Wednesday, 04 February 2009 12:21

The Coast Guard approved STCW training programs for mariners to work on OSVs over 3000 GT ITC and less than 6000 GT ITC may become obsolete due to the NOSAC task in progress to remove the tonnage limitations from OSVs.

Issue: OMSA member companies have been able to receive Coast Guard approval for a program to qualify mariners for a trade restricted license to work on OSV’s over 3000 GT ITC. With the removal of the 6000 ton limitation on OSV’s OMSA members through NOSAC are examining career paths for OSV operators that will both eliminate the tonnage restriction and the trade restriction on these licenses.

Status: The NOSAC working group has ceased work on this project pending a Coast Guard decision on removal of the 6000 GT limit on OSVs.