Coast Guard establishes Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Monday the establishment of the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee, which will be involved with matters relating to the medical evaluation process and evaluation criteria for medical certification of merchant mariners.

The Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee will be comprised of 10 health care professionals with certain expertise, knowledge or experience in occupational medicine or the medical examination of merchant mariners. Four more committee members will be professional mariners who possess knowledge and experience in the occupational requirements for mariners.

The Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee will advise the Commandant of the Coast Guard on the evaluation processes and evaluation criteria for medical certification of merchant mariners, including physical qualification requirements. The committee will provide a forum for development, communication and consideration of expert-based and scientific recommendations, will be responsive to specific assignments and may conduct studies, inquiries, workshops and seminars in consultation with individuals and groups in the private sector as well as state and local government.

"The Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee will advise and consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security regarding a number of merchant mariner medical issues such as physical qualification requirements," said Capt. Eric Christensen, chief of the Office of Vessel Activities. "We expect the advisory committee to be an unparalleled information and knowledge base that will provide keen insight into the required merchant mariner medical evaluation processes."

People interested in serving on the committee should contact Lt. J. Court Smith at (202) 372-1128 or via e-mail at james.c.smith1@uscg.mil.

The Federal Register notice may be viewed at www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2009-0446.