Licensing and training – Professional Mariner

02 Dec

ABS Consulting publishes new guidance on Coast Guard cyber rule

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsLicensing and training, Security

(HOUSTON) — ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting), a global leader in safety, risk and asset integrity management, has released a paper to support vessel and facility owners and operators in meeting compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Cyber Rule. This paper outlines practical steps to meet the first cybersecurity training deadline of Jan. 12, 2026. Titled "From Final Rule…

21 Nov

Repeat violators among 13 illegal charters cited in Miami

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, Regulation, U.S. Coast Guard

(MIAMI) — Coast Guard Sector Miami law enforcement officers, along with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, terminated 13 illegal charter voyages last weekend on Biscayne Bay and Miami River. The operators of vessels The Round and Second Wind were reportedly violating active federal captain of the port (COTP) orders. All 13 vessel voyages were terminated and cited violations.…

21 Nov

Coast Guard ‘doubles down’ against hateful symbols

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday announced the release of a policy and lawful order that doubles down on its current policies prohibiting the display, distribution or use of hate symbols by Coast Guard personnel. The policy and lawful order provides clear definitions, guidance and expectations for Coast Guard personnel. It describes prohibited hate symbols in alignment with…

18 Nov

R/V Sikuliaq embarks on its first journey to Antarctica

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, Research vessels

(SEWARD, Alaska) — The research vessel Sikuliaq began a long journey to Antarctica last week, marking a new era for the Seward-based ship and its crew. Sikuliaq, which has been owned by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) since 2014, has largely been used in…

05 Nov

Colonna’s Shipyard opens new Trades Training Building

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipbuilding

(NORFOLK, Va.) — Colonna’s Shipyard celebrated the opening of its new Trades Training Building last week, marking a major investment in workforce development and regional industry innovation. The project is part of Colonna’s ongoing commitment to reinvest in its facilities and people, following more than $150 million in infrastructure and workforce investments since 2016. The new 9,000-square-foot facility, located on…

03 Nov

NMC extends mitigation efforts as shutdown continues

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, NMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) remain closed due to the federal government shutdown. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are canceled. To mitigate the impact caused by the government shutdown, the NMC has implemented the following measures: • Email submission of applications and supporting…

03 Nov

‘Clear warning sign’ as seafarers’ happiness deteriorates

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipping

(LONDON) — The latest Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) from The Mission to Seafarers reveal a significant downturn in seafarer well-being, raising concerns about worsening working and living conditions at sea after a period of encouraging improvement earlier this year. The average happiness level among seafarers fell to 7.05 out of 10 in the third quarter of 2025, a sharp decline…

27 Oct

Ransomware still top maritime cyber threat, ABS analyst says

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsCyberthreats, Licensing and training, Security

(SPRING, Texas) — Maritime operations run on tight schedules and thin margins, and as ships, terminals and supply chains connect systems for visibility and efficiency, attackers gain paths to entry. Cyber risk has become an operational reliability and safety concern, not just an information technology (IT) issue. “Whether we are looking at this challenge through an operational or organizational safety…

27 Oct

Webb Institute honors Dr. James Chao for maritime leadership

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsLicensing and training, shipping

(GLEN COVE, N.Y.) — Webb Institute has awarded Dr. James S.C. Chao, founder and chairman of Foremost Group, an honorary doctor of science degree in recognition of his visionary leadership in the global maritime industry and his profound commitment to education, philanthropy and sustainability. The ceremony was held on Webb’s Glen Cove campus before the board of trustees, students, and…

01 Oct

NMC, exam centers closed due to government shutdown

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — Due to the government shutdown, the National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) are closed until further notice. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are canceled. The following limited operations will be maintained in support of national defense requirements: • The NMC Customer Service Center will be…