AMO Currents - Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 signed into law

AMO Currents - Posted: December 28, 2012

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 signed into law

The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012, which contains provisions beneficial to U.S. merchant mariners and the American maritime industry, was signed into law last week.

As previously reported, the law mandates greater transparency in the process used in issuing waivers of U.S. navigation or vessel-inspection laws, which include the Jones Act. It authorizes reimbursement of vessel owners or operators for the cost of hiring security teams for U.S.-flagged vessels transiting piracy-prone waters while carrying U.S. government-impelled cargoes. It requires an easing of the travel burden on those requiring a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and allows for the extension of medical certificates issued to merchant mariners.

The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 contains other significant requirements that may affect the U.S.-flag fleet as they are implemented. Among these are a mandated assessment by the Coast Guard of factors impacting the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, and the establishment of a committee to assess the U.S. maritime transportation system, as well language aimed at the promotion of domestic short sea shipping.