
procedures and by allowing for electronic processing and recordkeeping. 
Finally, the Coast Guard makes non-substantive changes to antiquated 
terminology and out-of-date website and address information to clarify 
existing regulatory text in the affected subparts of the CFR.
    To prepare for the future acquisition of an information technology 
(IT) system to replace the antiquated and inefficient Merchant Mariner 
Licensing and Documentation (MMLD) system used by the MCP, this rule 
amends 46 CFR subchapter A, part 1, and subchapter B, parts 10-16, to 
allow for electronic submission of information, in a manner specified 
by the Coast Guard, to obtain MMCs, medical certificates, and the 
approval of mariner training courses and programs, Qualified Assessors, 
and Designated Examiners. Providing for the electronic submission of 
required information streamlines the credentialing process and prepares 
for the fully electronic IT system that will be used by the MCP and 
industry.
    This final rule requires electronic payment of mandatory fees 
through Pay.gov. Manual processing of the previously allowed cash, 
checks, credit cards, or money orders required significant work hours 
by National Maritime Center (NMC) and Regional Exam Center (REC) 
personnel, were difficult to validate and protect using the current 
system and did not meet the requirements of the U.S. Treasury. With 
this final rule, the Coast Guard no longer directly accepts payments 
made using these methods at RECs. Applicants who wish to continue to 
use cash or money orders can obtain a prepaid credit card to pay fees 
using Pay.gov. Applicants who wish to pay via personal check can make 
an Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment through Pay.gov.
    As noted in Section III. Background, of this preamble, the Coast 
Guard anticipates the use of cash or money orders to continue to 
decrease, based upon previous payment statistics. This also reflects 
the overall public trend in the United States to make payments using a 
credit card, debit card, or check. The 2019 Federal Reserve Payments 
Study and subsequent updates indicate a continued trend to using cards 
and ACH, with the growth rate of core noncash payments being 6.7 
percent per year from 2015 to 2018, higher than the growth rate of 5.1 
percent per year from 2012 to 2015.\1\ Credit and debit card usage 
numbers declined with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly from 
the lack of in-person transactions, but general growth continued, 
including the percentage of ACH payments.\2\ Electronic payment reduces 
the burden on Coast Guard personnel who process non-electronic payments 
(cash, check, money orders) and improves customer service to mariners 
by allowing for better reconciliation and more efficient processing of 
payments and refunds.
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    \1\ The 2019 Federal Reserve Payments Study, p14, https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/2019-payments-study-20191219.pdf.
    \2\ Developments in Noncash Payments for 2019 and 2020: Findings 
from the Federal Reserve Payments Study, p7, https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/developments-in-noncash-payments-for-2019-and-2020-20211222.pdf.
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    This rule also changes 46 CFR 14.307, regarding entries on 
certificates of discharge for mariners after completing a voyage, to 
clarify the procedures and allow for electronic processing and 
recordkeeping. The process is clarified by requiring that each Master 
or individual in charge must, for each individual mariner being 
discharged from the vessel, prepare a Form CG-718A, in accordance with 
the procedures prescribed by the Coast Guard. The prescribed format may 
include the current CG-718A or other means provided by the Coast Guard, 
which allows for electronic processing if available in a new MCP 
system.
    If a Master or individual in charge of a vessel do not use a Coast 
Guard-prescribed format, the mariner must be provided with all the same 
information included on Form CG-718A. This ensures the vessel Master or 
operating companies provide the required information to the mariner but 
allows for them to use vessel or company specific means, such as a 
payroll system incorporated in their vessel administrative systems. 
Following each voyage, every mariner being discharged must validate the 
information on Form CG-718A by signing it. The change from signing in 
``permanent ink'' to ``by signing'' allows for more modern methods such 
as electronic signature or document verification. Finally, when the 
mariner departs the vessel, the Master or individual in charge must 
give Form CG-718A to the mariner, which could be provided 
electronically with the changes. The changes to Form CG-718A's process 
creates a more modern and electronic means of processing the document. 
Under this final rule, there is no change to the certificate of 
discharge transmission process under 46 CFR 14.311.
    In addition, this final rule removes the requirement to take an 
oath before an authorized official while certifying an Application for 
Merchant Mariner Credential (Form CG-719B). By signing the form, an 
individual attests to ``solemnly swear or affirm'' to abide by the 
requirements of the oath. This legally binds a mariner, so no 
additional requirement before an authorized official is necessary. The 
Coast Guard also anticipates that the future MCP system would allow for 
electronic signatures and additional verification of identity, further 
negating the need for the requirement to take an oath before an 
authorized official.
    Finally, the Coast Guard adds technical amendments to 46 CFR parts 
1 and 10-16 as part of this rulemaking. These amendments account for 
updates to websites and addresses, remove antiquated language (such as 
``licenses'' and ``Merchant Mariner Document (MMD)'', as those 
credentials are no

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longer issued by the Coast Guard), and make non-substantive changes to 
ensure gender-neutrality throughout.

V. Regulatory Analysis

    We developed this final rule after considering numerous statutes 
and Executive orders related to the final rule. A summary of our 
analyses based on these statutes or Executive orders follows.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), as amended 
by Executive Order 14094 (Modernizing Regulatory Review), and 13563 
(Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) direct agencies to assess 
the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility.
    This rule has not been designated by OMB as a significant 
regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, as 
amended by Executive Order 14094. Accordingly, OMB has not reviewed it. 
The Coast Guard received no public comments on the regulatory analysis 
for the proposed rule. Details on the estimated cost savings of this 
final rule can be found in the rule's Regulatory Analysis (RA) that 
follows.
Changes From the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    For the reasons discussed in section III of this preamble, 
Discussion of Comments and Changes, we have made two changes to the 
regulatory text from the proposed rule. In Sec.  10.209(e)(3), we 
retain the regulatory text ``the applicant's fingerprints,'' and in 
Sec.  10.209(d)(1), we make a minor editorial change to remove an extra 
word ``and'' in the regulatory text. These changes do not necessitate a 
change to either the methodology or type of data used in the RA from 
the NPRM. We updated the regulatory analysis from the NPRM to account 
for 2023 wage rates.
    For this regulatory analysis, the term ``applicants'' refers to all 
individuals who pay mandatory fees associated with an MMC application. 
The changes and estimated cost savings for Sec.  10.219(d) affect these 
applicants. The phrase ``original applicants'' refers to individuals 
who are applying for their first MMC and therefore are currently 
required to take an oath before an authorized official. The number of 
original applicants is a subset of all applicants because they must 
also pay fees. The changes and cost savings to Sec.  10.225(c) affect 
only original applicants.
    In this final rule, the Coast Guard updates 46 CFR subchapter A, 
part 1, and subchapter B, parts 10-16. The final rule will:
     Require electronic payment of merchant mariner 
credentialing fees in Sec.  10.219(d); \3\
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    \3\ This final rule affects all applicants who apply for MMCs. 
Mandatory fees include evaluation, examination, and issuance fees. 
The Coast Guard data does not differentiate between these fees in 
the data it collects; the data the Coast Guard collected for this 
analysis are for any fees where applicants may pay for any or all of 
them at one time.
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     Remove the requirement for an oath to be administered by 
an official who serves as a notary public (or an authorized official 
who can administer an oath) on Form CG-719B in Sec.  10.225(c);
     Allow for the electronic submission of certain documents 
in Sec. Sec.  1.03-15(h)(2)(i) for appeals involving course approvals 
and merchant mariner personnel issues and 10.219(i) for requests 
involving no-fee MMCs;
     Consolidate, condense, and clarify regulatory text for the 
processing of Form CG-718A in Sec. Sec.  14.307(a), (b), and (c) when a 
mariner completes a voyage; and
     Make non-substantive, editorial changes to current 
regulatory text, such as pronoun changes, address changes, the removal 
of certain terms, and other minor grammatical changes.
    Table 1 presents a summary of the impacts of the final rule.
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BILLING CODE 9110-04-C
    We discuss the economic impact of these items individually in the 
cost savings section of this RA.
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    \4\ Readers can access the National Maritime Center's (NMC) 
website and Pay.gov to obtain information about the payment of fees 
at www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/fees/. The Coast Guard accessed this web 
page in August 2024.
    \5\ For this regulatory analysis, the term ``applicants'' refers 
to all individual applicants who pay mandatory fees. The changes and 
estimated cost savings for Sec.  10.219(d) affect these applicants. 
The phrase ``original applicants'' refers to individuals who apply 
for their first MMC and therefore are required by existing 
regulation to take an oath before an authorized official. The 
changes and cost savings to Sec.  10.225(c) affect only original 
applicants. We also assume the affected population of applicants has 
bank accounts.
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    This final rule generates cost savings to applicants, including 
original applicants, for two changes in 46 CFR 10.219(d) and 10.225(c), 
and for the Federal Government in Sec.  10.219(d).
    For Sec.  10.219(d), each applicant will save approximately $13.06 
for a credit card payment and about $11.41 for a cash payment with this 
final rule.
    For Sec.  10.225(c), under Assumption 1, for all applicants, an 
individual applicant will save about $17.68; and under Assumption 2, 
for half of the applicants (6,976), each applicant who goes to a bank 
branch will save about $17.68; for the other half (6,976) of the 
applicants who go to a notary service, half of whom pay by credit card 
(3,488) and half of whom pay by cash (3,488); each applicant who pays 
by credit card will save about $23.61, and by cash, about $22.24.
    First, the changes in Sec.  10.219(d) requires an applicant for an 
MMC to pay the required evaluation, examination, and issuance fees by 
electronic means through Pay.gov. Currently, an applicant can make a 
payment in person at an REC using cash, check, credit card or money 
order. With this final rule, the Coast Guard no longer accepts direct 
payments made using these methods; as a result, this final rule removes 
the payment options made with cash, check (in person), credit card (in 
person), and money order, and payments made by standard mail. The cost 
savings that we estimate for Sec.  10.219(d) are for applicants who no 
longer expend the time to visit an REC to pay the fees by cash, check, 
credit card, and for payments made by check through standard mail. For 
the purpose of this analysis, we analyzed payments made by cash and 
credit card because they represented the majority of payments made in 
person at RECs. We also analyzed check and money order payments made by 
applicants outside of RECs. In addition to cash and credit card 
payments, applicants can also make payments by check and money order in 
person at an REC. However, the Coast Guard does not collect data to 
show where applicants made these payments. For this analysis and based 
on Coast Guard information from RECs,

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most applicants pay by cash or credit card at RECs; we then assumed 
applicants made check and money order payments by standard mail outside 
of an REC.
    The changes to Sec.  10.219(d) also generates cost savings for the 
Federal Government and Coast Guard employees who no longer expend the 
time to process in-person payment transactions at RECs.
    The cost savings associated with Sec.  10.225(c) is from the 
removal of the requirement to have an oath administered by a person 
legally qualified to administer an oath, or a notary public, near an 
original applicant's place of residence (in the town or city where an 
original applicant resides) before an original applicant receives an 
MMC.\6\ The Coast Guard does not expect the Federal Government to 
realize any cost savings associated with this change. The remaining 
changes will not generate any costs or cost savings to the maritime 
industry, individuals, or the Federal Government. Lastly, this final 
rule does not alter any current OMB-approved Coast Guard information 
collection request (ICR).
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    \6\ A notary public is an individual who has met the 
requirements to provide notary public services to the general public 
in order to verify a person's identity. Currently, in the case of 
Form CG-719B, when an original applicant applies for an MMC either 
at an REC or near an original applicant's place of residence (either 
at a bank or bank branch or where there is a notary service in the 
U.S.), the original applicant must sign the form in the presence of 
a notary public. The notary public must also sign the form; this 
process serves as the oath for the original applicant in accordance 
with the information contained in Form CG-719B. Readers can access 
www.nationalnotary.org to obtain more information about notary 
services in the U.S. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 
2024.
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Sec.  10.219(d)
    We estimate the total discounted cost savings for the change to 
Sec.  10.219(d) for applicants who pay mandatory fees at RECs 
(typically by cash or credit card) and for applicants who pay by check 
and money order outside of an REC through standard mail to be 
approximately $1.0 million, rounded, over a 10-year period of analysis, 
using a 7-percent discount rate. The cost savings are associated with 
the time (transaction time) applicants save from making in-person 
payments to using Pay.gov. We estimate the annualized cost savings for 
applicants who pay in-person at RECs and by cash to be approximately 
$3,319 rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. We estimate the 
annualized cost savings for applicants who pay in-person at RECs by 
credit card to be approximately $130,039, rounded, using a 7-percent 
discount rate. We estimate the annualized cost savings for applicants 
who pay by check and money order through standard mail to be 
approximately $7,962 rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. Finally, 
we estimate the total annualized cost savings of part 10.219(d) to 
applicants who pay in-person at RECs and by check and money order to be 
approximately $141,320 ($3,319 + $130,039 + $7,962), rounded.
    We estimate the discounted cost savings to the Coast Guard for the 
change to Sec.  10.219(d) to be approximately $230,491 over a 10-year 
period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount rate. In addition, we 
estimate the annualized cost savings to the Coast Guard for this 
regulatory provision to be approximately $32,817, rounded, using a 7-
percent discount rate.
Sec.  10.225(c)
    In this regulatory analysis, we make two assumptions associated 
with the removal of the requirement to take an oath before an 
authorized official in Sec.  10.225(c). These assumptions apply to 
applicants who pay the mandatory fees and take an oath at a location 
other than an REC or at their place of residence (for the purpose of 
this regulatory analysis, we refer to individuals who are affected by 
the changes to Sec.  10.225(c) only as ``original applicants''). These 
two assumptions are necessary because the Coast Guard does not have 
data on whether original applicants obtain an oath through a notary 
public service at a bank near their place of residence, which is 
(Assumption 1), where an individual can obtain an oath for an original 
application along with a notary public signature, which we assume to be 
free of charge; or elsewhere, other than a bank, which is (Assumption 
2), where there is a cost for the notary public service.\7\
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    \7\ The Coast Guard collects information on the number of 
payment transactions for original applications and for other 
payments of MMC fees. For the purpose of this analysis, we assumed 
each payment transaction represents one individual or mariner. There 
may be more than one payment transaction for an application, but for 
tractability of this analysis, we assumed a one-to-one ratio.
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    Therefore, if the reader accepts Assumption 1 to be representative 
of the current actions by applicants, then the cost savings the Coast 
Guard estimates for this assumption to be the cost savings of the final 
rule, in addition to the cost savings from the change to Sec.  
10.219(d). If the reader accepts Assumption 2 to be representative of 
the current actions by applicants, then the cost savings the Coast 
Guard estimates for this assumption is the cost savings of the final 
rule, in addition to the cost savings from the change to Sec.  
10.219(d).
    Other assumptions may be made by the reader about the locations or 
establishments where original applicants obtained an oath through a 
notary public service, such as through legal services, at a title 
application company, or other such local business services, but we 
believe these assumptions capture the actions that applicants take when 
they apply for MMCs. Lastly, for the purpose of this analysis, the 
Coast Guard assumes applicants have bank accounts.
    Assumption 1 for Sec.  10.225(c):
    Our first assumption is that original applicants, who are affected 
by this part of the final rule, can obtain an oath through a notary 
public service or at a bank branch (which we assume to be free of 
charge with a bank account) near where they reside.\8\ Under this 
assumption, we estimate this final rule will save all original 
applicants (an estimated 13,951 annually, rounded) a discounted amount 
of approximately $1.7 million over a 10-year period of analysis, using 
a 7-percent discount rate. The cost savings include the cost of the 
travel time for an applicant who travels to obtain a notary public, the 
mileage cost, and the time an applicant waits at a bank to obtain a 
notary public signature. We estimate the annualized cost savings for 
original applicants to be approximately $246,640, using a 7-percent 
discount rate. These figures do not include the cost savings for the 
change to Sec.  10.219(d).
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    \8\ The Coast Guard acknowledges that some banks or bank 
branches may not provide a notary public service free of charge; 
however, we assumed applicants with a bank account at a given bank 
do not incur a cost for a notary public service if they are a member 
of that bank. Readers can access these websites for more information 
on notary public services at banks: https://www.bankofamerica.com/signature-services/notary/, and https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/notary-public-services.aspx.
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    Assumption 2 for Sec.  10.225(c):
    Our second assumption is that half of the original applicants can 
obtain an oath through a notary public service at a bank or bank branch 
near where they reside, which we assume to be free of charge (with a 
bank account). The other half of original applicants (an estimated 
6,976 annually, rounded) can obtain this service at a state office, an 
establishment that provides notary public services, or a similar entity 
which charges for a notary public service. Assumption 2 considers the 
cost savings associated with the removal of the oath and the notary 
public service for the affected population of all original applicants, 
or 13,951. Under this assumption, we assumed half of the original 
applicants will obtain a notary public at a bank, where it is free of 
charge, and half at an

