The following is excerpted from a bulletin released by the U.S. Coast Guard. The complete PDF, which includes the QR code for subscribing to USCG bulletins, is available online.
National Maritime Center – U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Shipping Labels and Extended Processing Timelines
The National Maritime Center (NMC) is implementing an update to its policy regarding the use of customer-provided U.S. Postal Service (USPS) shipping labels for credential delivery.
Due to current application inventory levels and extended processing timelines, applications may not be completed for several months after submission. In accordance with USPS shipping policy, shipping labels that are more than 30-days old cannot be used. As a result, shipping labels may expire before they can be used.
Therefore, the NMC will apply the following procedures when processing and shipping credentials:
* USPS shipping labels older than 30 days will not be used.
* Credentials associated with expired labels will be shipped via USPS First-Class Mail.
* The NMC will not request replacement labels or delay issuance pending receipt of a new label.
Mariners are strongly encouraged NOT to submit USPS shipping labels with their applications and to consider current processing timelines when choosing an alternate shipping method.
Captain Nick St. Jean accepts the Citation of Merit for the crew of the El Coqui at the CSA Devlin Awards in New Orleans.
American Maritime Officers-led crews on the tanker Stena Immaculate, cargo vessel El Coqui and the inland tug MV Bulldog were spotlighted during a celebration of safety achievement during the Jones F. Devlin Awards dinner presented by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) on May 4 in New Orleans.
The 58th annual event recognized 1,157 vessels with 8,075 cumulative years of accident-free operation. Seafarers and representatives from 38 companies and their subsidiaries attended the annual industry-sponsored event.
In total, twelve companies contracted with American Maritime Officers representing more than 65 vessels received Safety Awards for the crews’ efforts to keep fellow shipmates safe. Of those vessels, a dozen had achieved more than a decade of consecutive safe operations without a reported incident.
Among the honorees included Crescent Towing; Crowley; E.N. Bisso and Son; Fairwater Tankers; Keystone Shipping; Liberty Maritime; Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.; OSG Ship Management; Pasha Hawaii; Schuyler Line Navigation Company; Tote Services and U.S. Marine Management, LLC (USMMI).
Special recognition was given to the crew of the Stena Immaculate for their brave actions after a foreign-flagged vessel crashed into the side of the Crowley tanker as it rested at anchor off the coast of the United Kingdom in March 2025. Chief Engineer Dimiter Mitev accepted the CSA’s Top Honor Award for the crew’s actions to mitigate the disaster, saving both the ship, most of its government-fuel cargo and all lives on board the tanker.
The El Coqui, a Jones Act containership with dedicated service to Puerto Rico, received a Citation of Merit for actions the crew took to save the lives of four stranded American sailors whose boat had capsized off the coast of the Dominican Republic in January 2025.
Tug Bulldog, a Crescent Towing vessel manned by AMO, was honored with a Letter of Commendation for its speedy actions to rescue stranded sailors clinging to a piling near Savannah, Ga.
CSA’s awards programs are open to all companies in the industry, both CSA member companies and non-member companies. Two different awards are given at the annual Safety Awards Luncheon – the Jones F. Devlin Safety Awards for safe vessel operation, and the Ship Safety Achievement Awards.
The Chamber of Shipping of America represents companies that own, operate, or charter U.S. and foreign flagged oceangoing tankers, container ships, and other merchant vessels engaged in domestic and international trades along with other entities that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels.
Chief Engineer Dimiter Mitev accepts the Top Honor Award for the Stena Immaculate.
Captain Steve Fazekas accepts a Letter of Commendation for the Tug Bulldog.
AMO President Willie Barrere and Legislative Consultant for AMO and AMOS Brenda Otterson greet Congressman Salud Carbajal, the recipient of the 2026 Salute to Congress Award.
Congressman Salud Carbajal, the ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, highlighted the importance of the Jones Act and the entire U.S. maritime industry in accepting the Salute to Congress Award for 2026 on May 6 in Arlington, Va.
