United States Coast Guard



MERPAC MEETING MINUTESMEETING #50September 16-18, 2019USCG National Maritime Center100 Forbes DriveMartinsburg, WVIntroduction, Welcome, and DFO RemarksMrs. Mayte Medina, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), called the 50th meeting of the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) to order. She provided general administrative comments and noted that general information about MERPAC is available on Coast Guard Homeport at reported that MERPAC would be reviewing the task statements as listed in the Federal Register Notice (Enclosure 1). She also reported that none of the issues to be discussed were a particular matter for the purpose of the criminal conflict of interest statute.After attendance was taken and leadership remarks were made, Mrs. Medina noted the lack of a quorum at this meeting. She stated that the meeting would continue as planned, except that discussions and voting will be teleconferenced at a later meeting with a quorum. Coast Guard Leadership RemarksMr. Lantz welcomed the attendees and thanked the NMC for providing the venue. He complimented everyone for their hard work and noted that due to the December 2018-January 2019 furlough the March meeting was cancelled. He then commented briefly on the tasks to be addressed at the meeting and complimented the attendees on the hard work that had resulted in the recently published Merchant Mariner Medical Manual. He also noted the small number of attending members due to the length of the appointment vetting process and assured the public that all efforts are being made to keep the process moving. He concluded his remarks by thanking the attending members and the public for attending and noting the importance of MERPAC’s input.AttendanceMs. Medina turned the gavel over to MERPAC’s Chairman, Captain Gerard Pannell. After reminding the public of several procedural items, he then asked that the MERPAC members introduce themselves. Three members attended (4 required for a quorum).MERPAC accepted the agenda (Enclosure 2) for the meeting. The minutes from Meeting 48, March 20 -22, 2018 will be reviewed, discussed and amended at a later meeting.New BusinessNew business was presented to the Committee as follows:A new task “Military Education, Training and Assessment for STCW and National Mariner Endorsements” to continue the progress made by the military services towards meeting the goal of using Military Education, Training and Assessment for STCW and National Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements. (Enclosures 3 and 3a);An addendum to Task Statement 90, “National Training Guidelines and Model Courses” to develop mariner training guidelines for adapting IMO model courses and national model courses for use as a U.S. standard (Enclosure 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f); and A revision to Task Statement 101, “Communication Between External Stakeholders and the Mariner Credentialing Program” to organize the substantial work of the affected subcommittee (Enclosure 4);An addendum to Task Statement 101 “Communication Between External Stakeholders and the Mariner Credentialing Program” / Review of Coast Guard Forms” to provide input towards improving the affected forms during their triennial review (Enclosures 6, 6a, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g). A discussion and vote will be held at a later meeting regarding the acceptance of these tasks. However, the attending members did agree to take on the work at this meeting.BriefingsOffice of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC) (Enclosure 7)Captain Cathleen Mauro, Chief of the Coast Guard’s Maritime Personnel Qualifications Division, provided a briefing on the office’s activities since the last MERPAC meeting. She highlighted the publication of several regulatory projects, policy (both NVICs and Policy Letters) and the Merchant Mariner Medical Manual. She noted the significant input from MERPAC, MEDMAC and other federal advisory committees. She described the contents of The Executive Order 13860 (Enclosure 3a) Titled Supporting the Transition of Active Duty Service Members and Military Veterans Into the Merchant Marine and noted that some parts have been worked on by MERPAC for many years and that this work is ongoing. The remaining parts are being examined with the intent of implementing them through decision memos, regulatory change and policy for all of the uniformed services. She covered the Mariner Credentialing Transformation Initiative, the projected replacement for the Merchant Mariner Licensing Documentation (MMLD) system. The Coast Guard is continuing to document their operational and functional requirements in order to support a resource proposal for the transformation of the program to a data-driven, business-intelligent, capable IT system.She continued with an update of the Job Task Analysis (JTA) initiative. As per Section 315 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, the Coast Guard is required to complete a formal review of mariner credentialing examinations. She described the stages of the process and noted that the current focus is on Able Seamen and Lifeboatmen endorsements. While the process is still under development, it is progressing and MERPAC will be engaged for their comments after the reports are delivered to the Coast Guard. As this is a multiyear, multidiscipline endeavor, the Coast Guard appreciates stakeholder involvement.Captain Mauro reviewed the work of MEDMAC at their last meeting (10-11 September 2019). Tasks included mariner mental health, mariner wellness and tasks similar to MERPAC such as external stakeholder input, military to mariner (medical certificates) and review of Coast Guard Forms. They are also working on an issue of the Coast Guard’s Proceedings magazine focusing on mariner health.She then continued with the status of appeals noting that the number of appeals has been decreasing. This can be attributed to the furlough that occurred early in 2019, increased efficiency and that the U.S. is about 5 years into the implementation of the 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention.She