NVIC 14-14: CH-6 extension for STCW assessor signatures

Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 14-14 November 22, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 14-14, CH-5 Subj: CHANGE 6 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS ABLE SEAFARER-DECK, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-6 to NVIC 14-14.

PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-6 to NVIC 14-14.

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — ACTION. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 14-14 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether

mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck.

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 14-

14 is updated.

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISCUSSION. The Coast Guard is aware that as a result of the limited number of approved

QAs, there may be a hardship on mariners trying to complete STCW assessments after December 31, 2023. In consideration of this, the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19- 14 until December 31, 2028. These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2029. Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2028. This change notice revises NVIC 14-14 to reflect this extension.

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISCLAIMER. This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it

itself a regulation. It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party. This guidance represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and may assist industry, mariners, the general public, and the Coast Guard, as well as Federal and State regulators, in applying statutory and regulatory requirements. Alternative approaches for fulfilling this policy may be acceptable if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 170 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: Subj: CHANGE 6 TO GUIDELINES ON COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS NVIC 14-14 ABLE SEAFARER-DECK, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — MAJOR CHANGES. This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 14-14 to extend the date

for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS.

a. The development of this Commandant Change Notice and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) from further environmental analysis under paragraph #A3 in Table 3-1 of U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1. Because this Commandant Change Notice implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion #A3 is appropriate. b. This Commandant Change Notice will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment. All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this Commandant Change Notice must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates.

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISTRIBUTION. An electronic version of NVIC 14-14 as revised by this Commandant

Change Notice will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/.

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — PROCEDURE. Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 14-14:

Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-6 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-5 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-6

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS. This Commandant Change Notice has

been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series). This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements.

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — FORMS/REPORTS. None.

Subj: CHANGE 6 TO GUIDELINES ON COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS NVIC 14-14 ABLE SEAFARER-DECK, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB

CH-6 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — REQUEST FOR CHANGES. All requests for changes or questions regarding

implementation of Reference (a) and this Commandant Change Notice should be directed to the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division (CG-MMC-2), at (202) 372-2357 or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil.

To obtain approval for a course or training program, contact the NMC at (888) 427-5662 or IAskNMC@uscg.mil.

R.

W.

ARGUIN Rear Admiral, U.

S.

Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.

Ave.

SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 14-14 December 15, 2021 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 14-14, CH-4 Subj: CHANGE 5 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS ABLE SEAFARER-DECK, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 14-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 14-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 14-14 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

The Coast Guard is aware that as a result of the limited number of approved QAs, there may be a hardship on mariners trying to complete STCW assessments after December 31, 2021.

In consideration of this, the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until December 31, 2023.

These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2024.

Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2023.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 14-14 to reflect this extension. 5.

DISCLAIMER.

This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.

It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party.

It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.

You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 14-14 to extend the date for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.

DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 170 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 14-14 7.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.

The development of this Commandant Change Notice and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) from further environmental analysis under paragraph #A3 in Table 3- 1 of U.S.

Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1.

Because this Commandant Change Notice implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion #A3 is appropriate. b.

This Commandant Change Notice will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment.

All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this Commandant Change Notice must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 8.

DISTRIBUTION.

No paper distribution will be made of this Commandant Change Notice.

An electronic version will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/. 9.

PROCEDURE.

Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 14-14: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-5 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.

This Commandant Change Notice has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series).

This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 11.

FORMS/REPORTS.

None. 12.

REQUEST FOR CHANGES.

All requests for changes or questions regarding implementation of Reference (a) and this Commandant Change Notice should be directed to the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division (CG-MMC-2), at (202) 372-2357 or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil.

To obtain approval for a course or training program, contact the NMC at (888) 427-5662 or IAskNMC@uscg.mil. /s/ J.

W.

MAUGER Rear Admiral, U.

S.

Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.

Ave.

SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 14-14 March 26, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 14-14, CH-4 Subj: CHANGE 4 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS ABLE SEAFARER-DECK, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-4 to NVIC 14-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 14-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck.

The National Maritime Center should bring this notice to the attention of the maritime industry. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 14-14 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

The Coast Guard has extended the date for acceptance of assessments of mariner competence that are not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 14-14 to reflect this extension. 5.

DISCLAIMER.

This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.

It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party.

It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.

You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 14-14 to extend the date for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor. 7.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.

The development of this Commandant Change Notice and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) by the originating office, and are DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 170 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 14-14 categorically excluded (CE) from further environmental analysis under paragraph #A3 in Table 3- 1 of U.S.

Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1.

Because this Commandant Change Notice implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion #A3 is appropriate. b.

This Commandant Change Notice will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment.

All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this Commandant Change Notice must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 8.

DISTRIBUTION.

No paper distribution will be made of this Commandant Change Notice.

