As always, officials and representatives of American Maritime Officers and STAR Center are working directly with AMO members and applicants, and mariners seeking to become AMO applicants, on a case-by-case basis to assist in navigating U.S. Coast Guard credentialing requirements in various regards to successfully achieve upgrades and endorsements, and to qualify for specific jobs.
In one recent example, STAR Center was searching for current members and applicants, as well as prospective new applicants, who had already earned a USCG Third Assistant Engineer (Motor) National License in order to assist them with obtaining the Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW) endorsement required to ship deep sea under STCW.
They discovered one individual who had earned his license and had, prior to 2017, earned the OICEW endorsement. However, the Coast Guard had provided him incorrect information on eligibility to reestablish the OICEW endorsement. STAR Center was able to work with the Coast Guard on his behalf and reestablish his full OICEW endorsement, and he now has all required endorsements to sail deep sea with AMO as a Third A.E.
This is one success story of the many produced through the quiet and consistent dedication applied by AMO and STAR Center representatives on behalf of the AMO membership when mariners are confronted with delays, conflicting information and deterrence in the Coast Guard credentialing process.
From ensuring new applicants have all of their existing endorsements in order and assisting with enrollment in training to earn additional endorsements required for some billets – such as STAR Center’s accelerated Tankerman PIC program or the full range of courses required by Military Sealift Command and the Maritime Administration – to advancing delayed applications for Merchant Mariner Credential or Medical Certificate renewals, AMO members and applicants have full-time access to expert support.
Members and applicants seeking assistance with validating endorsements with the Coast Guard and/or earning additional endorsements for specific billets can contact AMO Career Advancement Liaison Kathleen Friel or AMO Government Liaison Bob Silva. Both coordinate closely with STAR Center on training and Coast Guard credentialing issues.
AMO members and applicants seeking assistance with delayed or contested renewal applications for Merchant Mariner Credentials or Medical Certificates can contact AMO National Vice President, Government Relations, Christian Spain or AMO Director of Government Relations Alaina Basciano. Both work with the National Maritime Center and other government agencies to resolve application issues and expedite document processing.
Contact information for these representatives is available on the AMO website.