Page 36: of Marine News Magazine (January 2013)

Whether it?s ensuring you?re in compliance with the International Maritime Organization?s major revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certi cation and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or keeping up with updates to U.S. Coast Guard policy letters, navigating changes in professional mariner training requirements can be daunting. ?But it doesn?t have to be,? said Capt. Guy Sorensen, president of the Virginia-based Chesapeake Marine Training Institute (CMTI). Established in 1992 by Sorensen, CMTI provides education and training to professional and recreational mariners. He adds, ?From professional marine publications to training centers and up-to-date web sites, there are a few key ways mariners can stay up to date without feeling like they have to do a research project after being at sea for weeks or months.? Mainly, Sorensen advises his students, save a few key web sites to your browser (listed below), subscribe to newsletter updates that come straight to your inbox and program your local maritime training center?s phone number as a quick dial. NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER ? AND YOU ?The U.S. Coast Guard?s National Maritime Center (www. uscg.mil/nmc) issues more than 240,000 credentials to U.S. Merchant Mariners operating throughout American waters. With a goal to ?ensure a safe and secure transportation system throughout the United States by implementing and enforcing all government mandates and U.S. Coast Guard policies,? it?s imperative they keep their web site up to date with any licensing requirement changes. Head to the National Maritime Center?s home page and look under ?announcements.? Frequent updates are posted there. While on the site, check out the other items to make your licensing process smooth. You?ll  nd everything from checklists, policy letters, forms, applications and more. Sign up for the center?s email distribution under the ?helpful links? tab. Staying Informed of Staying Informed of Mariner Licensing Changes Mariner Licensing Changes Staying Informed of Staying Informed of Mariner Licensing Changes Mariner Licensing Changes Quick Tips to save time, money, and cut through the red tape. Quick Tips to save time, money, and cut through the red tape. By Stephanie Heinatz Image Above: The Virginia-based Chesapeake Marine Training Institute developed its basic Þ reÞ ghting course - which includes both classroom and practical exercises - for mariners to meet U.S. Coast Guard and International Maritime Organization training requirements. TRAININGJanuary 2013 36 MNMN Jan2013 Layout 32-42.indd 36MN Jan2013 Layout 32-42.indd 361/3/2013 10:52:47 AM1/3/2013 10:52:47 AM