The award is presented each year to a member of Congress for their strong support of the U.S.-flag fleet and American maritime industry by the International Propeller Club of the United States. This year, Rep. Carbajal (D-CA) took the opportunity to address the present threat to the Jones Act and discuss several crucial roles served by the domestic industry and U.S. fleet.
“The Jones Act seems to have become a scapegoat for the issue of the day. And the loudest opponents are usually the ones who have the most to gain by supplanting American ships and American workers with foreign ships and foreign workers,” Rep. Carbajal said.
“But that is why I’m here – to tell you the Jones Act is here, and it’s here to stay,” he stated. “The Jones Act works best for the American people when we don’t sideline its most important features. That’s why we’re currently considering ways to prevent broad and open-ended waivers from being issued now and in the future.
Congratulating Congressman Carbajal were AMO President Willie Barrere, AMO Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Alaina Carouge, AMO Deep Sea Vice President Jeff Richards and AMO Secretary-Treasurer Bob Rice.
“Anyone who understands business knows the importance of certainty. Certainty is our best friend,” he said. “The President’s recent 150-day waiver does just the opposite. I believe that Congress needs to strengthen the Jones Act and spur, rather than discourage, investment in the industry.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have been committed to protecting the Jones Act, revitalizing the U.S.-flag fleet and ensuring our ports remain competitive. Moving forward, I am committed to strengthening a vibrant employment base for our maritime workforce. The Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and cargo preference laws are vital to ensure business for the U.S.-flag fleet and U.S. shipyards so they can continue to employ highly trained and qualified mariners and shipyard workers.
“Federal support programs must be protected and strengthened,” he said. “If the playing field is leveled, I have no doubt that American workers can compete internationally. Through the SHIPS Act and the Maritime Action Plan, momentum exists to meaningfully grow shipyards, ports and the domestic and international fleets and associated workforces.
“There is no better time than now to enact meaningful legislation that positions the United States as a maritime powerhouse once again.”
During his presentation, Rep. Carbajal pointed out all elements of the American maritime industry were represented by those in attendance.
“What you do is so vitally important for our country,” he said.
“Together you represent and provide employment for hundreds of thousands of mariners, shipyard workers and longshore workers. You ensure that America can reliably carry American commerce and we’re not beholden to vessels owned by foreign interests. You are an integral part of our national security by providing vital sealift capacity. You operate small and large shipyards that build and maintain Navy and Coast Guard vessels. And you work at our ports – you keep our shelves stocked and our economy moving.”
He cited the list of senators and congressional representatives who have previously received the award, dating back to 1985. He noted the bipartisan nature of those in Congress who support the U.S. maritime industry.
“There is a reason for that. U.S. maritime issues are not Republican; they’re not Democrat issues; they are bipartisan American issues,” he said.
“I’ve been proud to champion the maritime industry, not just on behalf of the people in this room, but for everyday Americans who haven’t heard of and don’t know the important service you provide,” Rep. Carbajal said.
“Quite frankly, there is nothing more bipartisan or more American than a robust United States maritime industry.”
The following bulletin was posted by the U.S. Coast Guard on May 4. The complete PDF, which includes a QR code for subscribing to Coast Guard bulletins, is available on the AMO website.
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security and US Coast Guard has been restored, and the National Maritime Center (NMC) and Regional Examination Centers (RECs) are resuming normal operations in a phased approach to prioritize the most critical functions and address the backlog of applications and examinations resulting from the lapse in appropriations.
Application Procedures and Processing Timelines
- The Application Submission Portal (ASAP) for submission of applications and supporting documentation remains active.
- Applications for merchant mariner credentials (MMCs), medical certificates, and course approvals and related requests will be processed on a first-in/first-out basis.
- Only applications that demonstrate a clear and documented nexus to national defense will be considered for expedited processing. Marine employers with national defense-related requests are advised to contact the NMC Customer Service Center (CSC).
- All extension policies and mitigation measures outlined in Update #3: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions, dated April 22, 2026, remain in effect through their stated expiration dates. Mariners should refer to that bulletin for full details.
During the prolonged lapse, the NMC has accumulated a significant backlog of applications, currently more than 19,000 submissions and growing. Processing timelines are expected to extend 8-12 months from the date a completed application is received.
