Coast Guard outlines new seafarer identification rules

The U.S. Coast Guard is proposing a rule to require each crewmember on a foreign commercial vessel en route to the United States, or on U.S. commercial vessels coming from foreign ports to carry and present upon demand an acceptable identification when in U.S. navigable waters.

Vessel operators would also be required to ensure that crewmembers comply with this requirement.

The Coast Guard explains in the Federal Register that the rule is designed to implement a mandate under the Maritime Transportation Security Act to help the Coast Guard ensure that it can authoritatively identify crewmembers on vessels in U.S. waters.

The Coast Guard is soliciting comments, which must be submitted by July 14. 

Source: American Shipper