Washington Waves: Waterway News From D.C.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council is scheduled to meet December 11 in Washington, D.C. and hold a public vote on a final draft report on possibly overhauling the agency. Open to the public virtually in listen-only mode, the two-hour meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Registration to attend virtually is required, and requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern on December 10. To receive the link to submit the request, email Patrick Powers at FEMAreviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov.
Members of the public also can provide comments on the final report until December 31. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov under Docket No. DHS-2025-0712, by email to FEMAreviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov with the docket number in the subject line or by mail at Patrick Powers, Designated Federal Officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, Office of Partnership and Engagement, Mailstop 0385, Department of Homeland Security, 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20032.
All submissions must include the words “Department of Homeland Security” and “DHS-2025-0712.”
Led by the secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense, the council was created in January by President Donald Trump through Executive Order 14180 ‘‘Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency.’’
For additional information, contact Patrick Powers at 202-891-2283 or FEMAreviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov.
NMC Update
The National Maritime Center (NMC) announced enhancements coming in January to make the maritime credentialing experience faster, clearer and more convenient.
Those changes include a new and improved website the NMC described as clear and simple with customer-first navigation.
“Our redesigned website will put customers first, using plain language and focusing on our major products and services,” the agency stated.
Those products and services include Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs), Medical Certificates (MCs), courses and examinations.
Key features include streamlined navigation with a new menu and search functionality, access to essential information in one or two clicks, a clear “How to Apply” pathway as the central theme and a step-by-step guide through the application process.
A fast, secure and convenient Application Submission and Awaiting Information Portal (ASAP) for mariners to submit applications online also is expected next month.
With ASAP, MMC and MC applications can be submitted, and additional documents for an existing application can be uploaded.
“This is a one-stop portal to submit your documents directly to the NMC—no more emailing attachments,” the agency said.
Ballast Water FAQs
The Coast Guard Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES) released an updated “Ballast Water Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs).
“This revised document provides critical guidance for vessel operators, manufacturers and maritime professionals on ballast water management regulations and compliance,” the agency stated.
The updated FAQs clarify differences between Coast Guard and IMO standards, focusing on “living” versus “viable” organisms, and provide compliance timelines for installing Coast Guard-approved BWMS, exemptions for certain vessels and procedures for extraordinary circumstances like BWMS failures or challenging water quality.
Updated reporting and record-keeping instructions include guidance for submitting reports to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) and maintaining onboard records.
The document also outlines requirements for BWMS testing, approval processes and enforcement measures, such as inspections and ballast water sampling.
The updated FAQs are available electronically on the CG-OES website and the Marine Safety Center Ballast Water Type Approval webpage.
Coast Guard Bulletin
The Coast Guard Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES) released a new Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) that provides vessel owners, operators and crews with guidance on available sources for marine weather information.
Available on the deputy commandant for Operations website, the MSIB encourages owners, operators and crews to evaluate all available means to monitor marine weather conditions and forecasts to determine the best course of action for their vessels and their intended routes.
It also encourages owners and operators to update guidance for how frequently a vessel master should check weather conditions and forecasts before and during transits.
For additional information, contact HQS-SMB-CG-OES@uscg.mil.
CG Cybersecurity Policy
The Coast Guard released CG-5PC Policy Letter 01-25 in support of recent Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System regulations, specifically requirements under 33 Code of Federal Regulations 101.650(d).
“The policy outlines crucial cybersecurity training requirements for personnel with access to IT and OT systems on U.S.-flagged vessels, facilities and Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities, subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002,” the Coast Guard stated.
Regulated stakeholders must ensure this training is completed no later than January 12.
The Coast Guard also announced the publication of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-24, CH 1, “Reporting Breaches of Security, Suspicious Activity, Transportation Security Incidents and Cyber Incidents.” That publication includes updated guidance on reporting cyber incidents as required under 33 CFR Part 101, Subpart F.
“This update reflects the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to enhance maritime cybersecurity policy and ensure consistent, efficient communication in the face of evolving threats,” the service stated. “Maritime industry professionals should review the updated NVIC closely to ensure full compliance with these revised requirements.”
Documents and other maritime cybersecurity resources can be found on the Coast Guard Maritime Industry Cybersecurity Resource Center website.
For additional information, contact the Coast Guard at MTSCyberRule@uscg.mil.