then continued into the change in the Coast Guard federal advisory committees (FACA) due to the 2018 Coast Guard Authorization Act. This Act repealed the statutes that MERPAC operates under but creates a very similar FACA named the National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (N-MERPAC). She covered the similarities and the differences between MERPAC and N-MERPAC. She also noted that this Act also allows MERPAC to operate for 2 years to cover the gap until N-MERPAC becomes functional and that the current members and those who have applied for a MERPAC vacancy must apply for membership with N-MERPAC if they wish to continue as members. The discussion also included Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs where she assured everyone that the Coast Guard has submitted justification for the continuation not only of the current MERPAC and MEDMAC, but also for the new committees.One member asked if any West Coast members had participated in the JTA panels. The response was that the Coast Guard was trying to be as inclusive as possible, but that this is a learning experience. Another member noted that MERPAC should go on record as supporting the MMLD update. He continued by suggesting that MERPAC be involved earlier in the process. Captain Mauro noted the suggestion. The Chair noted that MERPAC has recommended updating MMLD several times.National Maritime Center (NMC), (Enclosure 8)Captain Kirsten Martin, Commanding Officer of the National Maritime Center (NMC) welcomed the members and the public and began her presentation with an updated model of the National Maritime Center’s (NMC) organization. She noted that CG-5P was now RDML Richard Timme and that the NMC had a new Deputy Director, Ms. Anne Seither.Captain Martin then presented MERPAC with an update of the metrics regarding the operation of the NMC. She noted the customer service side of the NMC and stressed that they are there to help mariners with the credentialing process. She continued that customer satisfaction surveys are being expanded and improved. The DME pilot program was discussed but the number of mariners using the program is small. The exam question review is progressing but volunteers are needed. She also noted that military to mariner efforts are being watched by the NMC, not only because of course approvals, but also for a possible surge of applicants due to Executive Order 13860. She described the problems that were faced by the NMC due to the 2018-2019 furlough and the hard work needed to recover and that there were lessons learned that are being addressed in case another furlough occurs.Captain Martin then covered the development of electronic examinations and that the Coast Guard has started the process to accomplish this. Also tied to this is the current review of the examination process. A meeting schedule for the exam question review was presented. She then moved to medical certificates and noted the success of the direct electronic submission process versus the historical paper submission via the Regional Examination Centers.Captain Martin then passed the presentation to Ms. Tina Bassett. Ms. Bassett updated the Committee on the Limited and Restricted pilotage database. This database is still building and represents the pilot endorsements approved locally by OCMIs. She then answered the questions asked at MERPAC meeting #49 in September 2018. A Committee member then asked for an update on MERPAC’s Task Statement 96 (Course Approvals) recommendations. Mr. Lantz responded and noted that work on those recommendations is on-hold, pending the completion of work on other projects with higher priorities with limited resources to accomplish all of the assigned projects. He did acknowledge the importance of the input from MERPAC and that more information will come at a later meeting. The Committee member then continued with another question about credentials that had been issued to military to mariner applicants, asking if the endorsements were only national endorsements or if STCW endorsements were included. Ms. Bassett answered that the presentation covered all endorsements, but could break it down to show both National and STCW endorsements in future presentations. The Committee member then complimented the NMC in the speed of their recovery from the 2018-2019 furlough.Another member asked if the NMC could include the number of phone calls and live chats in future presentations. Captain Martin responded that it was possible and later in the meeting provided that information. The member went on by describing a mariner under reconsideration who was upset because his application status showed “awaiting additional information” during the reconsideration process, which led to him thinking that extra information was being requested but he was not advised. However, it was the same request for additional information that led to him requesting the reconsideration. The NMC will look into either updating MMLD to include a status for reconsideration or another method to reduce this source of confusion. This member then asked about course approval job openings at the NMC and noted that the Coast Guard could consider opening them up as remote positions at an REC.A third member asked for detailed information regarding the metrics for reconsideration and asked if more detailed information is available. Ms. Bassett replied that while the detailed information does not appear on the presentation, it is used for training and improvement. This member then noted that it is important to a training provider that they get a chance to review a training or course approval certificate before issuance. While the error rate is low, it is a chance for a dialogue between the training provider and the NMC to either clarify a misunderstanding or correct an error early. Captain Martin responded that the NMC is working on expanding the customer satisfaction survey to include course approvals. The member responded positively and continued that this could also be extended to examinations and that mariners could use clarification on how to comment on questions to provide feedback to the