[[Page 102304]]

establishment other than a bank, where there is a cost for a notary 
public. The cost savings for half of the original applicants who obtain 
a notary public at a bank is from the time it takes to travel to a 
bank, the mileage cost, and the time to wait at a bank for a notary 
public. The cost savings for the other half of original applicants who 
obtain a notary elsewhere is the same as applicants that go to a bank 
with the addition of the cost savings from not having to pay for a 
notary public.
    With this assumption, the Coast Guard estimates the final rule will 
save original applicants a discounted amount of approximately $2.3 
million over a 10-year period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount 
rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost savings for 
original applicants to be approximately $326,232, using a 7-percent 
discount rate. These figures do not include the cost savings for the 
change to Sec.  10.219(d).
    For each assumption, the Coast Guard adds the same cost savings 
estimate for original applicants who are required to pay the fees 
electronically under the changes to Sec.  10.219(d), or $141,320 
annualized, rounded. Specifically, for Assumption 1, the Coast Guard 
estimates the total discounted cost savings of the final rule for 
applicants to be approximately $2.7 million over a 10-year period of 
analysis, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates 
the total annualized cost savings of the final rule under this 
assumption to be approximately $387,959.
    For Assumption 2, the Coast Guard estimates the total discounted 
cost savings of the final rule for applicants to be approximately $3.3 
million over a 10-year period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount 
rate. The Coast Guard estimates the total annualized cost savings of 
the final rule under this assumption to be approximately $467,552.
    In addition, the final rule generates benefits in the form of cost 
savings to MMC applicants. These benefits include:
     A simplified payment transaction through electronic means 
(Pay.gov), saving applicants time and money; and
     Reduced time burden for original applicants who no longer 
need to obtain an oath before an authorized official, which saves time 
and money.
    This final rule generates unquantifiable benefits, which include:
     Flexibility for applicants by providing the option to 
electronically submit documents including the no-fee determination of 
eligibility request and the certificate of discharge; unquantifiable 
cost savings for applicants who choose the option to electronically 
submit certain documents;
     Removal, addition, and clarification of regulatory text 
for Form CG-718A and other non-substantive regulatory text changes. The 
benefit to mariners is clearer regulatory text as a result of the 
editorial changes that we made.
    Table 2 presents a summary of the estimated impacts of the final 
rule.

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.031

Affected Population

    The affected population of this final rule are applicants for an 
MMC (includes original applications or applicants who apply for an MMC 
for the first time) who pay MMC fees in person at an REC or outside of 
an REC through standard mail. Based on historical data from the NMC, 
the Coast Guard analyzed information on applicants who paid mandatory 
fees electronically through Pay.gov over a 7-year period from 2015 to 
2021. Based on payment data from the NMC, one payment transaction 
represents one applicant for all transactions. Under this assumption, 
we assumed an applicant makes one trip to an REC and pays for all 
transactions at that time instead of taking time to make multiple trips 
and paying separately for transactions. For applicants who paid fees in 
person at RECs, the Coast Guard used a 5-year data period from 2015-
2019 because after 2019, in-person transactions became very sporadic at 
RECs due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols and the data are not 
representative of the transactions over this period of time. The Coast 
Guard then established two population groups. For Sec.  10.225(c) of 
this final rule, the Coast Guard defined the population as original 
applicants who paid mandatory fees by money order, check, and through 
Pay.gov, which gave us the number of applicants who took the oath 
outside of an REC and obtained a notary public service near where they 
reside. This is for individuals who applied for an original MMC only. 
As an annual average, the NMC recorded approximately 13,951 payment 
transactions for original applications between 2015 and 2021.
    For Sec.  10.219(d) of this final rule, the Coast Guard defined 
part of the population as applicants who paid the fees by cash or 
credit card in person at RECs for original applications, which gave us 
an estimated the number of individuals who likely took the oath at 
RECs, where it is free of charge.\9\ As an annual average, the NMC 
recorded approximately 1,206 in-person payment transactions for 
original applications between 2015 and 2019. For all other fees paid by 
applicants other than original applicants, the NMC recorded an annual 
average of 9,043 in-person payment transactions between 2015 and 2019. 
The Coast Guard estimates the total average annual population of 
applicants, who paid fees in person at an REC during this period, to be 
approximately 10,249 applicants.
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    \9\ Based on NMC data, most applicants paid fees by cash or 
check at RECs; however, a small, unknown number of applicants paid 
by check or money order. The Coast Guard does not maintain data on 
applicants who paid by check or money order at RECs, which may 
result in an underestimation of applicants who paid fees in person 
by these two methods.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Between 2015 and 2021, the Coast Guard also recorded an annual 
average of approximately 12,638 payments made by applicants who paid by 
check or money order outside of an REC through standard mail. 
Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the total average annual 
population affected by this final rule to be approximately 36,838 
(13,951 + 10,249 + 12,638) applicants (see table 3).

[[Page 102315]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.032

Cost Savings Analysis
    Two changes in this final rule (in 46 CFR 10.219(d) and 10.225(c)) 
result in quantifiable cost savings for MMC applicants. The other 
changes have no quantifiable economic impact on individuals, companies, 
or businesses, and will not result in costs or cost savings to them.
    The option in 46 CFR 1.03-15(h)(2)(i) and 10.219(i)(1) for 
electronic submission of certain documents that currently must be 
submitted by paper copy (see table 2) will likely have cost savings 
associated with it, but we are not able to quantify these savings in 
this analysis because the Coast Guard does not have data to show how 
many electronic submissions we will receive in the future. 
Additionally, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coast Guard is not 
able to accurately determine a future trend of the number of documents 
that applicants will choose to submit to the Coast Guard 
electronically.
    In table 2, we presented a summary of the estimated impacts of the 
final rule and provided a description of the change for each affected 
CFR section. Where the description reads ``Editorial; non-substantive 
regulatory text changes,'' we make changes that include the addition, 
deletion, consolidation, and clarification of regulatory text that do 
not have cost or cost savings associated with them. These changes 
include minor grammatical revisions, such as changes to punctuation and 
pronoun changes; the clarification of regulatory text by removal, 
deletion, or consolidation of terms; definitional changes; and changes 
that update Coast Guard website addresses. This includes changes in 
Sec.  10.209(d)(2), ``General Application Procedures,'' where the Coast 
Guard removes the regulatory text governing the submission of certain 
documents by applicants. There are no costs or cost savings for 
individuals that are associated with this change because the Coast 
Guard still retains this requirement in Sec. Sec.  10.227 and 10.231.
    For Sec.  1.03-15(h)(2)(i), ``General,'' the Coast Guard adds the 
option of electronic submission of an appeal for course approvals and 
merchant mariner personnel to the Coast Guard. There are no 
quantifiable cost or cost savings associated with this change because 
the Coast Guard does not have data on the future use of electronic 
submission for appeals. The Coast Guard still accepts the current 
paper-copy submission method for appeals.
    For Sec.  10.219(i)(1), ``Determination of Eligibility,'' the Coast 
Guard adds the option of electronic submission of an eligibility 
request to the Coast Guard for the items listed in 10.219(h). There are 
no quantifiable cost or cost savings associated with this change 
because the Coast Guard does not have data on the future use of 
electronic submission with this item. The Coast Guard still accepts the 
current paper-copy submission method for these requests.
    For Sec.  14.307, ``Entries on certificate of discharge,'' the 
information the Coast Guard removes in current paragraphs (d) and (e) 
is currently contained in form CG-718A, ``Certificate of Discharge to 
Merchant Mariner;'' therefore, there is no cost or cost savings 
associated with this change.\10\ The Coast Guard removes, consolidates, 
and condenses the existing regulatory text into paragraphs (a), (b), 
and (c) of this section. The changes to this section do not change the 
current OMB-approved ICR or alter its burden estimates because the 
Coast Guard is not making any changes to the reporting requirements in 
form CG-718A.
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    \10\ This form is part of a currently OMB-approved Coast Guard 
ICR with a control number of 1625-0012. Readers can access NMC's 
website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/ to 
view this form and obtain information about the application process. 
The Coast Guard accessed this web page in August 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cost Savings Analysis for the Changes to Sec.  10.219(d)/Electronic 
Payment of Fees
    The Coast Guard amends Sec.  10.219(d) and removes the option for 
applicants to pay merchant mariner credentialing fees in person at an 
REC by cash or credit card (applicants who pay in person may also pay 
by check or money order; because the Coast Guard does not collect data 
on where these payments were made, and based on payment data from the 
NMC, most applicants pay by cash or with a credit card in person) since 
credit card transactions are processed by individual RECs and cash 
payments are not accepted through standard mail. The Coast Guard 
instead requires all payments to be made electronically through the 
Government's payment system at Pay.gov.\11\ For

[[Page 102316]]

payments made by check outside of an REC, applicants mailed the checks 
to the Coast Guard by standard mail. With the final rule, the Coast 
Guard still accepts payment by check, but applicants are required to 
use a bank ACH payment through Pay.gov. Applicants who mailed checks to 
the Coast Guard will save the postage cost with this final rule. The 
Coast Guard expects that applicants have access to the requisite 
technology to pay credentialing fees through Pay.gov. According to the 
U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey, approximately 95 
percent of American households have one or more electronic devices such 
as a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone, or tablet.\12\ This 
included over 90 percent of households that have an internet 
subscription that will facilitate access to Pay.gov.\13\ Even if an 
applicant or household does not have access to a computer at home or 
the internet individually, in this case, the Coast Guard assumes for 
the purpose of this analysis, that an applicant may access a 
smartphone, cellphone, or computer to submit an application to the 
Coast Guard without incurring a cost.\14\ Additionally, with this final 
rule, we assume that a small population of applicants affected by part 
10.219(d), who submit applications at RECs currently, will choose to 
continue to visit RECs and will continue to print receipts as proof of 
payment. However, the Coast Guard is not able to determine the number 
of applicants who will continue to visit RECs for this purpose. 
Therefore, there is an unquantifiable cost of the final rule with 
printing the receipts for a small number of applicants who visit RECs 
to submit their applications. This results in a small, unknown 
reduction in the total estimated cost savings of this rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Pay.gov accepts three payment types: credit card, prepaid 
card, and ACH payments. The Coast Guard does not collect data on the 
usage of prepaid cards for applicants who use Pay.gov. The Coast 
Guard also did not estimate a cost (and subsequent cost savings) to 
obtain these cards in this analysis because applicants can obtain 
these cards when they are at grocery stores or other locations 
without making a separate trip to specifically obtain the cards. In 
this analysis, we assume for the unknown number of applicants who 
choose to use a prepaid card to pay fees, already possess the card.
    \12\ U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022, S2801 
Types of Computers and internet Subscriptions: ACS 1-year Estimates 
Subject Tables, Types of Computers, https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2022.S2801?q=internet access. The Coast Guard accessed this 
web page in May 2024. The Census Bureau will release 2023 data in 
September 2024. Readers can verify this information at, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/news/data-releases/2023/release.html (``2023 Data Release New and Notable'' (census.gov)). 
The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024.
    \13\ See footnote 15.
    \14\ The Coast Guard acknowledges that there may be a small 
portion of applicants in the affected population who may not own a 
computer or have access to the internet to submit a MMC payment. 
Readers can access these websites for further information on access 
to the internet and the ownership of mobile phones in the United 
States: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/ and https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile. The Coast Guard accessed these web pages in May 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Applicants may visit an REC for many reasons; for example, to take 
an examination, to ask questions about the application process, submit 
an application, pay the mandatory fees, obtain an oath from an 
authorized individual, or for other reasons. This is notable in the 
following cost savings analysis because the Coast Guard does not 
include travel cost savings estimates for the affected applicants in 
our analysis of the impact of the change to Sec.  10.219(d). The Coast 
Guard reasons that, although it is possible for applicants to visit 
RECs exclusively to pay MMC fees, the Coast Guard does not retain data 
on the number of applicants who do so. In practice, the Coast Guard 
assumes applicants do not visit an REC to solely pay the fees. 
Therefore, the Coast Guard cannot attribute travel costs to applicants 
who pay the mandatory fees in person at an REC. For example, applicants 
may visit RECs to ask questions about the application process and may 
decide to pay the fees during the same visit. Or applicants may visit 
RECs to obtain an oath, not realizing that RECs accept in-person 
payment, and may decide to pay the fees during this visit. The Coast 
Guard also assumes that applicants pay the mandatory fees at one time.
    The requirement for applicants to pay MMC fees electronically 
through Pay.gov eliminates the flexibility to pay these fees by cash, 
and money order, by standard mail, and directly at an REC (see footnote 
number 13). However, with Pay.gov, the Coast Guard believes applicants 
will find this payment method to be more convenient and secure because 
applicants are able to pay MMCs fees from their home instead of 
traveling to an REC and expending the time and money by making a 
payment in person, as we discuss later in this analysis. The Coast 
Guard acknowledges that there may be a small subset of the applicant 
population that still prefer to pay MMC fees in person instead of 
through Pay.gov after an effective final rule.
    The Coast Guard collects data for all payment transactions 
including transactions for original MMC applications. Between 2015 and 
2019, the Coast Guard recorded an annual average of 1,167 credit card 
transactions for original applications made in person by applicants at 
an REC. It also recorded an average annual of 8,791 credit card 
transactions for other fees for a total average annual of 9,958 credit 
card transactions over these 5 years. During the same period, the Coast 
Guard recorded an average annual of 39 cash payment transactions for 
original applications made in person by applicants at an REC. It also 
recorded an average annual of 252 cash transactions for other fees for 
a total average annual of 291 cash transactions for these 5 years. 
Therefore, the total average annual number of transactions made in 
person was approximately 10,249 over the 5-year time period.
    The NMC estimates it takes applicants approximately 5 minutes, or 
0.083 hours (rounded), to complete a payment through Pay.gov. The NMC 
estimates it takes a certain amount of time for applicants to make in-
person application payments at an REC. For applicants who pay by credit 
card, the NMC estimates it takes approximately:
     8 minutes, or approximately 0.13 hours (rounded), to enter 
RECs due to security checks;
     3.5 minutes, or approximately 0.06 hours (rounded) to wait 
in line for a clerk; and
     7.5 minutes, or approximately 0.13 hours (rounded) to make 
the payment and complete the transaction, for a total of approximately 
0.32 hours.
    Therefore, the net amount of time (time difference) applicants save 
by making payments electronically rather than by credit card in person 
is approximately 0.237 hours (0.32-0.083 hours).
    For applicants who pay by cash, the NMC estimates it takes 
approximately:
     8 minutes, or approximately 0.13 hours (rounded) to enter 
RECs due to security checks;
     3.5 minutes, or approximately 0.06 hours (rounded) to wait 
in line for a clerk; and
     6.0 minutes, or approximately 0.10 hours to make the 
payment and complete the transaction, for a total of approximately 0.29 
hours.
    Therefore, the net amount of time applicants save from making 
payments electronically rather than making cash payments in person is 
approximately 0.207 hours (0.29-0.083 hours).
    The payment time we used for Pay.gov does not account for the time 
to create a personal account on Pay.gov. Individual payments may be 
made without creating an account. Pay.gov provides the same 
capabilities to pay credentialing and other fees and obtain a receipt 
without creating an account. For this analysis, the Coast Guard assumes 
individuals will not create an account because credentialing fees are 
typically paid only once every five years, which aligns with the 
validity

