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 Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard 46 CFR Parts 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16
[Docket No. USCG-2021-0834]
RIN 1625-AC86
 AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
 ACTION: Final rule.
 SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is issuing this final rule to permit the electronic submission of required mariner credentialing information to allow for the future implementation of a new Merchant Mariner Credentialing information technology system. This rule also requires the electronic payment of mandatory merchant mariner credentialing fees, removes the requirement for prospective mariners to take an oath before an authorized official, and changes the requirements for the Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariners. Finally, this rule makes technical amendments to update addresses and websites, remove antiquated terminology, and adopt gender-neutral terms.
 DATES: This final rule is effective January 19, 2025.
 ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to 
                            *https://www.regulations.gov,*
                             type USCG-2021-0834 in the search box and click “Search.” Next, in the Document Type column, select “Supporting & Related Material.”
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document call or email call or email Mr. Charles J. Bright, Coast Guard Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing, Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-1046, email 
                            *Charles.J.Bright@uscg.mil.*


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents for Preamble I. Abbreviations II. Basis and Purpose, and Regulatory History III. Discussion of Comments and Changes IV. Discussion of the Rule V. Regulatory Analysis A. Regulatory Planning and Review B. Small Entities C. Assistance for Small Entities D. Collection of Information E. Federalism F. Unfunded Mandates G. Taking of Private Property H. Civil Justice Reform I. Protection of Children J. Indian Tribal Governments K. Energy Effects L. Technical Standards M. Environment I. Abbreviations ACH Automated Clearing House BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics CBO Congressional Budget Office CFR Code of Federal Regulations CG-MMC Coast Guard Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing DHS Department of Homeland Security EFT Electronic Funds Transfer Form CG-718A Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariner Form CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential FR Federal Register FRED Federal Reserve Economic Data GS General Schedule GSA General Services Administration ICR Information Collection Request IT Information Technology MCP Mariner Credentialing Program MMC Merchant Mariner Credential MMLD  Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NMC National Maritime Center NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking OMB Office of Management and Budget OPM Office of Personnel Management RA Regulatory analysis RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act REC Regional Exam Center § Section TWIC Transportation Worker Identification Credential U.S.C. United States Code USCG United States Coast Guard II. Basis and Purpose, and Regulatory History The legal basis of this final rule is title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) Sections 7101(b) and 7301(b), which authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the experience and professional qualifications required for the issuance of merchant mariner licenses and documents. The DHS Secretary has delegated the rulemaking authority under 46 U.S.C. 7101 and 7301 to the Coast Guard through DHS Delegation No. 00170.1(II)(92)(e), Revision No. 01.4. Additionally, 14 U.S.C. 102(3) grants the Coast Guard broad authority to issue and enforce regulations for the promotion of safety of life and property on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, which includes establishing the experience and professional qualifications required for the issuance of credentials. This final rule revises title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), subchapter A, part 1, and subchapter B, parts 10-16, to allow for the electronic submission of information to the Coast Guard for the issuance of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and the supporting administrative processes, including requiring the payment of mandatory fees through the federal government-recognized system, Pay.gov. The Coast Guard is also removing the requirement for prospective mariners to take an oath before an authorized official and changing requirements for the completion and issue of a Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariner (Form CG-718A). In addition, the Coast Guard is making technical amendments to update addresses and websites, remove antiquated terminology, and adopt gender-neutral language. On March 14, 2024, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Mariner Credentialing Program Transformation,” (89 FR 18706) requesting comments on the proposed changes implemented by this final rule. A detailed description of the background and proposed changes can be found in the NPRM. 
                        *See*
                         89 FR at 18707-09. III. Discussion of Comments and Changes In response to our NPRM, the Coast Guard received five written submissions. All were in support of the proposed changes. Two submissions each contained a single comment in support of the proposed changes. Three submissions captured multiple comments, for a total of 11 comments, which provided detailed support of the proposed changes. One comment included a recommendation, which is discussed below. One commenter recommended the implementation of an electronic merchant mariner credential or e-credential. The Coast Guard appreciates this recommendation and may consider it as part of the future information technology system and the overall changes to the Mariner Credentialing Program (MCP), but finds the recommendation is beyond the scope of this rulemaking. Coast Guard regulations do not specify the form of the credential. After considering these comments, the Coast Guard is making two modifications from our previously proposed changes. In the NPRM, we proposed removing the words “the applicant's fingerprints” from 46 CFR 10.209(e)(3). This paragraph concerns information supplied from the mariner's Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment before an MMC or endorsement is issued by the Coast Guard. This proposed change was included in the proposed amendatory 
                        ( print page 102299)
                        instructions but not in Table 2—Summary of Impacts by Affected CFR Part, Subpart, and Section, or part of the NPRM's Regulatory Analysis. 
                        *See*
                         89 FR at 18707-30. After consideration, the Coast Guard is not removing the words “applicant's fingerprints” from 46 CFR 10.209(e)(3) as part of this final rule. Applicant's fingerprints are a required part of the TWIC enrollment process governed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Although fingerprints are not specifically used by the Coast Guard at this time on MMCs, the Coast Guard will retain the ability to use fingerprints on future MMCs for increased security purposes, especially if an electronic credential is developed as suggested by a comment received to the NPRM and discussed previously. The Coast Guard is also correcting a scrivener's error contained in our proposed amendatory language for 46 CFR 10.209(d)(1) by removing an unintentional repeat of the word “and.” Finally, this final rule removed some amendatory language included in the NPRM that was superseded by the publication of Electronic Submission of Mariner Course Completion Data final rule (Docket No. USCG-2021-0097, RIN 1625-AC75) on November 25, 2024. IV. Discussion of the Rule This final rule allows for the electronic submission of MMC applications and supporting documents to the Coast Guard and requires electronic payment of mandatory fees through 
                        *Pay.gov.*
                         This final rule also removes the requirement for original MMC applicants to take an oath before an authorized official or notary because the Coast Guard has determined it is a redundant part of the original MMC application process. This rule further amends the process for issuing certificates of discharge for mariners after completing a voyage by clarifying the procedures and by allowing for electronic processing and recordkeeping. Finally, the Coast Guard makes non-substantive changes to antiquated terminology and out-of-date website and address information to clarify existing regulatory text in the affected subparts of the CFR. To prepare for the future acquisition of an information technology (IT) system to replace the antiquated and inefficient Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation (MMLD) system used by the MCP, this rule amends 46 CFR subchapter A, part 1, and subchapter B, parts 10-16, to allow for electronic submission of information, in a manner specified by the Coast Guard, to obtain MMCs, medical certificates, and the approval of mariner training courses and programs, Qualified Assessors, and Designated Examiners. Providing for the electronic submission of required information streamlines the credentialing process and prepares for the fully electronic IT system that will be used by the MCP and industry. This final rule requires electronic payment of mandatory fees through 
                        *Pay.gov.*
                         Manual processing of the previously allowed cash, checks, credit cards, or money orders required significant work hours by National Maritime Center (NMC) and Regional Exam Center (REC) personnel, were difficult to validate and protect using the current system and did not meet the requirements of the U.S. Treasury. With this final rule, the Coast Guard no longer directly accepts payments made using these methods at RECs. Applicants who wish to continue to use cash or money orders can obtain a prepaid credit card to pay fees using 
                        *Pay.gov.*
                         Applicants who wish to pay via personal check can make an Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment through 
                        *Pay.gov.* As noted in Section III. Background, of this preamble, the Coast Guard anticipates the use of cash or money orders to continue to decrease, based upon previous payment statistics. This also reflects the overall public trend in the United States to make payments using a credit card, debit card, or check. The 2019 Federal Reserve Payments Study and subsequent updates indicate a continued trend to using cards and ACH, with the growth rate of core noncash payments being 6.7 percent per year from 2015 to 2018, higher than the growth rate of 5.1 percent per year from 2012 to 2015.[1]
                        
