U.S. Coast Guard: Additional guidance regarding Awaiting Information (AI), Qualified Assessor (QA) and Designated Examiner (DE) Letters

The Coast Guard, which continues to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the maritime industry and to ensure the continuity of the Maritime Transportation System, published Change 4 to Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 08-20, titled COVID-19 - Mariner Credentials.

The latest MSIB directs readers to the NMC website for further guidance regarding AI, QA, and DE letters.

The following are the current expiration date windows and extension dates for these letters:

• AI letters associated with an application for a merchant mariner credential or endorsement that expire between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 are extended until March 31, 2021.
• QA letters and DE letters that expire between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 remain extended until December 31, 2020.

Contact the National Maritime Center Customer Service Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427- 5662) or for any questions regarding this bulletin or MSIB 08-20, Change 4.