To avoid potential delays and disruptions to employment and operations, mariners are strongly encouraged to apply at least 8-12 months in advance of expiration. After submission, mariners should also allow additional time for applications to be entered into the system before checking the status online or contacting the CSC.
RECs
RECs will resume operations; however, counter (walk-in) services will remain suspended until further notice to allow staff to focus on backlog reduction and examination scheduling.
Examination Scheduling Priorities
Examination scheduling will be conducted in the following order of priority:
- Mariners with previously scheduled examinations on or after May 1, 2026: Appointments will be honored as scheduled.
- Mariners whose examinations were scheduled and cancelled between February 17, 2026, and May 1, 2026: Mariners will be contacted by REC staff to reschedule at the earliest available opportunity.
- All other applicants: Scheduling will open once priority groups have been accommodated.
During the initial resumption period, the CSC will not schedule examinations. After the period for mariners whose examinations were canceled during the furlough to re-schedule is completed, the opportunity to schedule an exam for all mariners will be available through the CSC. Anticipate opening exam schedule for all other mariners shortly.
Course Approvals
Course approvals will continue to be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. Mariners are encouraged to monitor the NMC website for updates regarding processing times, REC operations, and policy adjustments as operations stabilize.
For questions, contact our Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system on the NMC website, , or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Sincerely,
Patrick A. Drayer
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspections
The minutes for the regular monthly American Maritime Officers membership meeting held April 1 have been posted in the member section of the AMO website, which is accessible to active AMO members and applicants.
AMO Captain Elijah Herrman recently deployed to Antarctica through the U.S. Antarctic Program as a Fuels Lead at McMurdo Station for the summer season. A primary duty in the Fuels Department was to assist the cargo offload of the Stena Polaris and bunker the USCGC Polar Star for Operation Deep Freeze.
Herrman wrote: Based on my tanker experience, I was selected to serve as one of the shoreside PICs during the Stena Polaris offload. After several months in Antarctica, it was an incredible experience to see my union brothers and sisters on an American ship. I was honored to work with the fantastic crew of the Stena Polaris to successfully complete a critical part of Operation Deep Freeze. A huge thank you to the crew and Captain Carl.
Commanders of the 838th Transportation Battalion and the 950th Transportation Company, and members of the German Bundeswehr Logistics Center, visited the MV Endurance in Bremerhaven. AMO represents all licensed officers on the American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier ship. Captain Glenn Koshak and Third Mate Jenna Pearce joined the group for a photo on the bridge wing during the visit.
Chief Engineer TJ Lumb provided a briefing and tour of the engine room.
Captain Glenn Koshak and Chief Mate Christian Daviscourt provided a briefing.
Congressmen Trent Kelly (R-MS) and John Garamendi (D-CA) held a press conference on Capitol Hill April 22 with maritime labor and industry leaders to rally support for the SHIPS for America Act, addressing the importance of strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries and the urgency of passing this legislation as soon as possible.
The following article was released by the office of Congressman John Garamendi. American Maritime Officers and other unions and maritime industry organizations participated in the press conference on April 22 on Capitol Hill.
Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS), President of the Shipbuilders Council of America Matt Paxton, and Chairman of USA Maritime Brian Schoeneman held a joint press conference on April 22 in support of the SHIPS for America Act to revitalize the maritime industry.
“Today, I am encouraged to see continued bipartisan consensus on the need to strengthen America’s maritime industry. The SHIPS Act will do exactly that. We are committed to securing passage of this legislation and to continuing the vital work of revitalizing our maritime sector,” said Congressman Garamendi. “Today’s hearing on shipbuilding is an encouraging sign of growing bipartisan momentum and interest in both revitalizing our nation’s shipbuilding industry and advancing the SHIPS Act. For over a year, we have seen promising progress, reflected in a growing coalition of supporters both on and off Capitol Hill, and we are confident that we can usher in a new era for American workers, shipbuilders, and our national security. I thank Chair Trent Kelly and the leadership on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, as well as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, for arranging this critical hearing.”