                         Credit and debit card usage numbers declined with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly from the lack of in-person transactions, but general growth continued, including the percentage of ACH payments.[2]
                        
                         Electronic payment reduces the burden on Coast Guard personnel who process non-electronic payments (cash, check, money orders) and improves customer service to mariners by allowing for better reconciliation and more efficient processing of payments and refunds. This rule also changes 46 CFR 14.307, regarding entries on certificates of discharge for mariners after completing a voyage, to clarify the procedures and allow for electronic processing and recordkeeping. The process is clarified by requiring that each Master or individual in charge must, for each individual mariner being discharged from the vessel, prepare a Form CG-718A, in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the Coast Guard. The prescribed format may include the current CG-718A or other means provided by the Coast Guard, which allows for electronic processing if available in a new MCP system. If a Master or individual in charge of a vessel do not use a Coast Guard-prescribed format, the mariner must be provided with all the same information included on Form CG-718A. This ensures the vessel Master or operating companies provide the required information to the mariner but allows for them to use vessel or company specific means, such as a payroll system incorporated in their vessel administrative systems. Following each voyage, every mariner being discharged must validate the information on Form CG-718A by signing it. The change from signing in “permanent ink” to “by signing” allows for more modern methods such as electronic signature or document verification. Finally, when the mariner departs the vessel, the Master or individual in charge must give Form CG-718A to the mariner, which could be provided electronically with the changes. The changes to Form CG-718A's process creates a more modern and electronic means of processing the document. Under this final rule, there is no change to the certificate of discharge transmission process under 46 CFR 14.311. In addition, this final rule removes the requirement to take an oath before an authorized official while certifying an Application for Merchant Mariner Credential (Form CG-719B). By signing the form, an individual attests to “solemnly swear or affirm” to abide by the requirements of the oath. This legally binds a mariner, so no additional requirement before an authorized official is necessary. The Coast Guard also anticipates that the future MCP system would allow for electronic signatures and additional verification of identity, further negating the need for the requirement to take an oath before an authorized official. Finally, the Coast Guard adds technical amendments to 46 CFR parts 1 and 10-16 as part of this rulemaking. These amendments account for updates to websites and addresses, remove antiquated language (such as “licenses” and “Merchant Mariner Document (MMD)”, as those credentials are no 
                        ( print page 102300)
                        longer issued by the Coast Guard), and make non-substantive changes to ensure gender-neutrality throughout. V. Regulatory Analysis We developed this final rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive orders related to the final rule. A summary of our analyses based on these statutes or Executive orders follows. A. Regulatory Planning and Review Executive Orders 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), as amended by Executive Order 14094 (Modernizing Regulatory Review), and 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has not been designated by OMB as a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, as amended by Executive Order 14094. Accordingly, OMB has not reviewed it. The Coast Guard received no public comments on the regulatory analysis for the proposed rule. Details on the estimated cost savings of this final rule can be found in the rule's Regulatory Analysis (RA) that follows. Changes From the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking For the reasons discussed in section III of this preamble, Discussion of Comments and Changes, we have made two changes to the regulatory text from the proposed rule. In § 10.209(e)(3), we retain the regulatory text “the applicant's fingerprints,” and in § 10.209(d)(1), we make a minor editorial change to remove an extra word “and” in the regulatory text. These changes do not necessitate a change to either the methodology or type of data used in the RA from the NPRM. We updated the regulatory analysis from the NPRM to account for 2023 wage rates. For this regulatory analysis, the term “applicants” refers to all individuals who pay mandatory fees associated with an MMC application. The changes and estimated cost savings for § 10.219(d) affect these applicants. The phrase “original applicants” refers to individuals who are applying for their first MMC and therefore are currently required to take an oath before an authorized official. The number of original applicants is a subset of all applicants because they must also pay fees. The changes and cost savings to § 10.225(c) affect only original applicants. In this final rule, the Coast Guard updates 46 CFR subchapter A, part 1, and subchapter B, parts 10-16. The final rule will: Require electronic payment of merchant mariner credentialing fees in § 10.219(d); [3] Remove the requirement for an oath to be administered by an official who serves as a notary public (or an authorized official who can administer an oath) on Form CG-719B in § 10.225(c);
                    Allow for the electronic submission of certain documents in §§ 1.03-15(h)(2)(i) for appeals involving course approvals and merchant mariner personnel issues and 10.219(i) for requests involving no-fee MMCs;
                    Consolidate, condense, and clarify regulatory text for the processing of Form CG-718A in §§ 14.307(a), (b), and (c) when a mariner completes a voyage; and
                    Make non-substantive, editorial changes to current regulatory text, such as pronoun changes, address changes, the removal of certain terms, and other minor grammatical changes. Table 1 presents a summary of the impacts of the final rule. 
 
