2021-17806: Pilots' Medical Certificate Validity Period

Summary

The Coast Guard proposes to extend the maximum period of validity of merchant mariner medical certificates issued to first-class pilots and masters or mates serving as pilot from 2 years to 5 years. This proposed rule would reduce the frequency of medical certification application submissions to the Coast Guard. First-class pilots and masters and mates who serve as pilot on vessels of 1,600 gross registered tons or more would be required to submit the results of their annual physical examinations to the Coast Guard between medical certificate applications if: The mariner does not meet the physical ability requirements; the mariner has a condition that does not meet the medical, vision, or hearing requirements; the mariner is deemed "not recommended" by a medical practitioner for a medical certificate; or upon request by the Coast Guard. The proposed rule will not compromise safety because it maintains the requirement for pilots to obtain annual physicals and because it provides the Coast Guard opportunity to review the medical examination of pilots who may become medically unqualified between medical certificate applications.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 3 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 46 CFR 10 Merchant Mariner Credential
• 46 CFR 11 Requirements for Officer Endorsements
• 46 CFR 15 Manning Requirements