[[Page 102317]]

period of an MMC. Using Pay.gov infrequently does not necessitate the 
need to create an account.
    Anyone meeting the citizenship requirement under 46 CFR 10.221 and 
of an eligible age can apply for an MMC, regardless of their current 
employment status. For this regulatory analysis, the Coast Guard 
assumed applicants for an original MMC are currently employed (this is 
for original applications where an oath is currently required); this 
allows the Coast Guard to construct a cost savings analysis, because we 
can then obtain applicants' wage rates, the labor time, and the cost 
savings associated with the removal of the in-person payment option.
    Additionally, because the Coast Guard does not know the current 
occupations of individuals who apply for an original MMC and pay fees 
in person at an REC, the Coast Guard used the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics' (BLS) ``Occupational and Employment Statistics'' database 
and May 2023 wage estimates to obtain the general occupational code 
(BLS code 00-0000) for all civilian workers in the U.S., which is the 
largest occupational category of workers the Coast Guard found at BLS' 
website.\15\ The unloaded mean hourly wage rate for this occupational 
category is $31.48. The Coast Guard does not collect employment data on 
applicants; nevertheless, the Coast Guard acknowledges that the 
assumption of employment may lead to an overestimation of cost savings 
for the final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ The BLS defines civilian workers to be ``private industry 
workers and State and local government workers.'' This includes 
individuals in the private nonfarm economy excluding households and 
the public sector excluding the Federal Government. Readers can view 
BLS' glossary of terms at https://www.bls.gov/bls/glossary.htm. 
Readers can access BLS' website at: May 2023 National Occupational 
Employment and Wage Estimates (bls.gov) to obtain information about 
the wages used in this analysis. The Coast Guard accessed BLS' web 
page in May 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because fees are also paid in person at an REC mostly by applicants 
other than original applicants, the Coast Guard used the BLS 
occupational category, Water Transportation Workers (BLS code 53-5000) 
to obtain the unloaded mean hourly wage rate for all applicants who pay 
fees in person at RECs. The unloaded mean hourly wage rate in 2023 for 
this occupational category is $38.00.
    Because the Coast Guard used different occupational categories, 
this required us to use two load factors to obtain an average load 
factor.
    To obtain a loaded mean hourly wage rate for civilian workers, the 
Coast Guard used BLS' ``Employer Costs for Employee Compensation'' 
database to calculate the load factor for this group of workers in the 
U.S. The Coast Guard used the same database to obtain a load factor for 
the occupational category of Water Transportation Workers. The Coast 
Guard then used the average load factor for these two groups of workers 
in the U.S. The Coast Guard applied the load factor to the average 
unloaded mean hourly wage rate using fourth quarter data from 2023 for 
all applicants. The Coast Guard determined the average load factor for 
the two occupational categories to be about 1.45, rounded.\16\ The 
Coast Guard then multiplied this average load factor by the unloaded 
mean hourly wage rate for applicants, who pay fees in person at RECs, 
and obtained a loaded mean hourly wage rate of approximately $55.10, 
rounded ($38.00 x 1.45).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ A loaded mean hourly wage rate is what a company pays per 
hour to employ a person, not the hourly wage an employee receives. 
The loaded mean hourly wage rate includes the cost of non-wage 
benefits (health insurance, vacation, etc.). The Coast Guard 
calculated the load factor by accessing BLS' website at https://www.bls.gov/ and selecting the topic ``Data Tools'' from the menu on 
this web page. Under this menu item, the Coast Guard selected the 
category ``Top Picks, One Screen, Multi-Screen, and Maps.'' On the 
next page titled, ``Databases, Tables, and Calculators by Subject,'' 
the Coast Guard selected used the category ``Pay and Benefits''. 
Under the category, ``Employer Costs for Employee Compensation'', we 
selected the ``Multi-Screen'' feature. This took us to https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/dsrv?cm. At this page titled, ''Create 
Customized Tables'', or screen 1, the Coast Guard then selected the 
category of ``Civilian Workers''. At screen 2, the Coast Guard first 
selected the category ``Total Compensation,'' then we continued to 
select ``All Workers'' at screens 3, 4, and 5. At screen 6, for 
``Area'' the Coast Guard selected ``United States.'' At screen 7, 
the Coast Guard selected the category ``Cost of Compensation.'' At 
screen 8, the Coast Guard selected the category ``not seasonally 
adjusted.'' At screen 9, the Coast Guard selected the series ID, 
CMU1010000000000D. The Coast Guard used the ``Cost of Compensation'' 
for quarter 4 of 2023, or $45.42. The Coast Guard performed this 
process again to obtain the value for ``Wages and Salaries,'' which 
we selected on screen 2. On screen 9, the Coast Guard selected the 
series ID CMU1020000000000D and obtained a value of $31.29. The 
Coast Guard divided $45.42 by $31.29 and obtained a load factor of 
1.45, rounded. The Coast Guard used the same methodology to obtain 
the load factor for the occupational category for applicants other 
than original applicants. However, instead of using the category of 
``Civilian Workers'', the Coast Guard selected ``Private Industry 
Workers'' at screen 1, ``Total Compensation'' at screen 2, 
``Transportation and Material Moving Occupations'' at screen 3, 
``All Workers'' at screens 4 and 5, ``United States'' at screen 6, 
``Cost of Compensation'' at screen 7, ``not seasonally adjusted'' at 
screen 8, and the series ID at screen 9, CMU 2010000520000D. The 
Coast Guard again used the ``Cost of Compensation'' for quarter 4 of 
2023, or $34.43. The Coast Guard then selected ``Wages and 
Salaries,'' at screen 2. On screen 9, the Coast Guard selected the 
series ID CMU2020000520000D and obtained a value of $23.89. The 
Coast Guard divided $34.43 by $23.89 and obtained a load factor of 
1.44, rounded. The Coast Guard then used the average of these two 
load factors, which is 1.45, rounded. The Coast Guard accessed this 
BLS' website in May 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Applicants (including original applicants) who currently pay the 
fees by credit card at an REC are required to pay them electronically 
using Pay.gov under this final rule. This affects approximately 9,958 
applicants annually. The Coast Guard estimates the undiscounted cost 
for these applicants to be approximately $45,541 annually (9,958 x 
$55.10 x 0.083 hours), rounded. The Coast Guard estimates the 
undiscounted baseline cost for applicants who currently pay the fees by 
credit card in person at an REC to be approximately $175,580 annually 
(9,958 x $55.10 x 0.32 hours), rounded. Therefore, the Coast Guard 
estimates the undiscounted net cost savings to applicants who currently 
pay the fees in-person by credit card and are now required to pay them 
electronically through Pay.gov to be approximately $130,039 annually 
($175,580-$45,541), rounded.
    Similarly, applicants (including original applicants) who currently 
pay the mandatory fees by cash at an REC are required to pay them 
electronically using Pay.gov under this final rule. This affects 
approximately 291 applicants annually. The Coast Guard estimates the 
undiscounted cost for these applicants to be approximately $1,331 
annually (291 x $55.10 x 0.083 hours). The Coast Guard estimates the 
undiscounted baseline cost for applicants who currently pay the fees by 
cash in person at an REC to be approximately $4,650 annually (291 x 
$55.10 x 0.29 hours), rounded. Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the 
undiscounted net cost savings to applicants who currently pay the fees 
by cash and will need to pay them electronically through Pay.gov to be 
approximately $3,319 annually ($4,650-$1,331), rounded. The Coast Guard 
estimates the total undiscounted net cost savings for 10,249 (9,958 by 
credit card + 291 by cash) applicants who currently pay the mandatory 
fees in-person by credit card and cash and will need to pay them 
electronically through Pay.gov to be approximately $133,358 annually 
($130,039 by credit card + $3,319 by cash), rounded. See table 4.

[[Page 102318]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.033

    Lastly, the final rule creates cost savings for applicants, other 
than original applicants, who paid mandatory fees by check or money 
order in the past and mailed the payment to the Coast Guard through 
standard mail, or USPS. Over the 7-year period from 2015 to 2021, the 
Coast Guard recorded an annual average of 12,638 payments (10,146 by 
check and 2,492 by money order) where an applicant used a check or 
money order. Because this regulatory analysis is in 2023 dollars, the 
cost of a forever stamp from the USPS in 2023 was $0.63.\17\ With this 
final rule, applicants will be able to use a check or money order to 
make mandatory fee payments with Pay.gov; however, payments made by 
check must be made with an ACH payment and for money orders, a prepaid 
card (see footnote number 15). The Coast Guard did not estimate cost 
savings for applicants who currently mail checks or money orders to the 
Coast Guard and will be required to use Pay.gov because we do not 
estimate that there is a time difference between these two payment 
methods and Pay.gov. The total undiscounted cost for these payment 
types is approximately $7,962 annually, rounded. The final rule creates 
cost savings in the same amount annually. The Coast Guard estimates the 
total 10-year discounted cost savings for applicants who can no longer 
mail a check or money order (cost savings are from the cost of a 
forever stamp) to pay for mandatory fees to be approximately $55,921, 
rounded, using a 7 percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the 
annualized cost savings to be approximately $7,962, rounded, using a 7-
percent discount rate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Readers can access USPS' website at https://www.usps.com to 
find past postal rates or search online for USPS' ``Postal News'' or 
``USPS Forever Stamps Postage Rate 2023''.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In table 5, the Coast Guard presents the 10-year discounted cost 
savings to applicants who currently paid the fees in person and are 
required to pay them electronically under this final rule, and 
applicants who paid the fees by check or money order and sent their 
payments by standard mail to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard estimates 
the total undiscounted cost savings for the electronic payment of fees 
by applicants to be approximately $141,320 annually, rounded ($133,358 
from in-person payments + $7,962 from mailed checks and money orders). 
The Coast Guard estimates the total discounted 10-year cost savings for 
these applicants to be approximately $1.0 million, rounded, using a 7-
percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost 
savings to be approximately $141,320, rounded, using a 7-percent 
discount rate.

[[Page 102319]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.034

Federal Government Cost Savings for the Change to Sec.  10.219(d)
    This final rule creates cost savings for the Coast Guard in the 
amount of time that is saved by REC personnel who no longer process in-
person payment transactions. The NMC estimates it takes fee clerks at 
an REC approximately 5 minutes, or 0.083 hours (rounded), to process 
credit card payments. Similarly, the NMC estimates it takes mandatory 
fee clerks approximately 25 minutes, or 0.42 hours (rounded), to 
process cash payments. This includes the processing time the fee clerk 
takes to go to a bank and obtain a money order in order to complete the 
payment transaction. There is no difference in the time it takes for a 
fee clerk at an REC to process a check mailed to the Coast Guard and 
the time it would take with this final rule to process an ACH payment. 
There is also no difference in the time it takes for a fee clerk to 
process a money mailed to the Coast Guard and the time it takes with 
this final rule to process a prepaid card used from a money order. 
Therefore, the Coast Guard does not estimate cost savings for the 
Federal Government from not processing checks and money orders mailed 
to the Coast Guard by applicants.
    A fee clerk at an REC has a Federal Government General Schedule 
(GS) grade level of GS-5. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 
lists the hourly pay for Federal Government employees who work in the 
United States.\18\ Because RECs are geographically dispersed across the 
U.S., the Coast Guard used the hourly wage rate for the category ``Rest 
of the United States'' from OPM's pay tables. OPM reports the hourly 
pay for a person with the grade level of a GS-5, step 5 (the midpoint 
of the pay level) as $20.47 in 2023. The Coast Guard calculated the 
share of total compensation of Federal Government employees to account 
for the non-wage benefits to determine the load factor that the Coast 
Guard applied to the hourly wage rate of employees. In a Congressional 
Budget Office (CBO) report titled ``Comparing the Compensation of 
Federal and Private-Sector Employees, 2011 to 2015,'' the CBO reports 
total compensation of Federal Government employees to be approximately 
$64.80, and wages and salaries to be approximately $38.30.\19\ From 
these values, the Coast Guard determined the load factor to be about 
1.69, rounded ($64.80 / $38.30). The Coast Guard then multiplied this 
value by the hourly wage rate of $20.47 to obtain a loaded hourly wage 
rate of $34.59, rounded, for a GS-5, step 5 fee clerk at an REC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ Readers can view the General Schedule of salaries for 
Federal Government employees at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/23Tables/html/RUS_h.aspx. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024.
    \19\ Readers can view the report at, https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/115th-congress-2017-2018/reports/52637-federalprivatepay.pdf. 
See pages 16 and 11 of the report, respectively. The Coast Guard 
accessed this report in May 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Coast Guard estimates the baseline undiscounted cost for REC 
fee clerks to process credit card transactions to be approximately 
$28,589 annually, rounded ($34.59 x 9,958 credit card transactions 
annually x 0.083 hours). The Coast Guard estimates the baseline 
undiscounted cost for REC payment clerks to process cash transactions 
to be approximately $4,228 annually, rounded ($34.59 x 291 cash 
transactions annually x 0.42 hours). Because RECs no longer accept in-
person payments with this final rule, these costs combined become cost 
savings to the Coast Guard of approximately $32,817 annually, rounded 
($28,589 + $4,228). See table 6.

