The USCG has made active duty fee waivers a permanent part of the Federal Code! All 1.3M active duty members of the uniformed services including U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, US Army, US Navy, United States Marine Corps, Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service Officers, United States Air Force and United States Space Force, will never have to pay the federal fees for USCG Licensing.
This new rule change will also solidify MMC fee support for reservists who are currently members of the Selected Reserve within the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, U.S. Navy Reserve, Army National Guard of the United States, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard of the United States, Air Force Reserve and the Ready Reserve Corps of the USPHS.
This addition to the CFR becomes permanent effective November 4th, 2024.
The Military to Mariner Program serves as a powerful recruitment and retention tool for the U.S. sea services. By offering active duty personnel the opportunity to obtain USCG licenses during their service, it attracts high-quality candidates who see long-term value in joining the military. This program enhances the appeal of sea service careers, helping to compete more effectively for talent in a challenging recruitment landscape. Additionally, it incentivizes service members to remain in their roles longer, as they can continuously build qualifications that will benefit them beyond their military service. This retention effect allows the sea services to develop a more experienced and skilled workforce, ultimately strengthening U.S. maritime capabilities and national security.
For the individual service member, the Military to Mariner Program provides a clear pathway to a successful post-military career in the maritime industry. Throughout their active duty service, participants can earn valuable USCG licenses that directly translate to civilian maritime qualifications. This ensures that when the time comes to transition to civilian life, they are fully prepared for meaningful, well-paying jobs in the professional maritime sector. The program effectively bridges the gap between military service and civilian employment, allowing service members to leverage their military experience and newly acquired licenses to secure positions that support the maritime transportation system. Ultimately, this program empowers service members to build a strong foundation for their future while serving their country.
Thank you to everyone who is working tirelessly behind the scenes to support service members getting the USCG licenses they deserve. Jennifer McCullough, Sarah Stone, Lesa Barbour, Helen Brohl, Wayne Arguin Jr, Shashi Kumar, Buz Buzby, John Nadeau and the team at the USCG CG-5P office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing.
The Coast Guard is continuing to make strides in the right direction to make our Maritime Transportation System more robust. Keep up the great work!
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