  
 
  We discuss the economic impact of these items individually in the cost savings section of this RA. This final rule generates cost savings to applicants, including original applicants, for two changes in 46 CFR 10.219(d) and 10.225(c), and for the Federal Government in § 10.219(d). For § 10.219(d), each applicant will save approximately $13.06 for a credit card payment and about $11.41 for a cash payment with this final rule. For § 10.225(c), under Assumption 1, for all applicants, an individual applicant will save about $17.68; and under Assumption 2, for half of the applicants (6,976), each applicant who goes to a bank branch will save about $17.68; for the other half (6,976) of the applicants who go to a notary service, half of whom pay by credit card (3,488) and half of whom pay by cash (3,488); each applicant who pays by credit card will save about $23.61, and by cash, about $22.24. First, the changes in § 10.219(d) requires an applicant for an MMC to pay the required evaluation, examination, and issuance fees by electronic means through 
                        *Pay.gov.*
                         Currently, an applicant can make a payment in person at an REC using cash, check, credit card or money order. With this final rule, the Coast Guard no longer accepts direct payments made using these methods; as a result, this final rule removes the payment options made with cash, check (in person), credit card (in person), and money order, and payments made by standard mail. The cost savings that we estimate for § 10.219(d) are for applicants who no longer expend the time to visit an REC to pay the fees by cash, check, credit card, and for payments made by check through standard mail. For the purpose of this analysis, we analyzed payments made by cash and credit card because they represented the majority of payments made in person at RECs. We also analyzed check and money order payments made by applicants outside of RECs. In addition to cash and credit card payments, applicants can also make payments by check and money order in person at an REC. However, the Coast Guard does not collect data to show where applicants made these payments. For this analysis and based on Coast Guard information from RECs, 
                        ( print page 102303)
                        most applicants pay by cash or credit card at RECs; we then assumed applicants made check and money order payments by standard mail outside of an REC. The changes to § 10.219(d) also generates cost savings for the Federal Government and Coast Guard employees who no longer expend the time to process in-person payment transactions at RECs. The cost savings associated with § 10.225(c) is from the removal of the requirement to have an oath administered by a person legally qualified to administer an oath, or a notary public, near an original applicant's place of residence (in the town or city where an original applicant resides) before an original applicant receives an MMC.[6]
                        
                         The Coast Guard does not expect the Federal Government to realize any cost savings associated with this change. The remaining changes will not generate any costs or cost savings to the maritime industry, individuals, or the Federal Government. Lastly, this final rule does not alter any current OMB-approved Coast Guard information collection request (ICR). § 10.219(d) We estimate the total discounted cost savings for the change to § 10.219(d) for applicants who pay mandatory fees at RECs (typically by cash or credit card) and for applicants who pay by check and money order outside of an REC through standard mail to be approximately $1.0 million, rounded, over a 10-year period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount rate. The cost savings are associated with the time (transaction time) applicants save from making in-person payments to using 
                        *Pay.gov*. We estimate the annualized cost savings for applicants who pay in-person at RECs and by cash to be approximately $3,319 rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. We estimate the annualized cost savings for applicants who pay in-person at RECs by credit card to be approximately $130,039, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. We estimate the annualized cost savings for applicants who pay by check and money order through standard mail to be approximately $7,962 rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. Finally, we estimate the total annualized cost savings of part 10.219(d) to applicants who pay in-person at RECs and by check and money order to be approximately $141,320 ($3,319 + $130,039 + $7,962), rounded. We estimate the discounted cost savings to the Coast Guard for the change to § 10.219(d) to be approximately $230,491 over a 10-year period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount rate. In addition, we estimate the annualized cost savings to the Coast Guard for this regulatory provision to be approximately $32,817, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. § 10.225(c) In this regulatory analysis, we make two assumptions associated with the removal of the requirement to take an oath before an authorized official in § 10.225(c). These assumptions apply to applicants who pay the mandatory fees and take an oath at a location other than an REC or at their place of residence (for the purpose of this regulatory analysis, we refer to individuals who are affected by the changes to § 10.225(c) only as “original applicants”). These two assumptions are necessary because the Coast Guard does not have data on whether original applicants obtain an oath through a notary public service at a bank near their place of residence, which is (Assumption 1), where an individual can obtain an oath for an original application along with a notary public signature, which we assume to be free of charge; or elsewhere, other than a bank, which is (Assumption 2), where there is a cost for the notary public service.[7] Therefore, if the reader accepts Assumption 1 to be representative of the current actions by applicants, then the cost savings the Coast Guard estimates for this assumption to be the cost savings of the final rule, in addition to the cost savings from the change to § 10.219(d). If the reader accepts Assumption 2 to be representative of the current actions by applicants, then the cost savings the Coast Guard estimates for this assumption is the cost savings of the final rule, in addition to the cost savings from the change to § 10.219(d). Other assumptions may be made by the reader about the locations or establishments where original applicants obtained an oath through a notary public service, such as through legal services, at a title application company, or other such local business services, but we believe these assumptions capture the actions that applicants take when they apply for MMCs. Lastly, for the purpose of this analysis, the Coast Guard assumes applicants have bank accounts. *Assumption 1 for § 10.225(c):* Our first assumption is that original applicants, who are affected by this part of the final rule, can obtain an oath through a notary public service or at a bank branch (which we assume to be free of charge with a bank account) near where they reside.[8]
                        