[[Page 102320]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.035

    In table 7, the Coast Guard estimates the total discounted 10-year 
cost savings of this final rule to the Coast Guard to be approximately 
$230,491 rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard 
estimates the annualized cost savings to be approximately $32,817, 
rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.036

Cost Savings Analysis for the Change to Sec.  10.225(c), Removal of the 
Oath Requirement
    The Coast Guard removes the current requirement in Sec.  10.225(c) 
for applicants for an original MMC to take an oath administered by any 
Coast Guard-designated individual or any person legally permitted to 
administer oaths in the jurisdiction where the person taking the oath 
resides. Typically, if an oath is not administered by a designated 
Coast Guard official, it is administered by a notary public.\20\ When 
an individual applies for an MMC, the individual must complete Form CG-
719B. They must either submit this form by email, in person, or send it 
by standard mail to an REC.\21\ Currently, if applicants use a notary 
public to administer their oath, the notary must sign the form along 
with the applicant. The signature of the applicant is a testament to 
the validity and accuracy of the information the individual is 
providing to the Coast Guard and is an attestation to the statements in 
Section 4, ``Mariner's Consent/Certification,'' of the form.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ An oath an original applicant must take is a pronouncement 
that an original applicant will abide by the rules and regulations 
aboard a vessel, faithfully execute his or her duties, and obey the 
superior officers of the vessel.
    \21\ This form is part of a currently-approved OMB ICR with a 
control number 1625-0040 and a title of ``Applications for Merchant 
Mariners Credentials and Medical Certificates.'' Readers can access 
NMC's website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/ 
to view this form and obtain information about the application 
process. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in August 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With this final rule, original applicants no longer need the 
signature

[[Page 102321]]

of the notary public on Form CG-719B. However, applicants will still 
need to sign the form, which alone is sufficient for Form CG-719B.
    Currently, applicants for an original MMC who submit their 
application in person at an REC can also take the oath there. There is 
no cost to original applicants who take the oath before a designated 
official at an REC and therefore, no cost savings. However, original 
applicants, who do not visit an REC to submit their application, will 
need to seek the service of a notary public elsewhere.
    Original applicants can obtain notary public service at a bank or 
another location where there are notary public services. The Coast 
Guard assumes there is no cost for a notary public service at a bank if 
an individual has a bank account there. Other establishments that 
provide legal services may also provide notary public services, in 
addition to State and local Government offices, including shipping 
companies.\22\ However, these offices and establishments usually charge 
for the public notary service.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ The Coast Guard acknowledges that Credit Unions, similar to 
banks in the U.S., may also offer notary public services, free of 
charge, for its members.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Therefore, as mentioned previously in this RA, the Coast Guard 
presents two assumptions that will each generate different cost savings 
estimates for the change to Sec.  10.225(c). With each assumption, the 
Coast Guard assumes all applicants who apply for an original MMC are 
currently employed:
     Assumption 1--Approximately 13,951 individuals who applied 
for an original MMC and took an oath before a designated official who 
administers the oath, or a notary public at a bank where they have an 
account free of charge.
     Assumption 2--Half the individuals, or approximately 
6,976, who applied for an original MMC took an oath along with a notary 
public service at a bank, and half obtained an oath elsewhere (perhaps 
at a state office or an establishment that provides legal services 
including notary public services), where a cost is associated with the 
notary public service.
    Earlier in this analysis, the Coast Guard established that one 
payment transaction represents one original application with one oath. 
Presumably, original applicants seek a notary public service at a bank, 
where it is free of charge; this is our basis for Assumption 1. 
However, because the Coast Guard does not have data on where original 
applicants obtained an oath along with a notary public service, it is 
possible that a certain number of original applicants obtained an oath 
along with a notary public service outside of a bank; this is our basis 
for Assumption 2. As such, the Coast Guard divided the population 
evenly in Assumption 2.
    With the Coast Guard's assumption that original applicants who 
apply for MMCs are employed, this allows us to estimate the cost 
savings associated with the change to Sec.  10.225(c) as we did for the 
change to Sec.  10.219(d). Because original applicants who apply for 
MMCs are members of the general public and not yet mariners, the Coast 
Guard does not collect data on where these original applicants reside. 
Therefore, the Coast Guard does not know where original applicants 
reside relative to the location of banks or bank branches, or other 
establishments that offer notary public services. This required the 
Coast Guard to estimate the approximate distance original applicants 
travel to get to a bank branch for Assumption 1, so the Coast Guard is 
able to estimate the cost savings for them, because they no longer need 
to travel to a bank branch to obtain a notary public service. To 
perform this analysis, the Coast Guard required several pieces of 
information to determine the distance original applicants must travel 
to a bank or bank branch (and a notary public service in Assumption 2):
    1. The number of bank branches in the United States;
    2. The total U.S. population and the U.S. adult population; and
    3. The number of square miles of the United States.
    The St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank compiles and reports U.S. 
economic data (Federal Reserve Economic Data, or ``FRED''). One of the 
data items it reports is the number of bank branches in the United 
States. FRED shows that there are 30.46 bank branches per 100,000 
adults in the United States.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Readers can access the St. Louis Federal Reserve's ``FRED'' 
website at https://fred.stlouisfed.org/#. At this page, readers 
should use the search feature and type the words ``bank branches'' 
in the search field. The resulting web page will show a graph of the 
data and the value that the Coast Guard used for this analysis. The 
Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. With the 
acknowledgement that Credit Unions also offer notary public services 
(see footnote number 15), the Coast Guard did not include them in 
this analysis because the National Credit Union Administration 
(NCUA) reports the total number of Federally-insured Credit Unions 
in its ``Quarterly Credit Union Data Summary 2023 Q4'' in the United 
States (4,604 as of December 31, 2023) and not per a certain 
population or certain group of individuals as FRED reports it. 
Therefore, the Coast Guard cannot simply add the NCUA's number to 
FRED's number because we would be combining incongruent data. 
Readers can view this report at https://www.ncua.gov/files/publications/analysis/quarterly-data-summary-2023-Q4.pdf. The Coast 
Guard accessed this website in May 2024. Readers should also note 
that the number of bank branches has been in decline since 2000. See 
the first link to the report by the Federal Reserve Bank of 
Cleveland in footnote number 31.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The U.S. Census Bureau in the U.S. Department of Commerce reports 
population data for the United States. As of July 1, 2023, the U.S. 
Census Bureau estimates the U.S. population to be approximately 
334,914,895.\24\ The U.S. Census Bureau reports the number of 
individuals below the age of 18 to be 21.7 percent of the total U.S. 
population.\25\ Therefore, the number of adults in the United States 
(individuals who are 18 years of age or older) is approximately 
262,238,363, rounded ((1-0.222) x 334,914,895). The Coast Guard divided 
this population by 100,000 to normalize the value to 100,000 (so it can 
be scaled to and combined with FRED's data) and obtained the value of 
approximately 2,622 (rounded).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ For more information on U.S. census statistics and 
estimates, readers can access the U.S. Census Bureau's website at 
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045222. The Coast 
Guard accessed this web page in May 2024.
    \25\ ibid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To determine the number of bank branches for every adult in the 
U.S., the Coast Guard multiplied 30.46 (number of bank branches) by 
2,622 to obtain approximately 79,866 (rounded) bank branches.
    Finally, as of 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau's Quick Facts shows the 
number of square miles in the United States to be 3,533,038, 
rounded.\26\ The Coast Guard then divided this value by 79,866 bank 
branches to obtain the number of bank branches per square mile in the 
United States, or approximately one bank branch for every 44 square 
miles, or an area of 6.7 by 6.7 miles.\27\ This is equivalent to 
approximately one bank branch every 6.7 miles.\28\ The Coast

[[Page 102322]]

Guard acknowledges that this methodology may not be completely 
representative of the geographic distribution of bank branches in the 
United States (the distribution of bank branches may change in the 
future considering the steady decline in its numbers, particularly 
since 2010); the distance we estimated is an approximation based on the 
known statistics we present in this analysis from different sources. 
Table 8 outlines the inputs used in these calculations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ ibid.
    \27\ We base this estimate on the information presented in this 
RA. The actual number of bank branches in the U.S. may be less than 
this amount. Readers may refer to this source for an alternate 
estimate, https://www.bankbranchlocator.com. The Coast Guard 
accessed this web page in May 2024.
    \28\ The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland reports the average 
distance to a bank branch in urban and rural areas of the United 
States to be about 1.5 miles and 4.3 miles, respectively, in 2020 
(an average of about 2.9 miles combined), which is significantly 
less than the distance we calculated in this analysis. Readers can 
view the Cleveland Federal Reserve's report at this link, ``Has Bank 
Consolidation Changed People's Access to a Full-Service Bank 
Branch?'' (clevelandfed.org). In a working paper by the Federal 
Reserve Bank of Chicago, it reports the median distance traveled to 
a bank branch to be 5 miles on page 16 of the paper. Readers can 
view this paper at https://www.chicagofed.org/-/media/publications/working-papers/2023/wp2023-15.pdf?sc_lang=en. The Coast Guard 
accessed these links in July 2023.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.037

    For this analysis, the Coast Guard assumed that 13,951 original 
applicants travel the same distance of 6.7 miles to obtain a notary 
public service at a bank or bank branch. Using these data and 
assumptions, it is possible to construct a cost savings analysis based 
on the original applicants' travel time to a bank branch to obtain the 
service of a notary public.
    The population of original applicants applying for an MMC who seek 
notary public services outside of an REC is approximately 13,951 
annually (see Table 3). The Coast Guard does not collect data on how 
original applicants travel to a bank or a notary public service and 
acknowledges that original applicants can choose among different modes 
of transportation, including walking or taking public transportation, 
to do so. However, for the purpose of this analysis, the Coast Guard 
assumed original applicants use their personal vehicles to accomplish 
this task, which allows the Coast Guard to estimate the travel cost for 
original applicants.
    To construct this analysis for Assumptions 1 and 2, the Coast Guard 
assumed that 13,951 original applicants travel approximately 6.7 miles 
one way or about 13.4 miles round-trip to an establishment that has a 
notary public service. See table 9.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.038

    The Coast Guard shows the cost-saving elements for Assumption 1 and 
2 in table 10. The Coast Guard estimated that the 13,951 original 
applicants affected by the change to Sec.  10.225(c) save the travel 
time or labor cost for travel (the value of travel time savings or 
VTTS), the mileage cost, and the cost of time waiting at a bank or a 
notary public service.\29\ The Coast Guard included these cost savings 
in both Assumption 1 and 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ The Department of Transportation (DOT) has guidance on VTTS 
for individuals who use different modes of travel in the United 
States. The VTTS is divided into two categories, local and intercity 
travel. See table 1 on page 13 of the memorandum. Within these two 
categories, there are two subcategories, personal and business 
travel, in the first column of the table. Based on SME input from 
the NMC, applicants will most likely obtain an oath on their 
personal time. Therefore, we used the category, local personal 
travel. In the second column of the table, the Coast Guard used the 
category ``surface modes (except high-speed rail)''. Therefore, we 
used the value of 50 percent of the mean hourly wage rate for the 
VTTS. Readers can access DOT's memorandum at https://www.transportation.gov/office-policy/transportation-policy/revised-departmental-guidance-valuation-travel-time-economic. At this link, 
to access the memorandum, readers should select the pdf document 
titled, ``2016 Revised Value of Travel Time Guidance.pdf''. The 
Coast Guard accessed this link in July 2023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under Assumption 2, half of these original applicants, or about 
6,976, also save the cost of the time it takes to complete a payment 
transaction, either by credit card or by cash, at a notary public 
service. The Coast Guard assumed half of these original applicants 
currently pay by credit card and half by cash, for about 3,488 original 
applicants choosing each payment method.
    The Coast Guard acknowledges that there is a greater concentration 
of banks and establishments with notary public services in urban and 
metropolitan areas of the United States. Additionally, considering that 
the population density of urban areas is greater than in rural areas, 
it is likely that the population of original applicants is higher in 
urban areas than in rural areas of the United States. Therefore, it is 
likely that a

[[Page 102323]]

greater proportion of original applicants who apply for MMCs reside in 
urban and metropolitan areas and may travel shorter distances to reach 
these places, which will result in lower cost savings than the Coast 
Guard estimated in this analysis. Nevertheless, this analysis 
represents an analysis of averages because the Coast Guard does not 
know where original applicants who apply for MMCs reside. The Coast 
Guard acknowledges that bank branches (and notary public services) are 
not equally distributed in the United States; the travel distance of 
6.7 miles we estimated in this analysis is an approximate distance to a 
bank branch or notary public service; the travel distance may vary for 
some applicants who reside in suburban and rural areas of the United 
States.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.039

    In addition to the two main assumptions for the change to Sec.  
10.225(c) that the Coast Guard presented earlier, we present a summary 
of the other assumptions (some of which we may have presented earlier 
in the analysis), that we included in the analysis for Assumptions 1 
and 2:
    1. Original applicants for an MMC are currently employed in another 
occupation;
    2. Affected original applicants live approximately 6.7 miles from a 
bank branch or notary public;
    3. Affected original applicants travel an equal distance of 6.7 
miles to a bank branch or a notary public service;
    4. The wait times and payment transaction times at bank branches 
and notary public are the same as wait times at an REC; and
    5. Original applicants use their privately-owned vehicle to travel 
to a bank branch or a notary public service.
Cost Savings Analysis for Assumption 1 for the Change to Sec.  
10.225(c)
    With Assumption 1, the Coast Guard assumed 13,951 original 
applicants currently obtain a notary public service for the purpose of 
the oath at a bank, where there is no charge for the service if 
original applicants have an account at the bank. Because the Coast 
Guard does not know where original applicants live in proximity to the 
location of bank branches, the Coast Guard assumed all 13,951 original 
applicants travel about 6.7 miles one-way or about 13.4 miles round-
trip to a bank branch. Under this assumption, 13,951 original 
applicants save the labor travel time or VTTS, the mileage cost, and 
the time waiting at a bank branch to obtain a notary public signature 
on Form CG-719B under this final rule.\30\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ For this analysis, the Coast Guard did not account for the 
time it will take an applicant to park at a bank branch or notary 
public service.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 102324]]

