Washington Waves: Waterway News From D. C.

In its latest announcement on extending credentials, the National Maritime Center (NMC) said it is expanding the existing extension policy outlined in Update #3: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions, dated April 22, 2026, for merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates impacted by the 2026 lapse in appropriations and continued processing delays.

Effective immediately, the NMC said MMCs (national endorsements only) and medical certificates (national and pilot expiration dates only) that expire between January 1 and July 31will remain valid through August 31.

“Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must carry the expired credential AND a copy of the letter attached to the announcement while sailing under the authority of those credentials,” the agency said.

“The NMC will not issue separate or replacement MMCs or medical certificates reflecting the extension.”

According to the announcement, the extension is intended to support continued maritime operations while the NMC works through increased application volumes and processing backlogs following the lapse.

Applications will continue to be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.

Mariners are strongly encouraged to apply early via the ASAP Tool due to ongoing processing delays. Paper submission, because of manual handling, may delay issuance of mariner credentials and medical certifications.

All other extension policies and measures outlined in Update #3 remain in effect unless otherwise superseded or rescinded. Mariners should refer to that bulletin for full details and are encouraged to monitor the NMC website for updates regarding processing times and regional examination centers (RECs) operations and policy adjustments as operations stabilize.

For questions, contact Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, e-mail IASKNMC@uscg.mil or call 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

Guidance Revisions For Grant Assistance

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is accepting comments on its proposal to revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance to improve government-wide policies and requirements related to the management of grants, cooperative agreements and other forms of assistance.

OMB is proposing revisions that would improve transparency, accountability and oversight for awards across the federal government.

The departments of Defense, Transportation, Homeland Security and the Environmental Protection Agency were among the various agencies specifically mentioned May 29 in the Federal Register, where additional instructions can be found.

Comments are due by July 13 and must be submitted via www.regulations.gov identified by Docket No. OMB-2026-0034.

For additional information, contact Andrew Reisig or Joel Savary at MBX.OMB.Grants@OMB.eop.gov.

Search And Rescue Policy Overhaul

The Coast Guard said it is modernizing its Search and Rescue (SAR) policy, describing the update as the most significant overhaul in more than three decades.

In line with its ongoing transformation, the Coast Guard said the initiative empowers operational commanders and SAR mission coordinators, streamlines processes and eliminates ambiguity to best position SAR operators for success in the face of any crisis.

To support the change, the new Training Competency and Management Instruction (TCMI) introduces a new competency for personnel who coordinate SAR responses: the SAR Mission Manager (SMM).

Transportation Statistics

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is seeking public input to evaluate the utility of its product portfolio, identify critical data gaps in the national transportation picture and improve the user experience for all stakeholders.

“As the transportation landscape evolves with new technologies and supply chain shifts, BTS is committed to ensuring its resources remain relevant and accessible,” the agency stated in the June 1 Federal Register.

“Feedback received through this Request for Information (RFI) will help guide the strategic alignment of BTS’s product portfolio with the technical and analytical requirements of the public.”

Written comments are due by July 2. They may be submitted via http://www.regulations.gov identified by Docket No. DOT-OST-2026-1387, mail or hand delivery at Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Room W58-213, Washington, DC 20590.

BTS also is scheduled to host an informational webinar.

For additional information, contact Edward Strocko at 202-366-3282 or BTSOutreach@dot.gov.

TSMS Inspection Options Clarified

The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) published an update to CVC-WI-013(8) Towing Vessel Inspections Under TSMS Option to provide further clarity to the inspection, certification and issuance of deficiencies to towing vessels.

CG CVC Policy Letter 17-10 Deficiency Recording and Reporting for Vessels using a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option, dated November 28, 2017, as a standalone policy is canceled but has been incorporated as an enclosure, with updates, into this work instruction.

Additionally, CVC Policy Letter 17-04 Ch.2 – Subchapter M Third-Party Organization (TPO) Guidance, has been canceled and converted into a new CVC Work Instruction format re-numbered CVC-WI-038(1).

For additional information about this document, email the Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) via CGCVC@uscg.mil or FlagStateControl@uscg.mil.

Oil Spill Values

The Coast Guard is requesting comments on a report titled ‘‘Monetizing the Benefits of Avoided Oil Spills in the Maritime Environment,’’ which was written to update the value of avoided oil spills used by the service in regulatory analyses.

It is identified by Docket No. USCG-2026-0048. Comments must be submitted via https:// www.regulations.gov by July 28.

For additional information, contact Chris Lauer at 206-827-4319 or Christopher.j.lauer@uscg.mil.

Updating Fire-Fighting Type Approvals

The Coast Guard, which approves marine foam fire-extinguishing systems, is accepting comments on its proposal to update and codify the type approval criteria to reflect current industry practices.

“Currently, eight guidance documents set out the existing type approval criteria,” the service stated in the Federal Register on May 26.

“Criteria updates would reflect advancements in technology, reduce certain testing and design requirements and reduce the administrative burden on industry and the government. This deregulatory measure would result in cost savings for industry and the government.”

Comments and related materials must be received by July 27. They may be submitted via https:// www.regulations.gov under Docket No. USCG-2022-0471.

For additional information, contact John Miller at 571-608-3413 or John.H.Miller@uscg.mil or typeapproval@uscg.mil.