Washington Waves: Waterway News From D. C.
The National Maritime Center (NMC) said it has made substantial progress in reducing the backlog of applications from the 2026 funding lapse.
“Effective immediately, complete applications are expected to be processed within four months from the date received, excluding any time waiting for mariner applicants to test or provide additional information,” the NMC stated in its latest update.
“While application volumes remain elevated, current trends indicate continued progress toward restoring more normal processing timelines.”
Still, the agency added, mariners and maritime employers should continue to submit applications early to avoid potential disruptions to employment and vessel operations.
Other key information:
• Applications will continue to be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. Only applications demonstrating a clear and documented nexus to national defense will be considered for expedited processing.
• Mariners are strongly encouraged to apply early via the ASAP Tool to account for unforeseen delays. Mariner credential renewals may also be post-dated up to eight months, allowing mariners to renew early.
• Mariners should verify the expiration dates on their medical certificates before submitting a renewal application. Medical certificate expiration dates may differ from MMC expiration dates, and medical certificate renewal may not yet be necessary.
For additional information, contact the Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
FEMA Administrator Nominee
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the nomination of Cameron Hamilton to be the next administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
By a vote of 8 to 4, the nomination heads to the full committee for a confirmation vote. Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.) described Hamilton as an excellent choice by President Donald Trump.
Hurricane Hunter Aircraft
The Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee unanimously advanced a bill that for the first time codifies the government’s hurricane hunter mission and authorizes up to nine hurricane hunter aircraft.
Supporters say other provisions of S.4802, the Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act, would better prepare the nation’s first line of defense against stronger and more frequent hurricanes, atmospheric rivers and winter storms.
Arctic Shipping Advisory Committee Members Sought
The Maritime Administration (MarAd) announced the establishment of the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee (ASFAC) and solicited nominations for membership to serve.
Nominations for immediate consideration must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 22, but MarAd said it will continue to accept applications for up to two years from the deadline to fill any vacancies that may arise.
Applications should be emailed to matthew.fraterman@dot.gov with Arctic Shipping FAC Nomination in the subject line or mailed to Matthew Fraterman, senior transportation trade specialist, Maritime Administration, W23-323, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590 with the applicant’s name, mailing address and telephone number.
The ASFAC will be charged with developing a report and set of policy recommendations intended to enhance the leadership role of the United States in improving the safety and reliability of Arctic maritime transportation in accordance with customary international maritime law and existing federal authority.
For additional information, contact Matthew Fraterman at 202-366-5774 or matthew.fraterman@dot.gov.
Icebreaker Casualty
Coast Guard Commandant Kevin Lunday said a significant engineering casualty involving Coast Guard Cutter Healy underscores the importance of President Donald Trump’s vision for rapid delivery of a modern icebreaker fleet.
“The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Healy acted with speed and skill in responding to this casualty,” Lunday said.
“The United States is an Arctic nation with enduring security, economic and strategic interests in the region. The nation needs a highly capable icebreaking fleet operated by the Coast Guard to ensure year-round access to the region to protect our northern border in Alaska and maritime approaches in the Arctic.”
According to the Coast Guard, no injuries were reported, and tugs safely towed CGC Healy back to homeport for an investigation into the incident and to undergo major repairs.