    To obtain the time it takes to travel this distance, the Coast 
Guard first accessed the Department of Transportation's (DOT) website 
to access the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 
web page to obtain the mean road speeds on all roads.\31\ The 2015 
report shows the free-flow speed estimates (mph) for three road 
classes: limited access, major arterial, and minor arterial roads/
collector roads. The Coast Guard used the mean speed for the minor 
arterial/collector road class, which may be more representative of 
roads used by applicants. NHTSA estimates the mean speed for minor 
arterial/collector roads to be about 49.73 miles per hour (mph).\32\ 
The Coast Guard then divided the distance of about 6.7 miles (one way) 
by 49.73 mph to obtain the time it takes to travel this distance, or 
approximately 0.13 hours, rounded. The Coast Guard then divided the 
round-trip distance of about 13.4 miles by 49.73 mph to obtain the time 
it takes to travel this distance, or approximately 0.27 hours, rounded. 
The Coast Guard recognizes that an unknown portion of applicants, who 
live in urban areas, may travel at lower speeds than applicants in 
suburban and rural areas of the United States to get to a bank branch 
or notary public service. As a result, travel speeds may be lower than 
the 49.73 mph speed we estimated in this regulatory analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ At DOT's homepage, under the heading ``Explore DOT,'' the 
Coast Guard selected the topic ``Roadways and Bridges.'' At this 
page, under the heading ``Other Associated Agencies,'' the Coast 
Guard selected the NHTSA link. There is no direct link, so in the 
search feature, the Coast Guard typed the words ``traffic survey.'' 
The Coast Guard then selected the link titled ``National Traffic 
Speeds Survey III: 2015 Traffic Tech.'' One result will appear, or a 
pdf version of the report that the Coast Guard used in this 
analysis. Readers can access the report at, https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/traffic_tech/812489_tt-national-traffic-speeds-survey-iii-2015.pdf. The Coast Guard accessed this web page 
in in May 2024.
    \32\ Readers should view the classification of roadways by DOT's 
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to understand the types of 
roadways used in DOT's survey found in footnote number 34. The 2013 
document describes the classification of roadways by the FHWA and is 
titled, ``Highway Functional Classification Concepts, Criteria and 
Procedures'', which readers can find at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/processes/statewide/related/highway_functional_classifications/fcauab.pdf. The Coast Guard 
accessed this link in July 2023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With this information, the Coast Guard then calculated the labor 
cost for all original applicants who currently expend the time to 
travel this distance to obtain a notary public service. Earlier, the 
Coast Guard established the loaded mean hourly wage rate for original 
applicants who apply for an MMCs to be approximately $45.65 (recall 
that this labor rate is for original applicants who need to take an 
oath; it is different than the labor rate for the mandatory fee portion 
of this analysis). Using the value of 50 percent for the VTTS for 
personal time (see footnote number 32), the Coast Guard calculated the 
labor cost for the time to travel the 13.4-mile round-trip distance for 
one original applicant to be approximately $6.16 ($45.65 x 0.50 x 0.27 
hours). Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted 
labor travel time cost or VTTS, for 13,951 original applicants to be 
approximately $85,938 annually, rounded (13,951 original applicants x 
$6.16). Next, the Coast Guard calculated the mileage cost for these 
original applicants to travel the round-trip distance. The Coast Guard 
used the General Services Administration's (GSA) reimbursement rates 
for original applicants who use their privately-owned vehicles.\33\ The 
GSA reports the rate per mile to be $0.655 for calendar year 2023. 
Using the round-trip distance of 13.4 miles, the Coast Guard estimates 
the cost for one individual to make this trip to be approximately 
$8.78, rounded (13.4 miles x $0.655). The Coast Guard estimates the 
total undiscounted travel or mileage cost for 13,951 original 
applicants to be approximately $122,490 annually, rounded (13,951 
original applicants x $8.78).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ To obtain the rates for privately owned vehicles for 2023, 
at the Federal Register's homepage, search for ``Calendar Year (CY) 
2023 Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Mileage Reimbursement Rates''. 
This will take the reader to a GSA web page, at this page under 
``Summary'', select the link, https://gsa.gov/ftrbulletins. At the 
next page, select the bulletin with the date, 12/29/2022. This page 
contains the mileage rate for POA or privately owned vehicles under 
item ``3a'' of the bulletin. The Coast Guard accessed this web page 
in May 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lastly, the Coast Guard calculated the waiting time at a bank 
branch for 13,951 original applicants to obtain a notary public 
signature on Form CG-719B. Because the Coast Guard assumed that waiting 
times at RECs is similar to waiting times at bank branches, we used the 
same waiting time that we used for original applicants who wait to pay 
the fees at an REC, or approximately 3.5 minutes (readers should refer 
to the earlier discussion of this estimate), or 0.06 hours, rounded. 
The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for 13,951 
original applicants who currently wait at bank branches for a notary 
public service to be approximately $38,212 annually, rounded (13,951 x 
$45.65 x 0.06 hours).
    The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for 13,951 
original applicants affected by the changes to Sec.  10.225(c) and who 
currently travel to bank branches to obtain a free notary public 
service to be approximately $246,640 annually, rounded ($85,938 + 
$122,490 + $38,212). This estimate is for Assumption 1 of the analysis. 
Therefore, in this final rule, the Coast Guard estimates the total 
undiscounted cost savings to these original applicants, who no longer 
need to obtain notary public service at bank branches, to be 
approximately $246,640 annually, rounded. See table 11.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.040


[[Page 102325]]


    The Coast Guard estimates the total discounted cost savings, under 
Assumption 1, over a 10-year period of analysis to be approximately 
$1.7 million, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard 
estimates the annualized cost savings to be approximately $246,640, 
rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. See table 12.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.041

Cost Savings Analysis for Assumption 2 for the Change to Sec.  
10.225(c)
    Because the Coast Guard does not collect data on where original 
applicants obtain a notary public service, with Assumption 2, the Coast 
Guard assumed half of the original applicants who currently apply for 
an MMC obtain a notary public service at a bank branch free of charge 
and half at a notary public, where there is a fee for the service. The 
half of the affected population who currently obtain a notary public 
service at a location other than a bank branch under this assumption 
consists of approximately 6,976 original applicants. As in Assumption 
1, 13,951 original applicants travel the same distance of about 6.7 
miles one-way or about 13.4 miles round-trip to a bank branch or a 
notary public service. For the time and the associated labor cost, it 
does not make a difference if these original applicants travel to a 
notary public service rather than a bank branch; they still incur the 
same labor cost for the travel time as in Assumption 1. The Coast Guard 
estimated earlier this total undiscounted labor cost, or labor travel 
time cost (VTTS), for 13,951 original applicants to be approximately 
$85,938 annually, rounded.
    Similarly, these original applicants incur a mileage cost. As in 
Assumption 1, it does not make a difference if they travel to a notary 
public service rather than a bank branch; they still incur a mileage 
cost. The Coast Guard estimated earlier the total undiscounted travel 
or mileage cost, for 13,951 original applicants, to be approximately 
$122,490 annually, rounded.
    Again, as in Assumption 1, 13,951 original applicants incur the 
cost to wait at a bank branch or a notary public service. The Coast 
Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for 13,951 original 
applicants who currently wait at bank branches or at a notary public 
service to be approximately $38,212 annually, rounded.
    With Assumption 2, the Coast Guard added the cost for half of the 
original applicants, or about 6,976, who pay for the notary public 
service outside of a bank branch. Similar to the payment of mandatory 
fees presented earlier, the Coast Guard assumed original applicants pay 
for a notary public with either a credit card or cash. For this 
analysis, the Coast Guard assumed half of the original applicants who 
currently pay for a notary public pay by credit card and half by cash. 
For the approximately 3,488 original applicants who currently pay by 
credit card, the Coast Guard used the same time estimate for this 
method of payment as we did for the payment of fees earlier, or 
approximately 0.13 hours (7.5 minutes each). The Coast Guard estimated 
the total undiscounted cost for these original applicants who currently 
pay by credit card to be approximately $20,700 annually, rounded (3,488 
x $45.65 x 0.13).
    The Coast Guard estimated the time for original applicants who 
currently pay by cash to be approximately 0.10 hours (6.0 minutes 
each). For the approximately 3,488 original applicants who currently 
pay by cash, the Coast Guard estimated the total undiscounted cost to 
be approximately $15,923 annually, rounded (3,488 x $45.65 x 0.10).
    The last of the five cost elements for Assumption 2 (which are 
cost-saving elements with this final rule) is the cost for the notary 
public service itself. The Coast Guard obtained the cost for notary 
public services in the U.S. from the organization National Notary 
(NationalNotary.org). Readers should

[[Page 102326]]

refer to footnote 11 for more information. This organization provides 
cost data for 2024 for notary public services throughout the United 
States, including Washington DC and U.S. territories.
    The Coast Guard included fees from all 50 states and Washington DC 
in this analysis.\34\ Because the organization provides a fee schedule 
for verbal oaths, the Coast Guard used these fees as a proxy for the 
signature of the notary public on Form CG719B. The fee varies from 
state to state with the lowest amount being $2 and the highest $25. Ten 
states do not have a fee schedule or do not charge a fee altogether; 
nevertheless, the Coast Guard took the statistical average of the fees 
for all 50 states and Washington, DC, for an average amount of 
approximately $6.16, rounded. Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the 
total undiscounted cost for original applicants in this assumption who 
pay for a notary public service to be approximately $42,970 annually, 
rounded (6,976 x $6.16).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ National Notary also includes fees for U.S. territories, 
with the highest amount being $25. The Coast Guard did not include 
the fees for U.S. territories in this analysis, because we have 
sufficient national data for this analysis. We used 2024 fee data 
because National Notary does not list fees for 2023 on its website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for original 
applicants in Assumption 2 for the changes to Sec.  10.225(c) in this 
final rule to be approximately $326,232 annually, rounded ($85,938 + 
$122,490 + $38,212 + $20,700 + $15,923 + $42,970). Therefore, the Coast 
Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost savings to original 
applicants who no longer need to obtain a notary public service at bank 
branches or notary public services to be approximately $326,232 
annually, rounded. See table 13.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.042

    The Coast Guard estimates the total discounted cost savings under 
Assumption 2 over a 10-year period of analysis to be approximately $2.3 
million, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard 
estimated the annualized cost savings to be approximately $326,232, 
rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. See table 14.

[[Page 102327]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.043

    As noted earlier, the cost savings that the Coast Guard estimated 
for Assumptions 1 and 2 for the change to Sec.  10.225(c) do not 
include the cost savings from the change to Sec.  10.219(d). However, 
in table 1 of this RA, where we present the total cost savings 
estimates of the final rule, the Coast Guard included the cost savings 
estimates for the change to Sec.  10.219(d), because the Coast Guard 
must add the cost savings from Sec.  10.225(c) to the cost savings 
estimate for Sec.  10.219(d). Also recall that only one of the two main 
assumptions of this analysis will hold. The Coast Guard presented two 
different scenarios, because we do not know where affected original 
applicants currently obtain a notary public service.
    For Assumption 1 and including the cost savings estimates from the 
change to Sec.  10.219(d), the Coast Guard estimates the total 
undiscounted cost savings of the final rule to be approximately 
$387,959 annually, rounded ($246,640 from Assumption 1 and Sec.  
10.225(c) + $141,320 from Sec.  10.219(d)). The Coast Guard estimated 
the 10-year total discounted cost savings of the final rule to be 
approximately $2.7 million, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. 
The Coast Guard estimated the annualized cost savings to be 
approximately $387,959, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. See 
table 15.

[[Page 102328]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.044

    Readers should compare the total cost savings estimate and 
annualized cost savings estimate for the final rule in table 15 with 
the total cost savings estimate of the final rule for Assumption 1 in 
table 1.
    For Assumption 2 and including the cost savings estimates from the 
change to Sec.  10.219(d), the Coast Guard estimates the total 
undiscounted cost savings of the final rule to be approximately 
$467,552 annually, rounded ($326,232 from Assumption 2 and Sec.  
10.225(c) + $141,320 from Sec.  10.219(d)). The Coast Guard estimates 
the 10-year total discounted cost savings of the final rule for 
Assumption 2 to be approximately $3.3 million, rounded, using a 7-
percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost 
savings to be approximately $467,552, rounded, using a 7-percent 
discount rate. See table 16.

[[Page 102329]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.045

    Readers should compare the total cost savings estimate and 
annualized cost savings estimate for the final rule in table 16 with 
the total cost savings estimate of the final rule for Assumption 2 in 
table 1.
    Including Federal Government cost savings, the Coast Guard 
estimates the 10-year total discounted cost savings of the final rule 
under Assumption 1 to be about $2.96 million ($2,724,864 from table 15 
and $230,491 from table 7), rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. 
We estimate the annualized cost savings to be approximately $420,776, 
rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate ($387,959 from table 15 + 
$32,817 from table 7). See table 17.
    Including Federal Government cost savings, the Coast Guard 
estimates the 10-year total discounted cost savings of the final rule 
under Assumption 2 to be about $3.5 million ($3,283,889 from table 16 
and $230,491 from table 7), rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. 
We estimate the annualized cost savings to be approximately $500,369, 
rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate ($467,552 from table 16 + 
$32,817 from table 7). See table 17.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17DE24.046

Unquantifiable Benefits of the Final Rule
    This final rule creates unquantifiable benefits for MMC applicants. 
This includes the flexibility to submit documents electronically; the 
changes are contained in Sec. Sec.  1.03-15(h)(2)(i) and 10.219(i)(1). 
Because this is an option in the future, the Coast Guard does not have 
data at this point to estimate the cost savings that are associated 
with the electronic submission of documents, if applicants were to 
choose this option.
    The use of Pay.gov provides a benefit to applicants because it is a 
free and

[[Page 102330]]

secure service that allows applicants to make payments to most Federal 
Government agencies. Pay.gov uses the latest industry-standard payment 
methods and encryption technology to safely collect, store, transmit, 
and protect applicants' personal information throughout the payment 
process. Applicants can access and make payments through Pay.gov 24 
hours a day, 7 days a week, and every day of the year, including 
holidays.
    In table 2, the Coast Guard lists the unquantifiable benefits where 
the regulatory text changes are more than minor grammatical changes.
Analysis of Alternatives
    (1) Industry would continue to meet the current requirements in 
subchapter A, part 1 and subchapter B, parts 10-16 of title 46 of the 
CFR (current baseline without regulatory action).
    This alternative represents the current state of the MCP with no 
updates to 46 CFR subchapter A, part 1 and subchapter B, parts 10-16. 
The Coast Guard rejected this alternative, because it does not require 
that applicants pay mandatory fees electronically through Pay.gov. This 
alternative maintains all the current, estimated, undiscounted costs 
between $246,640 and $326,232 annually, rounded (see the estimated 
costs under Assumptions 1 and 2, respectively, in the preferred 
alternative). The Coast Guard also continues to request applicants 
provide receipt of payment when using Pay.gov (for example, attach 
receipt to applications and provide receipt for MCP services) although 
this is not required. Applicants still have the option of paying 
mandatory fees in person at an REC through cash, check, credit card, 
and money order. Although in-person payments remain an option, these 
applicants would not realize potential cost savings by using Pay.gov. 
In-person and standard mail payments made by applicants maintain the 
options that currently exist, which some applicants may find more 
convenient (for in-person payments, perhaps as a customer service 
benefit) over payments by electronic means. This alternative would also 
not result in time and cost savings to original applicants, who would 
still be required to take an oath before an authorized individual. 
Additionally, this alternative would not clarify existing regulatory 
text.
    (2) The Coast Guard would update regulatory requirements to align 
with a new MCP IT system and update mandatory fees with an incentive 
for electronic payment.
    With this alternative, the Coast Guard would replace the current 
MMLD database and would propose changes to 46 CFR parts 10 through 14 
and 16 to increase electronic submission of documents to support the 
credentialing process. With this alternative, the Coast Guard would 
provide an incentive to applicants to electronically pay mandatory fees 
through Pay.gov. It would be beneficial to applicants, who would save 
time and money; however, the Coast Guard is unable to estimate a cost 
savings for this item under this alternative because it would require a 
lengthy analysis of the Coast Guard's mandatory fee program.
    The Coast Guard rejected this alternative because the update would 
require additional regulatory action to allow for future changes in the 
system, and any changes to mandatory fees would require further study 
and analysis by the Coast Guard, which would require the use of limited 
additional time and resources.
    (3) The Coast Guard would update regulatory requirements to align 
with a new MCP IT system and require electronic payment but would not 
address mandatory fees.
    With this alternative, the Coast Guard would not update the 
mandatory fees together with the requirement for the electronic payment 
of fees by individuals through a new MCP IT system. However, the Coast 
Guard kept the requirement under the preferred alternative (final rule) 
for the electronic payment of fees by applicants saving them 
approximately $141,320 annually, rounded (see the analysis for the 
preferred alternative for the derivation of this estimate), because it 
would not be connected to a new MCP IT system.
    The Coast Guard rejected this alternative because the new system is 
at the beginning stages of development, and, as a result, the Coast 
Guard is unable to estimate the economic impact of this new system on 
applicants and companies. Therefore, the Coast Guard cannot accurately 
determine any adjustments to mandatory fees based on the new system's 
capabilities, potential costs to support the system, or cost savings 
generated from the system.
    (4) Preferred Alternative--Update 46 CFR subchapter A, part 1 and 
subchapter B, parts 10-16 to update regulatory requirements to align 
with a new MCP IT system, require the electronic payment of fees and 
the option of electronic submission of supporting documents for an MMC 
application, remove the requirement for an oath to be administered by 
an authorized individual, and make editorial and non-substantive 
changes that clarify existing regulatory text.
    We selected this preferred alternative because with this final 
rule, applicants will be required to pay mandatory fees electronically 
using Pay.gov, which will result in cost savings to them from not 
having to visit RECs in person. Additionally, applicants will benefit 
from this final rule because it will create an option for the 
electronic submission of certain documents in Sec. Sec.  1.03-
15(h)(2)(i) and 10.219(i)(1). However, it should be noted that this 
preferred alternative removes the flexibility for applicants who wish 
to continue to pay the mandatory fees in person. We analyzed the time 
and cost difference between the different payment methods and the 
requirement to use Pay.gov previously in this regulatory analysis.
    This alternative also aligns with Department of Treasury 
regulations for promoting efficient, effective cash management through 
improved billing, collection, deposit, and payment of funds. The Coast 
Guard also removes the requirement for an oath to be taken by original 
applicants when they submit their MMC application. This saves time and 
money for original applicants who no longer need to travel to a bank or 
a bank branch or a notary public service to have the oath administered. 
Lastly, the Coast Guard makes numerous editorial changes to the 
affected CFR subchapters that clarify existing regulatory text. The 
Coast Guard analyzed and presented the cost savings and other 
unquantifiable benefits associated with this alternative earlier in 
this RA.

B. Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, we 
have considered whether this final rule has a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000.
    Based on the analysis in Section A, Regulatory Planning and Review, 
we found this final rule does not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities. The provisions of this final 
rule, which have an economic impact, affect individuals who apply for 
an MMC and do not directly regulate small entities. These include 
provisions that require electronic payment of merchant mariner 
credentialing fees in Sec.  10.219(d), remove the requirement for an 
oath to be administered by an authorized official on Form CG-719B in 
Sec.  10.225(c), and

[[Page 102331]]

allow for the electronic submission of certain documents in Sec.  1.03-
15(h)(2)(i) for appeals involving course approvals and merchant mariner 
personnel issues and in Sec.  10.219(i) for requests involving no-fee 
MMCs. Since individual members of the public that are applying for MMCs 
are not considered to be small entities under the RFA, we have found 
that no small entities are impacted by these provisions of the final 
rule.
    Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that 
this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities because based on our analysis, the 
provisions of the final rule that have an economic impact (which also 
include editorial changes) affect applicants and do not directly 
regulate or affect small entities. The changes we made to all of the 
remaining provisions are editorial in nature (see table 4 in Section V, 
Regulatory Analysis, for a list of these changes).

C. Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996, Public Law 104-121, we offer to assist small 
entities in understanding this final rule so that they can better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. The 
Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or 
complain about this final rule or any policy or action of the Coast 
Guard.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247).

D. Collection of Information

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires 
the U.S. Coast Guard to consider the impact of paperwork and other 
information collection burdens imposed on the public. According to the 
1995 amendments to the Paperwork Reduction Act, an agency may not 
collect or sponsor the collection of information, nor may it impose an 
information collection requirement unless it displays a currently valid 
OMB control number.
    The Coast Guard has determined that the final rule will not result 
in a new collection nor modify an existing collection of information. 
Thus, this final rule does not change the burden, number of 
respondents, or number of responses in the collections currently 
approved by OMB under OMB Control Numbers 1625-0012 with a title of 
``Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariners'' and 1625-0040 with a 
title of ``Applications for Merchant Mariners Credentials and Medical 
Certificates.''

E. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 
(Federalism) if it has a substantial direct effect on States, on the 
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13132 and 
have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132. Our analysis follows.
    It is well settled that States may not regulate in categories 
reserved for regulation by the Coast Guard. It is also well settled 
that all of the categories covered in 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 7101, and 
8101 (design, construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, operation, 
equipping, personnel qualification, and manning of vessels), as well as 
the reporting of casualties and any other category in which Congress 
intended the Coast Guard to be the sole source of a vessel's 
obligations, are within the field foreclosed from regulation by the 
States. See the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Locke and 
Intertanko v. Locke, 529 U.S. 89, 120 S.Ct. 1135 (2000). Therefore, 
because the States may not regulate within these categories, this rule 
is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption 
requirements described in Executive Order 13132.

F. Unfunded Mandates

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Although this rule will not result 
in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

G. Taking of Private Property

    This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630 (Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights).

H. Civil Justice Reform

    This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform) to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

I. Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045 (Protection 
of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks). This 
rule is not an economically significant rule and will not create an 
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might 
disproportionately affect children.

J. Indian Tribal Governments

    This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 
13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), 
because it will not have a substantial direct effect on one or more 
Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and 
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

K. Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211 (Actions 
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use). We have determined that it is not a 
``significant energy action'' under that order because it is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is 
not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy. We have determined that it is not a 
``significant energy action'' under Executive Order 13211, because 
although it is a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on 
the supply, distribution, or use of energy, and the Administrator of 
OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated 
it as a significant energy action.

L. Technical Standards and Incorporation by Reference

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, codified as a 
note to 15 U.S.C. 272, directs agencies to use voluntary consensus 
standards in

[[Page 102332]]

their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, 
through OMB, with an explanation of why using these standards would be 
inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary 
consensus standards are technical standards (for example, 
specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test 
methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) 
that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies.
    This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not 
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

M. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing 
instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), 
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have made 
a determination that this action is one of a category of actions that 
do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the 
human environment. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting 
this determination is available in the docket. For instructions on 
locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble. This 
final rule is categorically excluded under paragraphs L54 and L56 of 
Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. 
Paragraph L54 pertains to regulations that are editorial or procedural. 
Paragraph L56 pertains to regulations concerning the training, 
qualifying, licensing, and disciplining of maritime personnel.
    This final rule involves regulatory changes that are needed for 
implementation of a new information technology system that will replace 
the current MMLD database used by the Coast Guard to process mariner 
credentials. This new system features an electronic platform for 
activities such as mariners providing documents for applying for or 
maintaining mariner credentials, or submitting associated fees. In 
addition, the rule includes technical amendments, such as updates, to 
addresses and websites necessary for accessing or using MMLD.

List of Subjects

46 CFR Part 1

    Administrative practice and procedure, Organization and functions 
(Government agencies), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 10

    Penalties, Personally identifiable information, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Seamen.

46 CFR Part 11

    Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Schools, 
Seamen.

46 CFR Part 12

    Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seamen.

46 CFR Part 13

    Cargo vessels, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seamen.

46 CFR Part 14

    Oceanographic research vessels, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Seamen.

46 CFR Part 15

    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seamen, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 16

    Drug testing, Marine safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Safety, Transportation.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is 
amending 46 CFR parts 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 as follows:

PART 1--ORGANIZATION, GENERAL COURSE AND METHODS GOVERNING MARINE 
SAFETY FUNCTION

0
1. The authority citation for part 1 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552; 14 U.S.C. 503; 46 U.S.C. 7701; 46 
U.S.C. Chapter 93; Secs. 101, 888, and 1512, Pub. L. 107-296, 116 
Stat. 2135; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; Sec.  
1.01-35 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507; and Sec.  
1.03-55 also issued under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 3306(j).


0
2. Amend Sec.  1.01-15 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  1.01-15  Organization; Districts; National Maritime Center.

* * * * *
    (e) Applicants for merchant mariner credentials may apply to the 
Coast Guard National Maritime Center or any of the NMC detachments. 
Applicants may contact the National Maritime Center at 100 Forbes 
Drive, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25404, by telephone at 1-888-I-ASK-
NMC (1-888-427-5662), by email at [email protected], or online chat at 
website https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/. A list of 
NMC detachment locations is available through the website.
* * * * *

0
3. Amend Sec.  1.03-15 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (h)(2)(i); and
0
b. In paragraph (h)(2)(ii), remove the period after the words ``2703 
Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  1.03-15  General.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) Appeals involving course approvals and merchant mariner 
personnel issues must be in writing and mailed or electronically 
submitted to the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC), 
U.S. Coast Guard, Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20593-7509, by email to [email protected], or as 
prescribed by the Coast Guard.
* * * * *

PART 10--MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL

0
4. The authority citation for part 10 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 14 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 
2104, 2110; 46 U.S.C. chapter 71; 46 U.S.C. chapter 73; 46 U.S.C. 
chapter 75; 46 U.S.C. 7701, 8903, 8904, and 70105; Executive Order 
10173; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.


0
5. In part 10:,
0
a. Remove ``his or her'' wherever they appear, and add in their place 
``their''; and
0
b. Remove ``he or she'' wherever they appear, and add in their place 
``they''.

0
6. Amend Sec.  10.107 as follows:
0
a. Revise the definition of ``Regional examination center or REC''; and
0
b. Add a definition of ``Written, writing, or in writing''.
    The revision and addition read as follows:


Sec.  10.107  Definitions in subchapter B.

* * * * *
    Regional examination center or REC means a field office of the 
National Maritime Center that performs activities as required by this 
subchapter on behalf of the National Maritime Center.
* * * * *
    Written, writing, or in writing means handwritten in ink, 
mechanically or electronically printed, or any form of expression that 
can be read, reproduced, or later communicated including electronically 
submitted and stored information.
* * * * *

[[Page 102333]]

Sec.  10.203  [Amended]

0
7. Amend Sec.  10.203 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b), remove the text, ``, license, MMD, COR, or STCW 
endorsement''; and
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove the text, ``an MMD and an MMC serve'' and 
add, in its place, the text, ``an MMC serves''.

0
8. Amend Sec.  10.209 by revising the introductory text of paragraph 
(d) and paragraphs (d)(1) through (3) to read as follows:


Sec.  10.209  General application procedures.

* * * * *
    (d) The application may be submitted in a manner prescribed by the 
Coast Guard that may include in person, by mail, or other electronic 
means. A complete MMC application, which is described in Sec. Sec.  
10.223, 10.225, 10.227, 10.229, and 10.231 may include--
    (1) The application, consent for National Driver Register (NDR) 
check, oath, and the evaluation fee required by Sec.  10.219 of this 
part;
    (2) The applicant's continuous discharge book, certificate of 
identification, and MMC if expired;
    (3) Proof, in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard, which may 
include forms or other means, that the applicant passed the applicable 
vision, hearing, medical, or physical exam as required by subpart C of 
this part, or an unexpired medical certificate issued by the Coast 
Guard;
* * * * *

0
9. Amend Sec.  10.211 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (c); and
0
b. In paragraph (f), remove the word ``furnishes'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``furnish''; and
0
c. In paragraph (i), remove the words ``has applied'' and add, in their 
place, the words ``have applied''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  10.211  Criminal record review.

* * * * *
    (c) Criminal convictions. The Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA) will provide to the Coast Guard the applicant's 
FBI number and criminal record generated in the TWIC review process. 
This information will be used by the Coast Guard to determine whether 
the applicant has a record of any criminal convictions.
* * * * *

0
10. Amend Sec.  10.217 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  10.217  Merchant mariner credential application and examination 
locations.

    (a) Applicant Locations. Applicants for an MMC may apply to any of 
the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) or any other location 
designated by the Coast Guard. Applicants may contact the National 
Maritime Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, by 
telephone 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or by email at 
[email protected]. A list of locations approved for application 
submittal is available through the Coast Guard website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.
* * * * *

0
11. Amend Sec.  10.219 by revising paragraphs (d) and (i)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  10.219  Fees.

* * * * *
    (d) Unless the Coast Guard provides additional payment options, fee 
payment must be for the exact amount and must be made by electronic 
payment in a manner specified by the Coast Guard. For information 
regarding current forms of electronic payment, go to the National 
Maritime Center's (NMC) website, https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (1) An organization may submit a written request in a manner 
prescribed by the Coast Guard that may include mail, email, or 
electronic means to U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, 100 
Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, at email [email protected], in 
order to be considered an eligible organization under the criteria set 
forth in paragraph (h) of this section. With the written request, the 
organization must provide evidence of its status as a youth-oriented, 
not-for-profit, charitable organization.
* * * * *

0
12. Amend Sec.  10.223 by revising paragraph (c)(5) to read as follows:


Sec.  10.223  Modification or removal of limitations or scope.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (5) Any expired MMC held by the applicant. If still valid at the 
time of application, the applicant must surrender the old, original 
credential to the Coast Guard within 30 days of issuance of the new 
credential. If requested at the time of submission, the old MMC may be 
returned to the applicant after cancellation.
* * * * *

0
13. Amend Sec.  10.225 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  10.225  Requirements for original merchant mariner credentials.

* * * * *
    (c) Oath. Every person who receives an original MMC must first 
solemnly swear or affirm, that they will faithfully and honestly, 
according to their best skill and judgment, without concealment or 
reservation, perform all the duties required by law and obey all lawful 
orders of superior officers. This affirmation remains binding for any 
subsequently issued MMC and endorsements added to the MMC, unless 
specifically renounced in writing.


Sec.  10.227  [Amended]

0
14. Amend Sec.  10.227 as follows:
0
a. Remove the word ``present'' and add, in its place, the word 
``provide'' wherever it appears;
0
b. Remove the word ``Present'' and add, in its place, the word 
``Provide'' wherever it appears;
0
c. In paragraph (d)(4):
0
i. Remove the word ``uncanceled'' and add, in its place, the words 
``expired or uncanceled''; and
0
ii. Remove the word ``photocopy'' and add, in its place, the word 
``copy'';
0
d. In paragraph (e)(1)(iv), remove the words ``license or'';
0
e. In paragraph (e)(6)(ii), remove the words ``License or'';
0
f. In paragraph (h), remove the words ``A license, MMD, COR, STCW 
endorsement, MMC, and any endorsements thereon, are'' and add, in their 
place, the words ``An MMC, and any endorsements thereon, is''; and
0
g. In paragraph (i)(1), remove the words ``presentation of'' and add, 
in their place, the words ``providing evidence of''.

0
15. Amend Sec.  10.231 by revising paragraph (c)(5) to read as follows:


Sec.  10.231  Requirements for raises of grade or new endorsements.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (5) Any expired or uncanceled MMD, MMC, license, STCW endorsement, 
or COR held by the applicant. If one or more of these credentials are 
still valid at the time of application, a copy--front, back, and all 
attachments--will satisfy this requirement.
* * * * *


Sec.  10.232  [Amended]

0
16. Amend Sec.  10.232 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove the word ``presented'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``provided'';
0
b. In paragraph (a)(4), remove the word ``licensed'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``credentialed''; and
0
c. In paragraph (d)(6), remove the word ``License'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``credential''.

[[Page 102334]]

Sec.  10.233  [Amended]

0
17. Amend Sec.  10.233 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove the text ``License, MMD, COR, or'';
0
b. In paragraph (b), after the words ``made in writing'' add the words 
``and provided in a manner specified by the Coast Guard''; and
0
c. In paragraph (c), after the word ``Invalid'', add the words ``or 
expired''.


Sec.  10.235  [Amended]

0
18. Amend Sec.  10.235 by removing the text ``, License, MMD, and COR'' 
wherever it appears.

0
19. In Sec.  10.239, amend Table 1 by revising the entry ``MODU 
licenses'' to read as follows:


Sec.  10.239  Quick reference table for MMC requirements.

