On December 24, 2013 the Coast Guard published a final rule titled, "Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchstanding for Seafarers, 1978, and Changes to National Endorsements". To ensure the maximum understanding of the final rule’s new requirements, the Coast Guard is holding a public meeting to present the major areas of change in domestic regulations and implementation of these changes.

This meeting will take place on February 11, 2014, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Please note that this meeting may adjourn early if all business is finished. The meeting will take place in the Oklahoma Room at the Department of Transportation Conference Center which is in the West building, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590. The meeting will also take place by teleconference. If joining by teleconference, call (888) 790-2035 and enter pass-code 2251051. The presentations and final rule will be available for download via the National Maritime Center website, http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/videos/ under the STCW Webinar section, shortly before the meeting.

There will be a limited question and answer period during this meeting. Additionally, the Coast Guard will accept questions via e-mail submission to STCWASK@uscg.mil.

Members of the public may attend this meeting up to the seating capacity of the room, which is 80. Please note that due to security considerations, two valid, government issued photo identifications must be presented to gain entrance to the DOT Conference Center. The building is accessible by taxi and public transportation. However, parking in the vicinity of the building is extremely limited. Participants must have received confirmation of their attendance request prior to arrival. Unconfirmed members of the public attempting to enter the meeting will not be allowed access.

To reserve a spot, or for further information on how to participate in the meeting, please contact the meeting coordinator, Mr. E.J. Terminella, as soon as possible by e-mail at Emanuel.J.TerminellaJr@uscg.mil or by phone at (202) 372-1239.