The Mariner Exam Modernization Act Advances in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently took a significant step forward by advancing the bipartisan Mariner Exam Modernization Act. This crucial piece of legislation was introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Chair Mike Ezell (R-MS-04).

In a statement, Rep. Carbajal emphasized the importance of updating the outdated credentialing system in the maritime industry. He stated, “Our country’s maritime industry shouldn’t be held back by an antiquated credentialing system. The Mariner Exam Modernization Act is a commonsense step to ensure our licensing process reflects the skills mariners actually need on the job—eliminating redundancy, updating outdated requirements, and making the path to certification more efficient. I’m proud my bill cleared a key milestone, and I’ll keep working to secure its final passage.”

Rep. Ezell echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for reform in the credentialing system to align with the current realities of the maritime industry. He remarked, “Passing the Mariner Modernization Act out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is a critical step toward giving our mariners a credentialing system that matches the realities of today’s maritime industry—not one bogged down by outdated exams and unnecessary red tape. This brings much-needed reform which will also help expand the workforce. It’s about strengthening America’s maritime workforce and supporting the professionals who keep our maritime commerce moving safely and efficiently.”

The Mariner Exam Modernization Act directs the U.S. Coast Guard to develop and implement a plan to modernize the Merchant Mariner Credentialing exam. The goal is to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiency within 270 days of receiving recommendations from a dedicated working group.

Currently, the Coast Guard licensing exam process for Merchant Mariner Credentials is considered outdated, redundant, and burdensome for aspiring mariners. Candidates must undergo years of hands-on assessments and then tackle a seven-part written exam that often repeats the same competencies. This approach discourages new entrants and diverts time from more relevant training areas such as cybersecurity.

Furthermore, the exam includes obsolete content and lacks a modern review system, leaving graduates ill-prepared for the demands of today’s maritime industry.

The advancement of the Mariner Exam Modernization Act in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marks a significant milestone in the efforts to streamline and improve the credentialing process for mariners. This legislation aims to enhance the efficiency and relevance of licensing exams, ultimately benefiting both aspiring mariners and the maritime industry as a whole.