* * * * *
    Table 1 to Sec.  10.239: Quick Reference Table for MMC Requirements
* * * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                       Recommendations                                            Demonstration
      Endorsement category            Minimum age          Citizenship          Medical and          Experience         and character       Firefighting      Professional exam  of professional  Recency of service   First aid and CPR
                                                                               physical exam                                check                                                    ability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                                                              * * * * * * *
MODU............................  Sec.   11.201(e);    U.S.,                Sec.   10.302(a)...  OIM: Sec.           N/A:                Sec.   11.201(h):   Sec.   11.201(j);              N/A   original Sec.       Sec.   11.201(i).
                                   Note: exceptions.   Sec.                                       11.470;            Note exceptions in   note exceptions.    Sec.   11.903;                       11.201
                                                        10.221(a)(1);.                           B.S.: Sec.          Sec.   11.201(g)                         Sec.   11.920.                      (c)(2); renewal...
                                                       Sec.   11.201(d)...                        11.472;.            for original                                                                Sec.   10.227(e)..
                                                                                                 BCO: Sec.            national or STCW
                                                                                                  11.474;.            endorsements.
                                                                                                 ChEng: Sec.
                                                                                                  11.542; Asst.
                                                                                                  Eng: Sec.
                                                                                                  11.544.
 
                                                                                                              * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  10.302  [Amended]

0
20. In Sec.  10.302(a), remove the words ``as appropriate'' and add, in 
their place, the words ``or as directed by the Coast Guard''.


Sec.  10.404  [Amended]

0
21. Amend Sec.  10.404 by removing the text ``, License, or document'' 
wherever it appears.


Sec.  10.405  [Amended]

0
22. In Sec.  10.405, remove the words ``has attained'' wherever they 
appear and add, in their place, the words ``have attained''.


Sec.  10.407  [Amended]

0
23. In Sec.  10.407(g)(3), remove the text ``paragraph (d)'' and add, 
in its place, the text ``paragraph (e)''.


Sec.  10.409  [Amended]

0
24. In Sec.  10.409(e), remove the word ``present'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``provide''.

PART 11--REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICER ENDORSEMENTS

0
25. The authority citation for part 11 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 14 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 
and 2110; 46 U.S.C. chapter 71; 46 U.S.C. 7502, 7505, 7701, 8903, 
8904, 8906, and 70105; Executive Order 10173; DHS Delegation No. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. Section 11.107 is also issued under the 
authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.


0
26. In part 11, revise the following references wherever they appear:
0
a. ``his or her'' to read ``their''; and
0
b. ``he or she'' to read ``they''.


Sec.  11.102  [Amended]

0
27. In Sec.  11.102(a), remove the period after the text ``2703 Martin 
Luther King Jr. Avenue SE''.


Sec.  11.201  [Amended]

0
28. Amend Sec.  11.201 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c)(4), remove the word ``has'' and add, in its place, 
the word ``have'';
0
b. In paragraph (g)(1), remove the text ``License, merchant mariner 
document (MMD), or MMC'' and add, in its place, the text ``merchant 
mariner credential (MMC)'';
0
c. In paragraph (g)(2) remove the words ``license, certificate of 
registry,'' wherever it appears, and add, in their place, the text 
``MMC''; and
0
d. In paragraphs (h)(1), (i), and (k) remove the word ``present'' 
wherever it appears and add, in its place, the word ``provide''.


Sec.  11.211  [Amended]

0
29. Amend Sec.  11.211(c)(1) as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``or license'' wherever they appear; and
0
b. Remove the words ``licenses or''.


Sec.  11.217  [Amended]

0
30. Amend Sec.  11.217(a) by removing the word ``presents'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``provides''.


Sec.  11.301  [Amended]

0
31. Amend Sec.  11.301(g) by removing the words ``of the license''.


Sec.  11.337  [Amended]

0
32. Amend Sec.  11.337(a) by removing the word ``present'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``provide''.


Sec.  11.401  [Amended]

0
33. Amend Sec.  11.401 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``License or'' wherever they appear; and
0
b. in paragraph (d), remove the word ``present'' and add, in its place, 
the word ``provide''.


Sec.  11.402  [Amended]

0
34. Amend Sec.  11.402 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c)(2), remove the words ``License or''; and
0
b. In paragraph (c)(3):
0
i. Remove the words ``a License or'' and add, in their place, the text 
``an MMC''; and
0
ii. Remove the words ``Mate's License or'' and add, in their place, the 
word ``Mate's''.


Sec.  11.404  [Amended]

0
35. Amend Sec.  11.404 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(2), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``or License''.


Sec.  11.405  [Amended]

0
36. Amend Sec.  11.405(a) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.406  [Amended]

0
37. Amend Sec.  11.406 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and

[[Page 102335]]

0
b. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``or License''.


Sec.  11.407  [Amended]

0
38. Amend Sec.  11.407 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``a license or'' and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d), remove the words ``or License''.


Sec.  11.412  [Amended]

0
39. Amend Sec.  11.412 by removing the words ``a License or'' wherever 
they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.414  [Amended]

0
40. Amend Sec.  11.414(a)(1)(iii) by removing the words ``a License 
or'' and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.418  [Amended]

0
41. Amend Sec.  11.418 by removing the words ``a License or'' wherever 
they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.420  [Amended]

0
42. Amend Sec.  11.420(a) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.422  [Amended]

0
43. Amend Sec.  11.422 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(4), remove the words ``License or''; and
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``or License''.


Sec.  11.424  [Amended]

0
44. Amend Sec.  11.424 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``License or''.


Sec.  11.425  [Amended]

0
45. Amend Sec.  11.425 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d), remove the word ``presentation'' and add, in its 
place, the words ``providing evidence''.


Sec.  11.426  [Amended]

0
46. Amend Sec.  11.426(a)(1) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.427  [Amended]

0
47. Amend Sec.  11.427 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d), remove the word ``presentation'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``providing evidence''.


Sec.  11.428  [Amended]

0
48. Amend Sec.  11.428(b) by removing the words ``License or''.


Sec.  11.429  [Amended]

0
49. Amend Sec.  11.429(c) by removing the words ``License or''.


Sec.  11.433  [Amended]

0
50. Amend Sec.  11.433(a) by removing the words ``a License or'' 
wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.435  [Amended]

0
51. Amend Sec.  11.435 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. In paragraph (a)(2), remove the words ``License or''.


Sec.  11.437  [Amended]

0
52. In Sec.  11.437(a)(3):
0
a. Remove the words ``holding a License or'' and add, in their place, 
the words ``holding an''; and
0
b. Remove the words ``this License'' and add, in their place, the words 
``this MMC endorsement''.


Sec.  11.442  [Amended]

0
53. Amend Sec.  11.442(a) by removing the words ``a License or'' 
wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.444  [Amended]

0
54. Amend Sec.  11.444(a)(2) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.446  [Amended]

0
55. Amend Sec.  11.446 by removing the words ``a License or'' wherever 
they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.450  [Amended]

0
56. Amend Sec.  11.450 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``Licenses or''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d), remove the word ``License'' and add, in its place, 
the word ``endorsement''.


 Sec.  11.452  [Amended]

0
57. Amend Sec.  11.452 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a):
0
i. Remove the words ``or License ''; and
0
ii. Remove the words ``a License or'' and add, in their place, the word 
``an''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``License or''.


Sec.  11.454  [Amended]

0
58. Amend Sec.  11.454 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c), remove the word ``presentation'' and add, in its 
place, the words ``providing evidence''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.457  [Amended]

0
59. Amend Sec.  11.457 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove the word ``present'' and add, in its place, 
the word ``provide''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``License or''.


Sec.  11.462  [Amended]

0
60. Amend Sec.  11.462 by removing the words ``a License or'' wherever 
they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.464  [Amended]

0
61. Amend Sec.  11.464 by removing the words ``a License or'' wherever 
they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.465  [Amended]

0
62. Amend Sec.  11.465 by removing the words ``a License or'' wherever 
they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.466  [Amended]

0
63. Amend Sec.  11.466(b) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.470  [Amended]

0
64. Amend Sec.  11.470 as follows:
0
a. Remove the word ``Present'' wherever it appears and add, in its 
place, the word ``Provide'';
0
b. In paragraph (d)(2)(i), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, 
in their place, the word ``an'';
0
c. In paragraphs (e), (g), and (i), remove the words ``License or''; 
and
0
d. In paragraph (j)(2)(i), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, 
in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.472  [Amended]

0
65. Amend Sec.  11.472 as follows:
0
a. Remove the word ``Present'' wherever it appears and add, in its 
place, the word ``Provide''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``license or''.


Sec.  11.474  [Amended]

0
66. Amend Sec.  11.474 as follows:
0
a. Remove the word ``Present'' wherever it appears and add, in its 
place, the word ``Provide'';
0
b. In paragraph (a)(1)(i), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, 
in their place, the word ``an''; and
0
c. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``License or''.

[[Page 102336]]

Sec.  11.480  [Amended]

0
67. In Sec.  11.480(d), remove the word ``present'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``provide''; and remove the text ``fax,''.


Sec.  11.482  [Amended]

0
68. Amend Sec.  11.482 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``License or'' wherever they appear; and
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.491  [Amended]

0
69. Amend Sec.  11.491(a) by removing the words ``License or''.


Sec.  11.501  [Amended]

0
70. Amend Sec.  11.501 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``Licenses or''; and
0
b. In paragraphs (d) and (e), remove the words ``License or'' wherever 
they appear.


Sec.  11.502  [Amended]

0
71. Amend Sec.  11.502(b) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.503  [Amended]

0
72. Amend Sec.  11.503 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear, and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. In paragraph (c)(2), remove the words ``licensed or''.


Sec.  11.510  [Amended]

0
73. Amend Sec.  11.510(a)(2) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.512  [Amended]

0
74. Amend Sec.  11.512(a)(1) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.514  [Amended]

0
75. Amend Sec.  11.514(a) by removing the words ``a License or'' 
wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.542  [Amended]

0
76. Amend Sec.  11.542 as follows:
0
a. Remove the word ``Present'' wherever it appears, and add, in its 
place, the word ``Provide''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``presentation of'' and add, in 
their place, the word ``providing''.


Sec.  11.544  [Amended]

0
77. Amend Sec.  11.544 as follows:
0
a. Remove the word ``Present'' wherever it appears, and add, in its 
place, the word ``Provide''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``presentation of the'' and add, 
in their place, the word ``providing''.


Sec.  11.603  [Amended]

0
78. Amend Sec.  11.603 by removing the words ``License must present'' 
and adding, in their place, the text ``an MMC must provide evidence 
of''.


Sec.  11.604  [Amended]

0
79. Amend Sec.  11.604 by removing the word ``present'' and adding, in 
its place, the word ``provide''.


Sec.  11.701  [Amended]

0
80. Amend Sec.  11.701(d) by removing the words ``A License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``An''.


Sec.  11.703  [Amended]

0
81. Amend Sec.  11.703(d) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.705  [Amended]

0
82. Amend Sec.  11.705(c) by removing the words ``License or'' wherever 
they appear.


Sec.  11.707  [Amended]

0
83. Amend Sec.  11.707(b) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  11.713  [Amended]

0
84. Amend Sec.  11.713 by removing the words ``License or'' wherever 
they appear.


Sec.  11.805  [Amended]

0
85. Amend Sec.  11.805 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove the word ``present'', and add, in its 
place, the word ``provide''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove the word ``is'' and add, in their place, 
the word ``are''.


Sec.  11.807  [Amended]

0
86. Amend Sec.  11.807(d) by removing the word ``presents'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``provides''.


Sec.  11.821  [Amended]

0
87. Amend Sec.  11.821(b)(2) by removing the word ``Present'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  11.903  [Amended]

0
88. Amend Sec.  11.903(c)(1) by removing the words ``a License'' and 
adding, in their place, the words ``an endorsement''.


Sec.  11.920  [Amended]

0
89. In Sec.  11.920, amend the heading to Table 2 by removing the word 
``Licenses'' and add, in its place, the word ``Endorsements''.

PART 12--REQUIREMENTS FOR RATING ENDORSEMENTS

0
90. The authority citation for part 12 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 2110, 7301, 
7302, 7503, 7505, 7701, and 70105; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, 
Revision No. 01.4.


Sec.  12.201  [Amended]

0
91. Amend Sec.  12.201(a)(2) by removing the words ``his or her'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``their''.


Sec.  12.401  [Amended]

0
92. Amend Sec.  12.401(c)(3) by removing the word ``Present'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  12.405  [Amended]

0
93. Amend Sec.  12.405(a) by removing the words ``he or she'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``they''.


Sec.  12.407  [Amended]

0
94. Amend Sec.  12.407(b)(1)(iii), by removing the word ``Present'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  12.409  [Amended]

0
95. Amend Sec.  12.409(b)(1)(iii), by removing the word ``Present'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  12.501  [Amended]

0
96. Amend Sec.  12.501(c)(3), by removing the word ``Present'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  12.625  [Amended]

0
97. Amend Sec.  12.625(a)(1) by removing the word ``Present'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  12.627  [Amended]

0
98. Amend Sec.  12.627(a)(1) by removing the word ``Present'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  12.707  [Amended]

0
99. Amend Sec.  12.707 by removing the word ``present'' and adding, in 
its place, the word ``provides''.


Sec.  12.709  [Amended]

0
100. Amend Sec.  12.709(a) by removing the word ``present'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``provides''.


Sec.  12.711  [Amended]

0
101. Amend Sec.  12.711(a) by removing the word ``presents'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``provides''.

[[Page 102337]]

Sec.  12.809  [Amended]

0
102. Amend Sec.  12.809(b) by removing the word ``present'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``provide''.

PART 13--CERTIFICATION OF TANKERMEN

0
103. The authority citation for part 13 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3703, 7317, 8105, 8703, 9102; DHS 
Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.


Sec.  13.107  [Amended]

0
104. Amend Sec.  13.107 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove the words ``engineer License or engineer'' 
and add, in their place, the words ``engineer officer''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d), remove the words ``licensed or''.


Sec.  13.111  [Amended]

0
105. Amend Sec.  13.111 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (d)(3), remove the word ``Present'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``Provide''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d)(4):
0
i. Remove the words ``Present evidence in the form of a letter'' and 
add, in their place, the words ``Provide evidence in a method 
prescribed by the Coast Guard''; and
0
ii. Remove the words ``on company letterhead''.


Sec.  13.120  [Amended]

0
106. Amend Sec.  13.120 by removing the word ``present'' wherever it 
appears and adding, in its place, the word ``provide''.


Sec.  13.201  [Amended]

0
107. Amend Sec.  13.201(c) introductory text, by removing the word 
``Present'' and adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.;


Sec.  13.203  [Amended]

0
108. Amend Sec.  13.203 by removing the word ``present'' wherever it 
appears, and adding, in its place, the word ``provide''.


Sec.  13.205  [Amended]

0
109. Amend Sec.  13.205 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``Proof of service must be provided in a letter on 
company letterhead'' and add, in their place, the words ``Provide 
evidence in a method prescribed by the Coast Guard of proof of 
service''; and
0
b. Remove the words ``The letter'' and add, in their place, the words 
``The evidence''.


Sec.  13.301  [Amended]

0
110. Amend Sec.  13.301(c) by removing the word ``Present'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  13.303  [Amended]

0
111. Amend Sec.  13.303(a) by removing the word ``present'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``provide''.


Sec.  13.305  [Amended]

0
112. Amend Sec.  13.305 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``Proof of service must be provided in a letter on 
company letterhead'' and add, in their place, the words ``Provide 
evidence in a method prescribed by the Coast Guard of proof of 
service''; and
0
b. Remove the words ``The letter'' and add, in their place, the words 
``The evidence''.


