Updates Merchant Mariner Credential Exam Process
HR3331-119 · Introduced May 13, 2025
Why it matters
Mariners would see an exam that may be updated to match current ship technology and industry standards. Coast Guard staff would also need to brief Congress within one year of enactment.
What it does
- Sets up a working group of exam takers, Merchant Marine Academy staff, and others to review the mariner exam
- Requires the working group to meet each year, or when new questions are created
- Bars the Coast Guard from using new exam questions until the working group approves them
- Requires a review of exam topics within 270 days, and a plan to update the exam after that
Out of committee
Next: a full House vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeedone
- Housecurrent step
- Senatenot yet
- Presidentnot yet
About this bill
Would require the Coast Guard to review and update the merchant mariner credential exam with a working group. The review would be due within 270 days, and a plan would follow.
Mariner Exam Modernization Act
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Maritime training groups would likely say the exam is outdated and needs regular review. They may argue that working with recent test takers keeps questions practical.
💬 The case against
Some safety groups would likely say changing the exam could weaken standards. They may worry that new questions could be slow to approve.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this federal bill are at the source link.
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