COMDTINST M16000.8B — Marine Safety Manual, Volume Iii, Marine Industry Personnel

COMDTINST M16000.8B governs Coast Guard guidance on marine industry personnel, including credentialing, examinations, training, and vessel manning.

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  • Publication number: COMDTINST M16000.8B
  • Title: MARINE SAFETY MANUAL, VOLUME III, MARINE INDUSTRY PERSONNEL
  • Date: 7/5/2017
  • Proponent: CG-CVC

View COMDTINST M16000.8B on armypubs.army.mil


It provides information and interpretations on international conventions and U.S. statutory and regulatory issues relating to marine industry personnel. It includes guidance on mariner credentialing, vessel manning, shipment and service, approved courses, examinations, waivers, and pilotage.

Applies to: All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements shall comply with the provisions of this Commandant Change Notice.

Topics covered

  • Mariner credentialing
  • Merchant mariner examinations
  • Physical requirements for mariners
  • Maritime training course approval
  • Vessel manning
  • Pilotage requirements

Questions and answers

How much sea service can approved training courses substitute for deck or engineer licenses?

Satisfactory completion of approved training courses may substitute for up to twothirds of the required service on deck or in the engine department respectively for deck or engineer licenses. (paragraph 1)

What notation is required for a continuity renewal license?

Licenses renewed for continuity purposes under 46 CFR 10.209, shall have the following notation: "License renewed for continuity purposes only; service under the authority of this license is prohibited." (paragraph 2)

When can a license or COR be renewed?

No license or COR shall be renewed if title to it has been forfeited or if facts that render renewal improper come to the attention of the Coast Guard. (paragraph 6)

How many fingerprint cards are required for an original license and certificate of registry?

The National Maritime Center (NMC-4A), requires that two classifiable Form FD-258 fingerprint cards be submitted for an original license and certificate of registry and with each application for an original Merchant Mariner's Document. (paragraph 5)

What are the calculator restrictions during merchant mariner examinations?

Applicants may use calculators but not preprinted forms during the examinations. (paragraph 9)

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