Posted:
March 11, 2013
As a reminder to all individuals sailing on a Merchant Mariner Credential in trades for which STCW applies, the 2010 amendments to the STCW code now require a specific security endorsement for the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) prior to Jan. 1, 2014.
U.S. Coast Guard policy letter 12-06 outlines the Coast Guard's guidance on obtaining the required security endorsement. Crew members who have specific security duties, and all other crew, must have a specific security endorsement placed on their MMC prior to the implementation date. The three STCW '95 endorsements are:
Most officers will require the new VPDSD endorsement. STAR Center has provided specific directions, a sample service letter and a sample USCG application to obtain the endorsement on the STAR Center website. Under the 12-06 policy letter information, there are links directly to the USCG policy letter, directions, sample letter and sample USCG application.
It is recommended you apply to the USCG to obtain the endorsement as soon as possible and have the endorsement placed on your MMC well in advance of the implementation date of Jan. 1, 2014. Without the security endorsement, your MMC will become invalid as of the implementation date and you will be unable to sail on it.
Reminder: STCW security endorsement to be required for Merchant Mariner Credential
As a reminder to all individuals sailing on a Merchant Mariner Credential in trades for which STCW applies, the 2010 amendments to the STCW code now require a specific security endorsement for the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) prior to Jan. 1, 2014.
U.S. Coast Guard policy letter 12-06 outlines the Coast Guard's guidance on obtaining the required security endorsement. Crew members who have specific security duties, and all other crew, must have a specific security endorsement placed on their MMC prior to the implementation date. The three STCW '95 endorsements are:
- VSO - VI/5 - Vessel Security Officer
- VPDSD - VI/6 - Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties
- SA - VI/6 - Security Awareness
Most officers will require the new VPDSD endorsement. STAR Center has provided specific directions, a sample service letter and a sample USCG application to obtain the endorsement on the STAR Center website. Under the 12-06 policy letter information, there are links directly to the USCG policy letter, directions, sample letter and sample USCG application.
It is recommended you apply to the USCG to obtain the endorsement as soon as possible and have the endorsement placed on your MMC well in advance of the implementation date of Jan. 1, 2014. Without the security endorsement, your MMC will become invalid as of the implementation date and you will be unable to sail on it.