                         Under this assumption, we estimate this final rule will save all original applicants (an estimated 13,951 annually, rounded) a discounted amount of approximately $1.7 million over a 10-year period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount rate. The cost savings include the cost of the travel time for an applicant who travels to obtain a notary public, the mileage cost, and the time an applicant waits at a bank to obtain a notary public signature. We estimate the annualized cost savings for original applicants to be approximately $246,640, using a 7-percent discount rate. These figures do not include the cost savings for the change to § 10.219(d). *Assumption 2 for § 10.225(c):* Our second assumption is that half of the original applicants can obtain an oath through a notary public service at a bank or bank branch near where they reside, which we assume to be free of charge (with a bank account). The other half of original applicants (an estimated 6,976 annually, rounded) can obtain this service at a state office, an establishment that provides notary public services, or a similar entity which charges for a notary public service. Assumption 2 considers the cost savings associated with the removal of the oath and the notary public service for the affected population of all original applicants, or 13,951. Under this assumption, we assumed half of the original applicants will obtain a notary public at a bank, where it is free of charge, and half at an 
                        ( print page 102304)
                        establishment other than a bank, where there is a cost for a notary public. The cost savings for half of the original applicants who obtain a notary public at a bank is from the time it takes to travel to a bank, the mileage cost, and the time to wait at a bank for a notary public. The cost savings for the other half of original applicants who obtain a notary elsewhere is the same as applicants that go to a bank with the addition of the cost savings from not having to pay for a notary public. With this assumption, the Coast Guard estimates the final rule will save original applicants a discounted amount of approximately $2.3 million over a 10-year period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost savings for original applicants to be approximately $326,232, using a 7-percent discount rate. These figures do not include the cost savings for the change to § 10.219(d). For each assumption, the Coast Guard adds the same cost savings estimate for original applicants who are required to pay the fees electronically under the changes to § 10.219(d), or $141,320 annualized, rounded. Specifically, for Assumption 1, the Coast Guard estimates the total discounted cost savings of the final rule for applicants to be approximately $2.7 million over a 10-year period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the total annualized cost savings of the final rule under this assumption to be approximately $387,959. For Assumption 2, the Coast Guard estimates the total discounted cost savings of the final rule for applicants to be approximately $3.3 million over a 10-year period of analysis, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the total annualized cost savings of the final rule under this assumption to be approximately $467,552. In addition, the final rule generates benefits in the form of cost savings to MMC applicants. These benefits include: A simplified payment transaction through electronic means (Pay.gov), saving applicants time and money; and
                    Reduced time burden for original applicants who no longer need to obtain an oath before an authorized official, which saves time and money. This final rule generates unquantifiable benefits, which include: Flexibility for applicants by providing the option to electronically submit documents including the no-fee determination of eligibility request and the certificate of discharge; unquantifiable cost savings for applicants who choose the option to electronically submit certain documents;
                    Removal, addition, and clarification of regulatory text for Form CG-718A and other non-substantive regulatory text changes. The benefit to mariners is clearer regulatory text as a result of the editorial changes that we made. Table 2 presents a summary of the estimated impacts of the final rule. 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  Affected Population The affected population of this final rule are applicants for an MMC (includes original applications or applicants who apply for an MMC for the first time) who pay MMC fees in person at an REC or outside of an REC through standard mail. Based on historical data from the NMC, the Coast Guard analyzed information on applicants who paid mandatory fees electronically through Pay.gov over a 7-year period from 2015 to 2021. Based on payment data from the NMC, one payment transaction represents one applicant for all transactions. Under this assumption, we assumed an applicant makes one trip to an REC and pays for all transactions at that time instead of taking time to make multiple trips and paying separately for transactions. For applicants who paid fees in person at RECs, the Coast Guard used a 5-year data period from 2015-2019 because after 2019, in-person transactions became very sporadic at RECs due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols and the data are not representative of the transactions over this period of time. The Coast Guard then established two population groups. For § 10.225(c) of this final rule, the Coast Guard defined the population as original applicants who paid mandatory fees by money order, check, and through Pay.gov, which gave us the number of applicants who took the oath outside of an REC and obtained a notary public service near where they reside. This is for individuals who applied for an original MMC only. As an annual average, the NMC recorded approximately 13,951 payment transactions for original applications between 2015 and 2021. For § 10.219(d) of this final rule, the Coast Guard defined part of the population as applicants who paid the fees by cash or credit card in person at RECs for original applications, which gave us an estimated the number of individuals who likely took the oath at RECs, where it is free of charge.[9]
                        
                         As an annual average, the NMC recorded approximately 1,206 in-person payment transactions for original applications between 2015 and 2019. For all other fees paid by applicants other than original applicants, the NMC recorded an annual average of 9,043 in-person payment transactions between 2015 and 2019. The Coast Guard estimates the total average annual population of applicants, who paid fees in person at an REC during this period, to be approximately 10,249 applicants. Between 2015 and 2021, the Coast Guard also recorded an annual average of approximately 12,638 payments made by applicants who paid by check or money order outside of an REC through standard mail. Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the total average annual population affected by this final rule to be approximately 36,838 (13,951 + 10,249 + 12,638) applicants (see table 3). 
 
