H.R. 3331: Mariner Exam Modernization Act

The bill titled "Mariner Exam Modernization Act" aims to amend the current procedures for examinations required for obtaining merchant mariner credentials. Here’s a summary of its key components:

Working Group for Examination Review

The bill proposes the establishment of a working group that will be responsible for reviewing the examination content and processes associated with merchant mariner credentials. The changes include:

• The working group will replace the existing exam review process.
• The group must include at least two individuals who have passed the mariner exam within the last five years.

Review Timeline and Content Updates

The bill specifies that the review of the examination must occur within six months (180 days) of the working group's formation. It mandates:

• Identification of questions, content quality, and relevance for the examinations.
• Consideration of industry standards, practices, and modern technologies in the review process.

Implementation of Findings

After the review, the working group will submit a report to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, which will contain:

• Findings from the review and recommendations for updating the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination.

Within 270 days of completing the review, the Commandant is required to develop a plan to implement these recommendations, which includes:

• Updating or eliminating outdated examination topics and questions.
• Modernizing testing procedures to align with contemporary practices.
• Creating methods to analyze examination performance metrics, like pass and fail rates.

Annual Meetings and Remote Participation

The Commandant must convene meetings of the working group annually or whenever new examination questions are created. The bill also allows for remote participation, ensuring that all members can contribute regardless of their location.

Coordination and Reporting

In developing the update plan, the Commandant must coordinate with the working group and experts in standardized testing. Additionally, a briefing on the review and update plan must be provided to relevant congressional committees within a year after the bill’s enactment.

Summary of Changes

Overall, the Mariner Exam Modernization Act aims to enhance the quality and relevance of the examinations for merchant mariners by establishing a structured and modernized review process, ensuring the exams reflect current industry standards and practices.

Relevant Companies

• BA: The Boeing Company - As they produce commercial and military aircraft, their operations may indirectly be affected by changes in the maritime industry, particularly in terms of workforce certification and safety standards.
• DSX: Diana Shipping Inc. - A shipping company that may be impacted if examination standards affect the labor market for qualified mariners.
• KNOP: KNOT Offshore Partners LP - An operator in the offshore energy sector whose operations would require certified mariners; changes to credentialing may affect staffing and compliance.