NMC on the questions. Mr. Jeffrey Brandt responded that mariner do sign a “rules of the examination room” document prior to taking an examination. The member noted that the mariner would be anxious about taking the examination and might not carefully read prior to signing. Captain Martin noted that this would be discussed as part of the review of the examination process noted above. This member then asked if color illustrations are provided in the exam room. Mr. Brandt responded not in all cases, but that this is being worked on. Where color is important to the test question, color is provided, but the color is also noted in the illustration, for example a green light would be printed in green with a G within the color area. The G serves as a backup in the event a color printer is not available.A member of the public noted the low number of denials. Captain Martin responded that the NMC looks for trends and evaluates them as part of its continuing improvement process. The low number of denials is a result of that process.Report on IMO/ILO Maritime Related ActivitiesMrs. Medina spoke about the extension of STCW Certificates due to the December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019 shutdown furlough. As STCW does not address the extension of STCW credentials, the U.S., through IMO was able to obtain worldwide acceptance of credentials that had expired during the furlough. Mrs. Medina then spoke about events that occurred at HTW-6. She described noted STCW Resolution 15 to have a comprehensive review of STCW every 10 years. This was presented to MERPAC on September 16, 2019 as a roundtable discussion to gather input (Enclosure 9). She then noted the current issue with the STCW White List. The White List details the countries who fully implement the STCW Convention and Code. However, a review of that list revealed that many of the countries have not met their obligations. This is an area of concern and it is expected to be addressed as an amendment to the Convention.Mrs. Medina acknowledged both the MERPAC members and members of the public who were part of the HTW-6 delegation. She then turned the floor over to Captain Gerard Pannell. He spoke about the work on model courses and the development of a standard taxonomy to be used in them.Public CommentThe floor was opened to the public for comment. On September 17, Mr. Richard Plant provided a handout (Enclosure 10) which he used to show that specific examinations do not correspond to what is required in regulation. He noted that this is improving, but it hasn’t reached 100% yet. Work Group ReportsTask Statements 89, Review and update of IMO MSC Circular MSC/Circ.1014- Guidelines on fatigue mitigation and management; Task Statement 90, Review of IMO Model Courses Being Validated by the IMO HTW Subcommittee; and Task Statement 94, MERPAC Recommendation Review were not addressed at this meeting. Task Statement 101, Communication between External Stakeholders and the Mariner Credentialing Program;Chief Engineer Rosemary Mackay, Chair of this standing subcommittee, reported on the work completed during Meeting 50. She reviewed the recommendations and comments provided by the subcommittee for adoption. The committee read, noted, considered public comment, edited, but did not approve the recommendations due to a lack of a quorum (Enclosure 4a).Captain Ernest Fink also provided input regarding the Review of Coast Guard Forms. He noted that the report was a work in progress and will be worked on intercessionally (Enclosure 6h).Task Statement X-1 (105 if accepted), Military Education, Training and Assessment for STCW and National Mariner Endorsements;Ms. Berit Eriksson, Chair of this subcommittee, reported on the work completed during Meeting 50. She reviewed the recommendations and comments provided by the subcommittee for adoption. The committee read, noted, considered public comment, edited, but did not approve the recommendations due to a lack of a quorum (Enclosure 3b).Other ItemsOn September 16, 2019, in addition to a round table discussion about the STCW review (Enclosure 9), another roundtable discussion was held regarding Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (Enclosure 11).Location of the next meetingIt was noted that the West Coast, preferably Seattle may be the location of the next meeting in March/April 2019.Final CommentsMr. Lantz thanked the NMC, MERPAC members and the attending public for their participation and stated the importance of the recommendations. Mrs. Medina continued these remarks in more detail. The MERPAC Chairman then made his closing remarks stating his appreciation for MERPAC member’s participation, that of the public, and the Coast Guard. The meeting was then adjourned.Enclosures:Enclosure 1 - MERPAC FR Notice of MeetingEnclosure 2 - MERPAC AgendaEnclosure 3 - MERPAC Proposed Task Statement 105 - M2M IIIEnclosure 3a - EO 13860Enclosure 3b - MERPAC Task Statement 105 ReportEnclosure 3c - CMTS Memo to MERPAC_signed23July19Enclosure 4 - MERPAC Proposed Revised Task 101Enclosure 4a - MERPAC Task 101 Draft Report 9-18-2019Enclosure 5 - MERPAC Proposed Task Statement 90 Addendum aEnclosure 5a - Sample Model Course Template, IMO FormatEnclosure 5b - Sample Model Course Template a, ASTM FormatEnclosure 5c - Sample Model Course Template b, ASTM FormatEnclosure 5d - Sample Model Course Terms of Reference Template, IMO FormatEnclosure 5e - List of IMO Model CoursesEnclosure 5f - List of IMO Model CoursesEnclosure 6 - MERPAC Proposed Task Statement 101 Add. b, - Review of USCG FormsEnclosure 6a - CG-719 Forms InformationEnclosure 6b - CG_719BEnclosure 6c - CG_719CEnclosure 6d - CG_719KEnclosure 6e - CG_719KEEnclosure 6f - CG_719PEnclosure 6g - CG_719SEnclosure 6h - MERPAC Task 101 Add B Draft REPORTEnclosure 7 - MERPAC September 18_ 2019 MMC PresentationEnclosure 8 - MERPAC September 18_ 2019 NMC PresentationEnclosure 9 - Day 1 MERPAC STCW Review PresentationEnclosure 10 - Richard Plant HandoutEnclosure 11 - Day 1 MERPAC MASS PresentationEnclosure 12- Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs ................
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