  Cost Savings Analysis Two changes in this final rule (in 46 CFR 10.219(d) and 10.225(c)) result in quantifiable cost savings for MMC applicants. The other changes have no quantifiable economic impact on individuals, companies, or businesses, and will not result in costs or cost savings to them. The option in 46 CFR 1.03-15(h)(2)(i) and 10.219(i)(1) for electronic submission of certain documents that currently must be submitted by paper copy (see table 2) will likely have cost savings associated with it, but we are not able to quantify these savings in this analysis because the Coast Guard does not have data to show how many electronic submissions we will receive in the future. Additionally, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coast Guard is not able to accurately determine a future trend of the number of documents that applicants will choose to submit to the Coast Guard electronically. In table 2, we presented a summary of the estimated impacts of the final rule and provided a description of the change for each affected CFR section. Where the description reads “Editorial; non-substantive regulatory text changes,” we make changes that include the addition, deletion, consolidation, and clarification of regulatory text that do not have cost or cost savings associated with them. These changes include minor grammatical revisions, such as changes to punctuation and pronoun changes; the clarification of regulatory text by removal, deletion, or consolidation of terms; definitional changes; and changes that update Coast Guard website addresses. This includes changes in § 10.209(d)(2), “General Application Procedures,” where the Coast Guard removes the regulatory text governing the submission of certain documents by applicants. There are no costs or cost savings for individuals that are associated with this change because the Coast Guard still retains this requirement in §§ 10.227 and 10.231. For § 1.03-15(h)(2)(i), “General,” the Coast Guard adds the option of electronic submission of an appeal for course approvals and merchant mariner personnel to the Coast Guard. There are no quantifiable cost or cost savings associated with this change because the Coast Guard does not have data on the future use of electronic submission for appeals. The Coast Guard still accepts the current paper-copy submission method for appeals. For § 10.219(i)(1), “Determination of Eligibility,” the Coast Guard adds the option of electronic submission of an eligibility request to the Coast Guard for the items listed in 10.219(h). There are no quantifiable cost or cost savings associated with this change because the Coast Guard does not have data on the future use of electronic submission with this item. The Coast Guard still accepts the current paper-copy submission method for these requests. For § 14.307, “Entries on certificate of discharge,” the information the Coast Guard removes in current paragraphs (d) and (e) is currently contained in form CG-718A, “Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariner;” therefore, there is no cost or cost savings associated with this change.[10]
                        
                         The Coast Guard removes, consolidates, and condenses the existing regulatory text into paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section. The changes to this section do not change the current OMB-approved ICR or alter its burden estimates because the Coast Guard is not making any changes to the reporting requirements in form CG-718A. Cost Savings Analysis for the Changes to § 10.219(d)/Electronic Payment of Fees The Coast Guard amends § 10.219(d) and removes the option for applicants to pay merchant mariner credentialing fees in person at an REC by cash or credit card (applicants who pay in person may also pay by check or money order; because the Coast Guard does not collect data on where these payments were made, and based on payment data from the NMC, most applicants pay by cash or with a credit card in person) since credit card transactions are processed by individual RECs and cash payments are not accepted through standard mail. The Coast Guard instead requires all payments to be made electronically through the Government's payment system at 
                        *Pay.gov*
                        .[11]
                        
                         For 
                        ( print page 102316)
                        payments made by check outside of an REC, applicants mailed the checks to the Coast Guard by standard mail. With the final rule, the Coast Guard still accepts payment by check, but applicants are required to use a bank ACH payment through 
                        *Pay.gov*. Applicants who mailed checks to the Coast Guard will save the postage cost with this final rule. The Coast Guard expects that applicants have access to the requisite technology to pay credentialing fees through 
                        *Pay.gov*
                        . According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey, approximately 95 percent of American households have one or more electronic devices such as a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone, or tablet.[12]
                        
                         This included over 90 percent of households that have an internet subscription that will facilitate access to 
                        *Pay.gov*
                        .[13]
                        
                         Even if an applicant or household does not have access to a computer at home or the internet individually, in this case, the Coast Guard assumes for the purpose of this analysis, that an applicant may access a smartphone, cellphone, or computer to submit an application to the Coast Guard without incurring a cost.[14]
                        
