Article Category: U.S. Coast Guard News

USCG Launches New Merchant Mariner Credential Format

On March 1, the U.S. Coast Guard began issuing merchant mariner credentials in a new format that replaces the red passport-style book with related endorsement labels, according to the National Maritime Center. “The complexity and degraded reliability of the custom printers used to print the (credential) books necessitated a change to the credential printing process,” according to USCG, adding that the new credentials are going to be “printed on readily available commercial desktop laser jet printers and will vastly improve print services and availability.” The new format is expected to be on 8.5-inch by 11-inch “waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper” and feature micro-printing, foiling, intricate patterns and other security measures.  Mariners won’t receive separate endorsement ...

Coast Guard Cutter Midgett Returns to Honolulu After 129-Day Alaska Patrol

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Midgett and crew completed a 129-day deployment that included readiness training in and around Southern California and enforcing fishery laws during 50 days on patrol in the Bering Sea. The cutter returned to its Honolulu homeport in mid-January. According to the Coast Guard, the Midgett played a role “projecting U.S. influence and protecting the nation’s interests” as the only U.S. maritime military service operating consistently in the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea and Arctic Ocean. The Midgett and its crew implemented the Coast Guard’s Arctic Strategic Outlook objectives within the 17th Coast Guard District area of responsibility, enforced fishery laws in the $13.9-billion Alaskan fishing industry and maintained a continuous search-and-rescue guard amidst hars...