U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal and Mike Ezell have introduced the Mariner Exam Modernization Act, a legislative effort aimed at updating the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing exam. The bill seeks to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiency within 270 days after receiving recommendations from a dedicated working group.
Rep. Carbajal emphasized the need for modernization, stating, “The men and women pursuing careers in the maritime industry shouldn’t be held back by an antiquated credentialing system.” He described the act as a “commonsense step” to align licensing processes with necessary skills, aiming to strengthen the maritime workforce.
Rep. Ezell highlighted the importance of reflecting current industry realities in credentialing systems: “Our mariners deserve a credentialing system that reflects the realities of today’s maritime industry—not outdated exams and unnecessary hurdles.”
Support for the bill comes from various organizations within the maritime sector. Brian Schoeneman, Chairman of USA Maritime, expressed backing for modernizing licensing exams, noting that it would remove redundancies and align testing with contemporary needs.
Sara Fuentes from the Transportation Institute praised Rep. Carbajal’s leadership in addressing workforce challenges: “Transportation Institute supports the Mariner Exam Modernization Act and applauds Congressman Carbajal for his leadership in solving the mariner workforce crisis.”
Mike Stevens of the Navy League underscored its significance for national security: “The Navy League of the United States has long championed the importance of the American mariner to our national and economic security.”
G.P. Achenbach from the Consortium of State Maritime Academies noted that reducing redundancy between existing codes and exams would enhance academic programs by eliminating outdated subjects.
Currently, aspiring mariners face an outdated licensing process requiring repeated demonstration of competencies through both hands-on assessments and a seven-part written exam. This approach is seen as discouraging new entrants while diverting focus from modern training needs such as cybersecurity.