                         Additionally, with this final rule, we assume that a small population of applicants affected by part 10.219(d), who submit applications at RECs currently, will choose to continue to visit RECs and will continue to print receipts as proof of payment. However, the Coast Guard is not able to determine the number of applicants who will continue to visit RECs for this purpose. Therefore, there is an unquantifiable cost of the final rule with printing the receipts for a small number of applicants who visit RECs to submit their applications. This results in a small, unknown reduction in the total estimated cost savings of this rule. Applicants may visit an REC for many reasons; for example, to take an examination, to ask questions about the application process, submit an application, pay the mandatory fees, obtain an oath from an authorized individual, or for other reasons. This is notable in the following cost savings analysis because the Coast Guard does not include travel cost savings estimates for the affected applicants in our analysis of the impact of the change to § 10.219(d). The Coast Guard reasons that, although it is possible for applicants to visit RECs exclusively to pay MMC fees, the Coast Guard does not retain data on the number of applicants who do so. In practice, the Coast Guard assumes applicants do not visit an REC to solely pay the fees. Therefore, the Coast Guard cannot attribute travel costs to applicants who pay the mandatory fees in person at an REC. For example, applicants may visit RECs to ask questions about the application process and may decide to pay the fees during the same visit. Or applicants may visit RECs to obtain an oath, not realizing that RECs accept in-person payment, and may decide to pay the fees during this visit. The Coast Guard also assumes that applicants pay the mandatory fees at one time. The requirement for applicants to pay MMC fees electronically through 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         eliminates the flexibility to pay these fees by cash, and money order, by standard mail, and directly at an REC (see footnote number 13). However, with 
                        *Pay.gov*, the Coast Guard believes applicants will find this payment method to be more convenient and secure because applicants are able to pay MMCs fees from their home instead of traveling to an REC and expending the time and money by making a payment in person, as we discuss later in this analysis. The Coast Guard acknowledges that there may be a small subset of the applicant population that still prefer to pay MMC fees in person instead of through 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         after an effective final rule. The Coast Guard collects data for all payment transactions including transactions for original MMC applications. Between 2015 and 2019, the Coast Guard recorded an annual average of 1,167 credit card transactions for original applications made in person by applicants at an REC. It also recorded an average annual of 8,791 credit card transactions for other fees for a total average annual of 9,958 credit card transactions over these 5 years. During the same period, the Coast Guard recorded an average annual of 39 cash payment transactions for original applications made in person by applicants at an REC. It also recorded an average annual of 252 cash transactions for other fees for a total average annual of 291 cash transactions for these 5 years. Therefore, the total average annual number of transactions made in person was approximately 10,249 over the 5-year time period. The NMC estimates it takes applicants approximately 5 minutes, or 0.083 hours (rounded), to complete a payment through 
                        *Pay.gov*. The NMC estimates it takes a certain amount of time for applicants to make in-person application payments at an REC. For applicants who pay by credit card, the NMC estimates it takes approximately: 8 minutes, or approximately 0.13 hours (rounded), to enter RECs due to security checks;
                    3.5 minutes, or approximately 0.06 hours (rounded) to wait in line for a clerk; and
                    7.5 minutes, or approximately 0.13 hours (rounded) to make the payment and complete the transaction, for a total of approximately 0.32 hours. Therefore, the net amount of time (time difference) applicants save by making payments electronically rather than by credit card in person is approximately 0.237 hours (0.32-0.083 hours). For applicants who pay by cash, the NMC estimates it takes approximately: 8 minutes, or approximately 0.13 hours (rounded) to enter RECs due to security checks;
                    3.5 minutes, or approximately 0.06 hours (rounded) to wait in line for a clerk; and
                    6.0 minutes, or approximately 0.10 hours to make the payment and complete the transaction, for a total of approximately 0.29 hours. Therefore, the net amount of time applicants save from making payments electronically rather than making cash payments in person is approximately 0.207 hours (0.29-0.083 hours). The payment time we used for 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         does not account for the time to create a personal account on 
                        *Pay.gov*. Individual payments may be made without creating an account. 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         provides the same capabilities to pay credentialing and other fees and obtain a receipt without creating an account. For this analysis, the Coast Guard assumes individuals will not create an account because credentialing fees are typically paid only once every five years, which aligns with the validity 
                        ( print page 102317)
                        period of an MMC. Using 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         infrequently does not necessitate the need to create an account. Anyone meeting the citizenship requirement under 46 CFR 10.221 and of an eligible age can apply for an MMC, regardless of their current employment status. For this regulatory analysis, the Coast Guard assumed applicants for an original MMC are currently employed (this is for original applications where an oath is currently required); this allows the Coast Guard to construct a cost savings analysis, because we can then obtain applicants' wage rates, the labor time, and the cost savings associated with the removal of the in-person payment option. Additionally, because the Coast Guard does not know the current occupations of individuals who apply for an original MMC and pay fees in person at an REC, the Coast Guard used the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) “Occupational and Employment Statistics” database and May 2023 wage estimates to obtain the general occupational code (BLS code 00-0000) for all civilian workers in the U.S., which is the largest occupational category of workers the Coast Guard found at BLS' website.[15]
                        
                         The unloaded mean hourly wage rate for this occupational category is $31.48. The Coast Guard does not collect employment data on applicants; nevertheless, the Coast Guard acknowledges that the assumption of employment may lead to an overestimation of cost savings for the final rule. Because fees are also paid in person at an REC mostly by applicants other than original applicants, the Coast Guard used the BLS occupational category, Water Transportation Workers (BLS code 53-5000) to obtain the unloaded mean hourly wage rate for all applicants who pay fees in person at RECs. The unloaded mean hourly wage rate in 2023 for this occupational category is $38.00. Because the Coast Guard used different occupational categories, this required us to use two load factors to obtain an average load factor. To obtain a loaded mean hourly wage rate for civilian workers, the Coast Guard used BLS' “Employer Costs for Employee Compensation” database to calculate the load factor for this group of workers in the U.S. The Coast Guard used the same database to obtain a load factor for the occupational category of Water Transportation Workers. The Coast Guard then used the average load factor for these two groups of workers in the U.S. The Coast Guard applied the load factor to the average unloaded mean hourly wage rate using fourth quarter data from 2023 for all applicants. The Coast Guard determined the average load factor for the two occupational categories to be about 1.45, rounded.[16]
                        
                         The Coast Guard then multiplied this average load factor by the unloaded mean hourly wage rate for applicants, who pay fees in person at RECs, and obtained a loaded mean hourly wage rate of approximately $55.10, rounded ($38.00 × 1.45). Applicants (including original applicants) who currently pay the fees by credit card at an REC are required to pay them electronically using 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         under this final rule. This affects approximately 9,958 applicants annually. The Coast Guard estimates the undiscounted cost for these applicants to be approximately $45,541 annually (9,958 × $55.10 × 0.083 hours), rounded. The Coast Guard estimates the undiscounted baseline cost for applicants who currently pay the fees by credit card in person at an REC to be approximately $175,580 annually (9,958 × $55.10 × 0.32 hours), rounded. Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the undiscounted net cost savings to applicants who currently pay the fees in-person by credit card and are now required to pay them electronically through 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         to be approximately $130,039 annually ($175,580−$45,541), rounded. Similarly, applicants (including original applicants) who currently pay the mandatory fees by cash at an REC are required to pay them electronically using 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         under this final rule. This affects approximately 291 applicants annually. The Coast Guard estimates the undiscounted cost for these applicants to be approximately $1,331 annually (291 × $55.10 × 0.083 hours). The Coast Guard estimates the undiscounted baseline cost for applicants who currently pay the fees by cash in person at an REC to be approximately $4,650 annually (291 × $55.10 × 0.29 hours), rounded. Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the undiscounted net cost savings to applicants who currently pay the fees by cash and will need to pay them electronically through 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         to be approximately $3,319 annually ($4,650−$1,331), rounded. The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted net cost savings for 10,249 (9,958 by credit card + 291 by cash) applicants who currently pay the mandatory fees in-person by credit card and cash and will need to pay them electronically through 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         to be approximately $133,358 annually ($130,039 by credit card + $3,319 by cash), rounded. See table 4. 
 