An electronic version will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/. 9.

PROCEDURE.

Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 14-14: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-3 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-3 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-4 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.

This Commandant Change Notice has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series).

This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 11.

FORMS/REPORTS.

None. 12.

REQUEST FOR CHANGES.

All requests for changes or questions regarding implementation of Reference (a) and this Commandant Change Notice should be directed to the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division (CG-MMC-2), at (202) 372-2357 or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil.

To obtain approval for a course or training program, contact the NMC at (888) 427-5662 or IAskNMC@uscg.mil. /s/ R.

V.

TIMME Rear Admiral, U.

S.

Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.

Ave.

SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 14-14 19 SEP 2019 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 14-14, CH 3 Subj: CHANGE 3 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS ABLE SEAFARER-DECK, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsement as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-3 to NVIC 14-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 14-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck.

Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should also bring this notice to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 14-14 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

The Coast Guard has become aware that the “performance conditions” for certain practical demonstrations of competence (assessments) described in Enclosure (2) are overly restrictive with regard to the locations where the assessments can be performed.

This change notice revises NVIC 14-14 to allow greater flexibility on where and how assessments can be performed. 5.

DISCLAIMER.

This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.

It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally binding requirements on any party.

It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.

You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 169 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises Enclosure (2) of NVIC 14-14 as follows: a.

The performance conditions for some practical demonstrations of competence are revised to allow the assessments to be performed in locations other than a ship when the use of shipboard equipment is not needed for the assessment, and to add greater flexibility as to how the assessment may be performed; and b.

The performance standard for task no. 4.9.A is revised to omit tying certain knots and making splices as this demonstration of skill is required by 46 CFR 12.405(c) to qualify for an associated national endorsement as Able Seaman. 7.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.

The development of this NVIC and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) from further environmental analysis under paragraph A3 in Table 3-1 of U.S.

Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1.

Because this NVIC implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion A3 is appropriate. b.

This Commandant Change Notice will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment.

All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this NVIC must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 8.

DISTRIBUTION.

No paper distribution will be made of this Commandant Change Notice.

An electronic version will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/. 9.

PROCEDURE.

Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 14-14: Remove Insert Enclosure (2) Enclosure (2) CH-3 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.

This NVIC has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series).

This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 11.

FORMS/REPORTS.

None.

Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.

Ave.

SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 14-14 October 26, 2018 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 14-14, CH 2 Subj: CH-2 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS ABLE SEAFARER-DECK, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-2 to reference (a). 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use reference (a) and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck.

Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should also bring this notice to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, reference (a) is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

After publication of Reference (a), the Coast Guard extended the date for acceptance of assessments of mariner competence that are not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.

This CH-2 revises Reference (a) to reflect this extension. 5.

DISCLAIMER.

This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.

It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally binding requirements on any party.

It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.

You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 168 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 6.

MAJOR CHANGES. a.

This Commandant Change Notice changes the guidance found in reference (a) concerning endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck.

Enclosures (2) and (3) are revised to reflect previously published policy extending the date for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor, and to add additional information concerning assessments that are performed on military vessels. b.

This Change Notice also revises Enclosure (1) to add information concerning the requirement in 46 CFR 12.201(a)(1) that mariners applying for an STCW rating endorsement must hold an appropriate national endorsement. 7.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.

The development of this NVIC and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) under current CE # A3 from further environmental analysis, in accordance with Section 2.B and Appendix A, DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Revision 01,Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Because this NVIC implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion #A3 is appropriate b.

This NVIC will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment.

All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this NVIC must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 8.

DISTRIBUTION.

No paper distribution will be made of this Commandant Change Notice.

An electronic version will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/. 9.

PROCEDURE.

Remove and insert the following pages of Reference (a): Remove Insert Enclosure (1), Page 1, CH-1 Enclosure (1), Page 1, CH-2 Enclosure (2), Page 1 Enclosure (2), Page 1, CH-2 Enclosure (3), Page 10 Enclosure (3), Page 10, CH-2 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.

This NVIC has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series).

This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements.

Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.

Ave.

SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 14-14 September 28, 2017 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 14-14, CH 1 Subj: CH-1 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS ABLE SEAFARER-DECK, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck, NVIC 14-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-1 to reference (a). 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use reference (a) and 46 CFR 12.603 when establishing whether candidates are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck (AS-D).

Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should bring this notice to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, reference (a) is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

Reference (a) included transition or “grandfathering” provisions by which mariners could qualify for an endorsement as AS-D before January 1, 2017.

This CH-1 removes the now expired transition provisions. 5.

DISCLAIMER.

This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.

It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally binding requirements on any party.

It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.

You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice removes expired grandfathering provisions for mariners to qualify for the AS-D endorsement before January 1, 2017.

DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 168 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X D E X X F G H X X NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: