The U.S. Coast Guard has proposed removing six training and competency requirements for certain Merchant Mariner Credential endorsements, saying the requirements exceed minimum international standards and create additional costs for mariners. The proposed rule, published on October 1, 2026, covers selected deck, engineering, and electro-technical positions under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

For deck officers, the proposal would remove leadership and managerial skills training for Masters of vessels below 500 gross tons operating in near-coastal waters. It would also remove bridge resource management training and the requirement to demonstrate leadership and teamwork competency for certain Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels in the same category. The Coast Guard said these vessels generally have limited bridge personnel, with one credentialed mariner often performing the duties of watch officer, helmsman, and lookout.

For engineering and electro-technical personnel, the proposal would eliminate Engineering Terminology and Shipboard Operations training for certain engineering officers and designated duty engineers serving on vessels with propulsion machinery of at least 750 kilowatts. It would also remove Computer Systems and Maintenance and High Voltage Power Systems training requirements for certain Electro-technical Ratings. The Coast Guard said the proposed changes are intended to align U.S. requirements more closely with minimum STCW standards while avoiding training requirements it considers unnecessary for the positions concerned.

The proposed changes are not yet in effect and remain subject to the rulemaking process and public comment. The Coast Guard estimates that the changes could reduce training-related costs for affected mariners, including expenses for tuition, travel, and time spent completing courses. The agency is also pursuing broader reforms to modernize the U.S. mariner credentialing system and reduce regulatory burdens on the maritime workforce.