Congress approves extended licenses, documents for mariners in storm-stricken states on Gulf Coast

Congress approves extended licenses, documents for mariners in storm-stricken states on Gulf Coast

The House of Representatives and the Senate in December approved legislation to extend temporarily U.S. merchant mariner documents and licenses for U.S. merchant marine officers and crews in storm-stricken Gulf Coast states.

Alaska Republican Rep. Don Young and Minnesota Democratic Rep. James Oberstar, chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, sponsored the bill.

"As this body's only licensed mariner, I understand the lengths to which our nation's mariners and vessel owners go to obtain or renew their required licenses and documents," Rep. Young said. "This bill will allow merchant mariners and vessel owners in the Gulf region to continue normal operations under existing merchant mariner documents, licenses and certificates of vessel inspection."

Rep. Young and Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), chairman of the committee's Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, praised the work of the U.S. Coast Guard in the region in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"The Coast Guard has done a remarkable job to restore most services in the Gulf region, despite suffering significant damage to Coast Guard facilities," Rep. Young said.

"We all watched in admiration at the skill of Coast Guard helicopter and boat crews who rescued more than 33,000 people to safety," Rep. LoBiondo said. "We thank them for their selfless service and celebrate their bravery and outstanding efforts."

Front Page

Return To Section-Front