“We are a great nation because we are a great maritime nation. But for years, we’ve fallen behind in providing the maritime industry with the resources it needs. If we want to restore America’s maritime strength, it will take robust investment in our shipbuilding industry in both military and commercial. We need to put more American-built ships in the water – ships that carry goods, support our economy, and strengthen our security. We also must maintain those ships and ensure we have the workforce to crew and support U.S.-flagged vessels with American workers,” said Congressman Kelly. “We must push Congress, the Administration, industry, and all stakeholders to get this bill across the finish line. Time is of the essence. We need to take decisive steps and get this done.”
“American shipyards can and must build the fleet of the future right here at home, and the SHIPS for America Act is the catalyst we need to get us there,” said President of the Shipbuilders Council of America Matt Paxton. “By aligning a national maritime strategy with stable investment, this bipartisan legislation recognizes the national security impact of our industry and would allow us to effectively counter global distortions in the shipbuilding and ship repair markets. We have the momentum, the industry backing, and the urgency to restore American shipbuilding and ship repair, and we look forward to continuing our work with Rep. John Garamendi and Rep. Trent Kelly to see this critical mission through.”
“The SHIPS for America Act represents the most meaningful maritime legislation in the last half century or more,” said Chairman of USA Maritime Brian Schoeneman. “The critical need for a vibrant U.S. Merchant Marine and a revitalized American maritime industry is on display daily. We can’t afford to wait any longer. It’s time to get it done.”
Representatives Garamendi and Kelly are co-authors of the SHIPS for America Act, comprehensive legislation designed to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding capacity and the commercial maritime sector.
Since the introduction of the SHIPS for America Act in December, the urgency of strengthening the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities has emerged as a matter of bipartisan priority. This focus has intensified following the USTR’s findings regarding China’s dominance in global shipbuilding, as well as President Trump’s signing of a shipbuilding-related executive order and the subsequent release of the Administration’s Maritime Action Plan.
AMO Great Lakes Representative Pete Kinsey congratulates Indiana Senator Todd Young on receiving the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force 2026 Legislator of the Year Award.
The following article was released by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, a coalition of which American Maritime Officers and American Maritime Officers Service are members.
On April 22, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognized Indiana Senator Todd Young for his commitment to the Great Lakes Navigation System and the nation’s maritime revitalization.
“Senator Young understands the importance of U.S. shipping on the Great Lakes with interconnected harbors that depend on each other and a healthy maritime highway. He has advocated for another heavy U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker on the Lakes, fully comprehending the importance to not only his steel mills in Indiana but the overall negative impacts to the nation when the critical raw materials that drive North American manufacturing are delayed or completely halted by winter ice,” stated Great Lakes Maritime Task Force President Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association.
Senator Young has assumed a leadership role advocating for the rebuilding of U.S. maritime capabilities, including new U.S. vessels and additional American mariners. The SHIPS for America Act would provide the necessary congressional authorizations and enhance the mechanisms needed to build and crew a new fleet of commercial ships. The SHIPS Act also would establish a trust fund to support an expansion of the U.S.-flagged international fleet to 250 ships by 2035. It would make U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment. Additionally, the SHIPS Act would help train a shipbuilding and mariner workforce, encourage domestic and foreign investment in maritime infrastructure, and provide the permitting reform and deregulation that is essential for timely construction of new shipyards.
“There is no one more deserving of this award than Senator Young. He continues to fight for the maritime community, which is a fight for the U.S. industrial base supply chain. With his advocacy bringing Great Lakes issues to the national stage and educating others on the importance of domestic steel production, which will ultimately drive shipbuilding, we have a Senator willing to work just like his constituents to make U.S. maritime a power once again,” Weakley said.
The ceremony was hosted in Senator Young’s Washington, D.C. office where he was surrounded by grateful GLMTF members from shipping companies, shipboard labor unions, U.S. steel mills, and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, which represents the future of the nation’s maritime dominance.
AMO Captain Oseas Martinez greets MSCEURAF Deputy, Surface Operations, Captain Jennifer Senner-Ceco (an AMO member) onboard the MV Sagamore in Italy.