Licensing and training – Page 3 – Professional Mariner

02 Feb

NMC, exam centers close due to government shutdown

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, NMC, 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 applies during the government shutdown: • The NMC Customer Service Center (CSC) will be open from 8 a.m. to…

30 Jan

New report highlights growing strain on world’s seafarers

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsHealth, Licensing and training, shipping

(MALMO, Sweden) — The World Maritime University (WMU) has published a new report, "In Search of a Sea-Life Balance in an Adverse Environment," shedding light on the realities of seafarers’ work, health and career intentions in today’s shipping industry. Commissioned by the Officers’ Union of International Seamen (OUIS), the study draws on responses from 4,372 seafarers representing 99 nationalities, making…

28 Jan

Geopolitics weighing on Seafarers Happiness Index

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipping

(LONDON) — The latest Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) from The Mission to Seafarers shows a modest improvement in well-being at the end of a volatile year, with the overall happiness score rising to 7.26 out of 10 in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 7.05 in the previous quarter. The Seafarers Happiness Index is a quarterly survey by The…

21 Jan

Global maritime piracy, armed robbery increased in 2025

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, piracy, Security

(LONDON) — The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported an increase in global maritime piracy and armed robbery in 2025, classifying most cases as low level. According to the IMB Annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, 137 incidents against ships were recorded in 2025 compared to 116 in 2024 and 120 in 2023. It revealed that 121 vessels were boarded, four…

19 Jan

Lunday sworn in as 28th commandant of U.S. Coast Guard

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

(WASHINGTON) — Adm. Kevin Lunday was sworn in Thursday as the 28th commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined senior Coast Guard leadership, members of the Joint Force and distinguished guests in recognizing the transition of command and Lunday’s commitment to leading the service. “President Trump’s plan was simple when he became president of the…

12 Jan

IMO details raft of new shipping rules in force from Jan. 1

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsIMO, Licensing and training, Regulation, shipping

(LONDON) — A set of amendments to key International Maritime Organization (IMO) treaties and codes entered into force on Jan. 1. They include the following: Preventing and responding to bullying, harassment and sexual assault Amendments to the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code) aim to prevent and respond to violence and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual…

05 Jan

Texas A&M ‘smart’ system aims to reduce marine collisions

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, Navigation, safety, technology

(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) — Collisions between marine vessels and vessel impacts with stationary structures, like offshore oil platforms and depleted wellheads, are becoming increasingly common. These incidents come with a cost – including the financial burden of lost goods and potential loss of life. Ocean engineering researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a smarter system to combat these incidents…

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…