  Lastly, the final rule creates cost savings for applicants, other than original applicants, who paid mandatory fees by check or money order in the past and mailed the payment to the Coast Guard through standard mail, or USPS. Over the 7-year period from 2015 to 2021, the Coast Guard recorded an annual average of 12,638 payments (10,146 by check and 2,492 by money order) where an applicant used a check or money order. Because this regulatory analysis is in 2023 dollars, the cost of a forever stamp from the USPS in 2023 was $0.63.[17]
                        
                         With this final rule, applicants will be able to use a check or money order to make mandatory fee payments with 
                        *Pay.gov*; however, payments made by check must be made with an ACH payment and for money orders, a prepaid card (see footnote number 15). The Coast Guard did not estimate cost savings for applicants who currently mail checks or money orders to the Coast Guard and will be required to use 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         because we do not estimate that there is a time difference between these two payment methods and 
                        *Pay.gov*. The total undiscounted cost for these payment types is approximately $7,962 annually, rounded. The final rule creates cost savings in the same amount annually. The Coast Guard estimates the total 10-year discounted cost savings for applicants who can no longer mail a check or money order (cost savings are from the cost of a forever stamp) to pay for mandatory fees to be approximately $55,921, rounded, using a 7 percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost savings to be approximately $7,962, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. In table 5, the Coast Guard presents the 10-year discounted cost savings to applicants who currently paid the fees in person and are required to pay them electronically under this final rule, and applicants who paid the fees by check or money order and sent their payments by standard mail to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost savings for the electronic payment of fees by applicants to be approximately $141,320 annually, rounded ($133,358 from in-person payments + $7,962 from mailed checks and money orders). The Coast Guard estimates the total discounted 10-year cost savings for these applicants to be approximately $1.0 million, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost savings to be approximately $141,320, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. 
 
  Federal Government Cost Savings for the Change to § 10.219(d) This final rule creates cost savings for the Coast Guard in the amount of time that is saved by REC personnel who no longer process in-person payment transactions. The NMC estimates it takes fee clerks at an REC approximately 5 minutes, or 0.083 hours (rounded), to process credit card payments. Similarly, the NMC estimates it takes mandatory fee clerks approximately 25 minutes, or 0.42 hours (rounded), to process cash payments. This includes the processing time the fee clerk takes to go to a bank and obtain a money order in order to complete the payment transaction. There is no difference in the time it takes for a fee clerk at an REC to process a check mailed to the Coast Guard and the time it would take with this final rule to process an ACH payment. There is also no difference in the time it takes for a fee clerk to process a money mailed to the Coast Guard and the time it takes with this final rule to process a prepaid card used from a money order. Therefore, the Coast Guard does not estimate cost savings for the Federal Government from not processing checks and money orders mailed to the Coast Guard by applicants. A fee clerk at an REC has a Federal Government General Schedule (GS) grade level of GS-5. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) lists the hourly pay for Federal Government employees who work in the United States.[18]
                        
                         Because RECs are geographically dispersed across the U.S., the Coast Guard used the hourly wage rate for the category “Rest of the United States” from OPM's pay tables. OPM reports the hourly pay for a person with the grade level of a GS-5, step 5 (the midpoint of the pay level) as $20.47 in 2023. The Coast Guard calculated the share of total compensation of Federal Government employees to account for the non-wage benefits to determine the load factor that the Coast Guard applied to the hourly wage rate of employees. In a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report titled “Comparing the Compensation of Federal and Private-Sector Employees, 2011 to 2015,” the CBO reports total compensation of Federal Government employees to be approximately $64.80, and wages and salaries to be approximately $38.30.[19]
                        
                         From these values, the Coast Guard determined the load factor to be about 1.69, rounded ($64.80 ÷ $38.30). The Coast Guard then multiplied this value by the hourly wage rate of $20.47 to obtain a loaded hourly wage rate of $34.59, rounded, for a GS-5, step 5 fee clerk at an REC. The Coast Guard estimates the baseline undiscounted cost for REC fee clerks to process credit card transactions to be approximately $28,589 annually, rounded ($34.59 × 9,958 credit card transactions annually × 0.083 hours). The Coast Guard estimates the baseline undiscounted cost for REC payment clerks to process cash transactions to be approximately $4,228 annually, rounded ($34.59 × 291 cash transactions annually × 0.42 hours). Because RECs no longer accept in-person payments with this final rule, these costs combined become cost savings to the Coast Guard of approximately $32,817 annually, rounded ($28,589 + $4,228). See table 6. 
 
