Page 24: of Marine News Magazine (May 2012)

24MNMay 2012There are great differences as to how different crews can operate the same or similar vessels. A highly competent crew of two or three could easily per- form the operations of a similar crew of four or six and still perform the opera- tion safely. That said, and to prevent vessels from operating with inadequate crews, the Coast Guard provides detailed requirements that all operators of Uninspected Towing Vessels (UTV) must adhere to when manning their vessels. As the rules change and apply differently to vessels depending upon where they are operating, vessel operators have a difficult time determining what crew is required under the statutes, regulations and the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular. And ignorance is not a valid plea when an oper- ating executive is seated at the end of the long green table. The first step in the process is to ensure that all crew members have obtained an appropriate Merchant Mariner?s Credential (MMC). A MMC is required for all mariners employed aboard vessels operating on navigable waters. Mariners who have obtained MMCs fall into two classifications: unlicensed and licensed. The MMC com- bines the individual?s Merchant Mariner?s document, license, certificate of registry, and the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping Endorsement. The MMC serves as the mariner?s qualification document, certificate of identification, and certificate of service. With regard to unlicensed mariners, the subgroup is fur- ther broken into qualified and unqualified positions. Qualified positions include Able Seaman (AB), Lifeboatman (LBMAN), and Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED). These qualified posi- tions require a minimum amount of sea time to obtain the rating. The unqualified positions for entry-level employ- ees include Ordinary Seaman (OS), Wiper (WI), or a member of the stewards department. Furthermore, under 46 CFR 10.203(b), each person holding an MMC shallalso hold a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card. Each MMC is valid for five years from the date of issuance. The MMC does not have to be posted in a conspicuous place aboard the vessel as long as it is readily available. During the hiring process, it is important to verify that the mariner actually has the cre- dential that he or she claims to have. A copy of the MMC, with its endorsements, should be placed into the employ- ee?s personnel file for safekeeping. MATCHING SKILLSTO TASKSAfter determining that all employees have obtained their MMC, it is important to determine the type of licensed personnel that are needed to operate your particular vessel LEGALBy Lawrence R. DeMarcay, III Credentialing, UTV?s & You Have you adequately crewed your uninspected towing vessel? MarineNews con-tributor Larry DeMarcay provides a needed primer.MN#5 (18-31):MN 2011 Layouts 5/7/2012 9:55 AM Page 24