The U.S. Coast Guard has yet to fully address slow processing times for medical cards. Capt. Sweeney has some suggestions.

The U.S. Coast Guard has yet to fully address slow processing times for medical cards. Capt. Sweeney has some suggestions.

Imagine for a second driving your car through traffic in a strange city with missing or misleading road signs, traffic lights and lane markings. Over the last decade, that is exactly the kind of navigation western rivers mariners have increasingly been expected to perform.  Technology that would permit 100 percent virtual aids to navigation (ATONs) may become available someday, but…
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‘Tis the season to improve processing times for medical cards

‘Tis the season to improve processing times for medical cards

Every American mariner must have a current medical certificate to be eligible to sail. Without it, we cannot obtain a merchant mariner credential and employers can’t legally hire us.   This rule, stipulated in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 04-08, contains the procedures for doctors and nurses conducting the medical examinations. Those vary depending…
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