Sec.  13.401  [Amended]

0
113. Amend Sec.  13.401 by removing the word ``Present'' wherever it 
appears, and adding, in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  13.405  [Amended]

0
114. Amend Sec.  13.405(a) as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``A letter on company letterhead'' and add, in 
their place, the words ``Evidence in a method prescribed by the Coast 
Guard''; and
0
b. Remove the words ``The letter'' and add, in their place, the words 
``The evidence''.


Sec.  13.501  [Amended]

0
115. Amend Sec.  13.501(c) by removing the word ``Present'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``Provide''.


Sec.  13.503  [Amended]

0
116. Amend Sec.  13.503(a) by removing the word ``present'' and adding, 
in its place, the word ``provide''.


Sec.  13.505  [Amended]

0
117. Amend Sec.  13.505(a) as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``Service must be proved by a letter on company 
letterhead'' and add, in their place, the words ``Provide evidence in a 
method prescribed by the Coast Guard of proof of service''; and
0
b. Remove the words ``The letter'' and add, in their place, the words 
``The evidence''.

PART 14--SHIPMENT AND DISCHARGE OF MERCHANT MARINERS

0
118. The authority citation for part 14 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 552; 46 U.S.C. Chapters 103 and 104; 46 
U.S.C. 70105.


0
119. In part 14, revise all references to ``his or her'' to read 
``their''.


Sec.  14.103  [Amended]

0
120. In Sec.  14.103(c), remove the text ``https://www.uscg.mil/nmc'' 
and add, in its place, the text ``https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/''.


Sec.  14.205  [Amended]

0
121. Amend Sec.  14.205 as follows:
0
a. Remove the word ``present'' and add, in its place, the word 
``provide''; and
0
b. Remove the words ``every document, certificate, credential, or 
license'' and add, in their place, the words ``a merchant mariner 
credential with endorsements''.


Sec.  14.207  [Amended]

0
122. In Sec.  14.207(a)(1), remove the text ``license, MMD or''.

0
123. Revise Sec.  14.307 to read as follows:


Sec.  14.307  Entries on certificate of discharge.

    (a) Each master or individual in charge of a vessel must, for each 
merchant mariner being discharged from the vessel, prepare a 
certificate of discharge in accordance with the procedure prescribed by 
the Coast Guard. The prescribed format may include the current form CG-
718A or other means provided by the Coast Guard. If not using the Coast 
Guard prescribed format, the mariner must be provided with all the same 
information included on the certificate of discharge.
    (b) Each mariner being discharged must validate the information on 
the certificate of discharge by signing it.
    (c) When the mariner leaves the vessel, the master or individual in 
charge must give the certificate of discharge to the mariner.


Sec.  14.403  [Amended]

0
124. Amend Sec.  14.403(a)(2) by removing the word ``presented'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``provided''.


Sec.  14.405  [Amended]

0
125. Amend Sec.  14.405 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c), before the words ``will forward the request'', add 
the text ``OCMI''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d), remove the words ``the Coast Guard. The Coast 
Guard will'' and add, in their place, the text ``the Coast Guard OCMI 
in whose zone the vessel is located. The Coast Guard OCMI will''.


Sec.  14.407  [Amended]

0
126. In Sec.  14.407(a), remove the words ``to the address provided'' 
and add, in their place, the words ``in a manner specified''.

[[Page 102338]]

PART 15--MANNING REQUIREMENTS

0
127. The authority citation for part 15 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 3306, 3703, 8101, 8102, 8103, 
8104, 8105, 8301, 8304, 8502, 8503, 8701, 8702, 8901, 8902, 8903, 
8904, 8905(b), 8906 and 9102; sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 
2905; and DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.


Sec.  15.105  [Amended]

0
128. Amend Sec.  15.105 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``Licenses and''; and
0
b. In paragraph (h), remove the words ``License or''.


Sec.  15.410  [Amended]

0
129. Amend Sec.  15.410 by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  15.515  [Amended]

0
130. In Sec.  15.515, remove the words ``License or''.


Sec.  15.520  [Amended]

0
131. Amend Sec.  15.520 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear, and add, in 
their place, the word ``an'';
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``A License or'' wherever it 
appears, and add, in their place, the word ``An'';
0
c. In paragraph (d), remove the text ``a License as Master endorsed as 
OIM, or'';
0
d. In paragraph (e), remove the text ``a License as Master endorsed as 
OIM or''; and
0
e. In paragraph (g), remove the words ``License, or an''.


Sec.  15.605  [Amended]

0
132. Amend Sec.  15.605 by removing the words ``a License or'' wherever 
they appear and adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  15.610  [Amended]

0
133. Amend Sec.  15.610(b) as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' and add, in their place, the word 
``an''; and
0
b. Before the text ``MMC for towing vessels'', remove the words 
``License or''.


Sec.  15.701  [Amended]

0
134. Amend Sec.  15.701(b) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  15.730  [Amended]

0
135. In Sec.  15.730(d), remove the word ``presented'' and add, in its 
place, the word ``provided''.


Sec.  15.805  [Amended]

0
136. Amend Sec.  15.805 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear, and add, in 
their place, the word ``an'';
0
b. In paragraph (a), remove the words ``License as or a''; and
0
c. In paragraph (b), remove the word ``is'' and add, in their place, 
the word ``are''.


Sec.  15.810  [Amended]

0
137. Amend Sec.  15.810 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear and add, in 
their place, the word ``an'';
0
b. In paragraphs (c) and (d)(2), remove the words ``License or''; and
0
c. In paragraph (d)(2)(ii), remove the words ``A License or'' and add, 
in their place, the word ``An''.138. Amend Sec.  15.812 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraphs (b) and (c), table 1 to Sec.  15.812(e)(1), and 
table 2 to Sec.  15.812(e)(2);
0
b. In paragraph (f), remove the words ``valid License or'' wherever 
they appear and add, in their place, the word ``or''; and
0
c. In paragraph (f)(1)(i), remove the words ``a License or'' and add, 
in their place, the word ``an''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  15.812  Pilots.

* * * * *
    (b) The following individuals may serve as a Pilot on a vessel 
subject to paragraph (a) of this section, when underway on the 
navigable waters of the United States that are designated areas:
    (1) An individual holding a valid MMC officer endorsement as First-
Class Pilot, operating within the restrictions of their credential, may 
serve as Pilot on any vessel to which this section applies.
    (2) An individual holding a valid MMC officer endorsement as Master 
or Mate, employed aboard a vessel within the restrictions of their 
credential, may serve as Pilot on a vessel of not more than 1,600 GRT 
propelled by machinery, described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (3) of this 
section, provided they--
    (i) Are at least 21 years old;
    (ii) Are able to show current knowledge of the waters to be 
navigated, as required in Sec.  11.713 of this subchapter; and
    (iii) Provide evidence of completing a minimum of four roundtrips 
over the route to be traversed while in the wheelhouse as watchstander 
or observer. At least one of the roundtrips must be made during the 
hours of darkness if the route is to be traversed during darkness.
    (3) An individual holding a valid MMC officer endorsement as 
Master, Mate, or operator employed aboard a vessel within the 
restrictions of their credential, may serve as Pilot on a tank barge or 
tank barges totaling not more than 10,000 GRT/GT, described in 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (3) of this section, provided they -
    (i) Are at least 21 years old;
    (ii) Are able to show current knowledge of the waters to be 
navigated, as required in Sec.  11.713 of this subchapter;
    (iii) Have a current physical examination in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  11.709 of this subchapter;
    (iv) Have at least 6 months of service in the deck department on 
towing vessels engaged in towing operations; and
    (v) Provide evidence of completing a minimum of 12 roundtrips over 
the route to be traversed, as an observer or under instruction in the 
wheelhouse. At least three of the roundtrips must be made during the 
hours of darkness if the route is to be traversed during darkness.
    (c) An individual holding a valid MMC officer endorsement as 
Master, Mate, or operator, employed aboard a vessel within the 
restrictions of their credential, may serve as a Pilot for a vessel 
subject to paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, when underway on 
the navigable waters of the United States that are not designated areas 
of pilotage waters, provided they--
    (1) Are at least 21 years old;
    (2) Are able to show current knowledge of the waters to be 
navigated, as required in Sec.  11.713 of this subchapter; and
    (3) Have a current physical examination in accordance with the 
provisions of Sec.  11.709 of this subchapter.
* * * * *

[[Page 102339]]



    Table 1 to Sec.   15.812(e)(1)--Quick Reference Table for Federal
  Pilotage Requirements for U.S.-Inspected, Self-Propelled Vessels, Not
                           Sailing on Register
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Designated areas
                                  of pilotage waters    Non-designated
                                   (routes for which   areas of pilotage
                                      First-Class       waters (between
                                      Pilot's MMC       the 3-mile line
                                        officer        and the start of
                                   endorsements are       traditional
                                        issued)        pilotage routes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspected self-propelled vessels  First-Class Pilot.  Master or Mate may
 greater than 1,600 GRT,                               serve as Pilot if
 authorized by their COI to                            they--
 proceed beyond the Boundary                          1. Are at least 21
 Line, or operating on the Great                       years old;
 Lakes.                                               2. Have an annual
                                                       physical exam;
                                                       and
                                                      3. Maintain
                                                       current knowledge
                                                       of the waters to
                                                       be navigated.\1\
Inspected self-propelled vessels  First-Class Pilot,  Master or Mate may
 not more than 1,600 GRT,          or Master or Mate   serve as Pilot if
 authorized by their COI to        may serve as        they--
 proceed beyond the Boundary       Pilot if they--    1. Are at least 21
 Line, or operating on the Great  1. Are at least 21   years old; and
 Lakes.                            years old;.        2. Maintain
                                  2. Maintains         current knowledge
                                   current knowledge   of the waters to
                                   of the waters to    be navigated.\1\
                                   be navigated; and
                                   \1\.
                                  3. Have four
                                   roundtrips over
                                   the route.\2\.
Inspected self-propelled vessels  First-Class Pilot.  Master or Mate may
 greater than 1,600 GRT, not                           serve as Pilot if
 authorized by their COI to                            they--
 proceed beyond the Boundary                          1. Are at least 21
 Line (inland route vessels);                          years old;
 other than vessels operating on                      2. Have an annual
 the Great Lakes.                                      physical exam;
                                                       and
                                                      3. Maintain
                                                       current knowledge
                                                       of the waters to
                                                       be navigated.\1\
Inspected self-propelled vessels  No pilotage         No pilotage
 not more than 1,600 GRT, not      requirement.        requirement.
 authorized by their COI to
 proceed beyond the Boundary
 Line (inland route vessels);
 other than vessels operating on
 the Great Lakes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ One roundtrip within the past 60 months.
\2\ If the route is to be traversed during darkness, one of the four
  roundtrips must be made during darkness.

* * * * *

    Table 2 to Sec.   15.812(e)(2)--Quick Reference Table for Federal
  Pilotage Requirements for U.S.-Inspected Tank Barges, Not Sailing on
                                Register
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Designated areas
                                  of pilotage waters    Non-designated
                                   (routes for which   areas of pilotage
                                      First-Class       waters (between
                                      Pilot's MMC       the 3-mile line
                                        officer        and the start of
                                   endorsements are       traditional
                                        issued)        pilotage routes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tank Barges greater than 10,000   First-Class Pilot.  Master, Mate, or
 GRT/GT, authorized by their COI                       Master, Mate
 to proceed beyond the Boundary                        (Pilot) of towing
 Line, or operating on the Great                       vessels may serve
 Lakes.                                                as Pilot if they:
                                                      1. Are at least 21
                                                       years old;
                                                      2. Have an annual
                                                       physical exam;
                                                       \2\
                                                      3. Maintain
                                                       current knowledge
                                                       of the waters to
                                                       be navigated; \1\
                                                       and
                                                      4. Have at least 6
                                                       months' service
                                                       in the deck
                                                       department on
                                                       towing vessels
                                                       engaged in towing
                                                       operations.
Tank Barges 10,000 GRT/GT or      First-Class Pilot,
 less, authorized by their COI     or Master, Mate,
 to proceed beyond the Boundary    or Master, Mate
 Line, or operating on the Great   (Pilot) of towing
 Lakes.                            vessels may serve
                                   as Pilot if they:
                                  1. Are at least 21
                                   years old;.
                                  2. Have an annual
                                   physical exam;
                                   \2\.
                                  3. Maintain
                                   current knowledge
                                   of the waters to
                                   be navigated; \1\
                                  4. Have at least 6
                                   months' service
                                   in the deck
                                   department on
                                   towing vessels
                                   engaged in towing
                                   operations; and
                                  5. Have 12
                                   roundtrips over
                                   the route.\3\
Tank Barges authorized by their   No pilotage         No pilotage
 COI for inland routes only        requirement.        requirement.
 (lakes, bays, and sounds/
 rivers); other than vessels
 operating on the Great Lakes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ One roundtrip within the past 60 months.
\2\ Annual physical exam does not apply to an individual who will serve
  as a Pilot of a tank barge of less than 1,600 GRT.
\3\ If the route is to be traversed during darkness, three of the 12
  roundtrips must be made during darkness.


[[Page 102340]]

* * * * *


Sec.  15.815  [Amended]

0
139. Amend Sec.  15.815(c) by removing the words ``a License or'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``an''.


Sec.  15.820  [Amended]

0
140. Amend Sec.  15.820 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove the words ``or license'';
0
b. In paragraph (a)(3), remove the words ``a License or''; and
0
c. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``License or''.


Sec.  15.825  [Amended]

0
141. Amend Sec.  15.825(a) by removing the words ``License or''.


 Sec.  15.901  [Amended]

0
142. Amend Sec.  15.901 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. Remove the words ``individual's License or'' wherever they appear 
and add, in their place, the word ``individual's''.


Sec.  15.905  [Amended]

0
143. Amend Sec.  15.905 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``a License or'' wherever they appear and add, in 
their place, the word ``an''; and
0
b. Remove the words ``individual's License or'' wherever they appear, 
and add, in their place, the word ``individual's''.


Sec.  15.915  [Amended]

0
144. Amend Sec.  15.915 as follows:
0
a. Remove the words ``Licenses and'' wherever they appear; and
0
b. Remove the words ``License or'' wherever they appear.


Sec.  15.1001  [Amended]

0
145. In Sec.  15.1001, remove the words ``or License with'' and add, in 
their place, the words ``with an''.

PART 16--CHEMICAL TESTING

0
146. The authority citation for part 16 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 7101, 7301, and 7701; DHS 
Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.


0
147. Amend Sec.  16.105 by revising the definition of Credential to 
read as follows:


Sec.  16.105  Definitions of terms used in this part.

* * * * *
    Credential is the same as defined in 46 CFR 10.107.
* * * * *

0
148. Amend Sec.  16.220 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove the text ``a License, Certificate of 
Registry (COR), MMD, or'' and add, in its place, the word ``an'';
0
b. In paragraph (a)(3), remove the text ``a License or COR'' and add, 
in its place, the text ``an MMC''; and
0
c. In paragraph (a)(5), revise the second sentence.


Sec.  16.220  Periodic testing requirements.

    (a) * * *
    (5) * * * Results of the test must be provided to the Coast Guard 
in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard.* * *
* * * * *


Sec.  16.230  [Amended]

0
149. Amend Sec.  16.230(b)(1) by removing the word ``License'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``credential''.


Sec.  16.500  [Amended]

0
150. Amend Sec.  16.500 by removing the period after the text ``2703 
Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE''.

    Dated: November 6, 2024.
W.R. Arguin,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Prevention 
Policy.
[FR Doc. 2024-27026 Filed 12-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P