  In table 7, the Coast Guard estimates the total discounted 10-year cost savings of this final rule to the Coast Guard to be approximately $230,491 rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost savings to be approximately $32,817, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate.  Cost Savings Analysis for the Change to § 10.225(c), Removal of the Oath Requirement The Coast Guard removes the current requirement in § 10.225(c) for applicants for an original MMC to take an oath administered by any Coast Guard-designated individual or any person legally permitted to administer oaths in the jurisdiction where the person taking the oath resides. Typically, if an oath is not administered by a designated Coast Guard official, it is administered by a notary public.[20]
                        
                         When an individual applies for an MMC, the individual must complete Form CG-719B. They must either submit this form by email, in person, or send it by standard mail to an REC.[21]
                        
                         Currently, if applicants use a notary public to administer their oath, the notary must sign the form along with the applicant. The signature of the applicant is a testament to the validity and accuracy of the information the individual is providing to the Coast Guard and is an attestation to the statements in Section 4, “Mariner's Consent/Certification,” of the form. With this final rule, original applicants no longer need the signature 
                        ( print page 102321)
                        of the notary public on Form CG-719B. However, applicants will still need to sign the form, which alone is sufficient for Form CG-719B. Currently, applicants for an original MMC who submit their application in person at an REC can also take the oath there. There is no cost to original applicants who take the oath before a designated official at an REC and therefore, no cost savings. However, original applicants, who do not visit an REC to submit their application, will need to seek the service of a notary public elsewhere. Original applicants can obtain notary public service at a bank or another location where there are notary public services. The Coast Guard assumes there is no cost for a notary public service at a bank if an individual has a bank account there. Other establishments that provide legal services may also provide notary public services, in addition to State and local Government offices, including shipping companies.[22]
                        
                         However, these offices and establishments usually charge for the public notary service. Therefore, as mentioned previously in this RA, the Coast Guard presents two assumptions that will each generate different cost savings estimates for the change to § 10.225(c). With each assumption, the Coast Guard assumes all applicants who apply for an original MMC are currently employed: Assumption 1—Approximately 13,951 individuals who applied for an original MMC and took an oath before a designated official who administers the oath, or a notary public at a bank where they have an account free of charge.
                    Assumption 2—Half the individuals, or approximately 6,976, who applied for an original MMC took an oath along with a notary public service at a bank, and half obtained an oath elsewhere (perhaps at a state office or an establishment that provides legal services including notary public services), where a cost is associated with the notary public service. Earlier in this analysis, the Coast Guard established that one payment transaction represents one original application with one oath. Presumably, original applicants seek a notary public service at a bank, where it is free of charge; this is our basis for Assumption 1. However, because the Coast Guard does not have data on where original applicants obtained an oath along with a notary public service, it is possible that a certain number of original applicants obtained an oath along with a notary public service outside of a bank; this is our basis for Assumption 2. As such, the Coast Guard divided the population evenly in Assumption 2. With the Coast Guard's assumption that original applicants who apply for MMCs are employed, this allows us to estimate the cost savings associated with the change to § 10.225(c) as we did for the change to § 10.219(d). Because original applicants who apply for MMCs are members of the general public and not yet mariners, the Coast Guard does not collect data on where these original applicants reside. Therefore, the Coast Guard does not know where original applicants reside relative to the location of banks or bank branches, or other establishments that offer notary public services. This required the Coast Guard to estimate the approximate distance original applicants travel to get to a bank branch for Assumption 1, so the Coast Guard is able to estimate the cost savings for them, because they no longer need to travel to a bank branch to obtain a notary public service. To perform this analysis, the Coast Guard required several pieces of information to determine the distance original applicants must travel to a bank or bank branch (and a notary public service in Assumption 2): 1. The number of bank branches in the United States; 2. The total U.S. population and the U.S. adult population; and 3. The number of square miles of the United States. The St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank compiles and reports U.S. economic data (Federal Reserve Economic Data, or “FRED”). One of the data items it reports is the number of bank branches in the United States. FRED shows that there are 30.46 bank branches per 100,000 adults in the United States.[23] The U.S. Census Bureau in the U.S. Department of Commerce reports population data for the United States. As of July 1, 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the U.S. population to be approximately 334,914,895.[24]
                        
                         The U.S. Census Bureau reports the number of individuals below the age of 18 to be 21.7 percent of the total U.S. population.[25]
                        
                         Therefore, the number of adults in the United States (individuals who are 18 years of age or older) is approximately 262,238,363, rounded ((1−0.222) × 334,914,895). The Coast Guard divided this population by 100,000 to normalize the value to 100,000 (so it can be scaled to and combined with FRED's data) and obtained the value of approximately 2,622 (rounded). To determine the number of bank branches for every adult in the U.S., the Coast Guard multiplied 30.46 (number of bank branches) by 2,622 to obtain approximately 79,866 (rounded) bank branches. Finally, as of 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau's Quick Facts shows the number of square miles in the United States to be 3,533,038, rounded.[26]
                        
                         The Coast Guard then divided this value by 79,866 bank branches to obtain the number of bank branches per square mile in the United States, or approximately one bank branch for every 44 square miles, or an area of 6.7 by 6.7 miles.[27]
                        
                         This is equivalent to approximately one bank branch every 6.7 miles.[28]
                        
                         The Coast 
                        ( print page 102322)
                        Guard acknowledges that this methodology may not be completely representative of the geographic distribution of bank branches in the United States (the distribution of bank branches may change in the future considering the steady decline in its numbers, particularly since 2010); the distance we estimated is an approximation based on the known statistics we present in this analysis from different sources. Table 8 outlines the inputs used in these calculations.  For this analysis, the Coast Guard assumed that 13,951 original applicants travel the same distance of 6.7 miles to obtain a notary public service at a bank or bank branch. Using these data and assumptions, it is possible to construct a cost savings analysis based on the original applicants' travel time to a bank branch to obtain the service of a notary public. The population of original applicants applying for an MMC who seek notary public services outside of an REC is approximately 13,951 annually (see Table 3). The Coast Guard does not collect data on how original applicants travel to a bank or a notary public service and acknowledges that original applicants can choose among different modes of transportation, including walking or taking public transportation, to do so. However, for the purpose of this analysis, the Coast Guard assumed original applicants use their personal vehicles to accomplish this task, which allows the Coast Guard to estimate the travel cost for original applicants. To construct this analysis for Assumptions 1 and 2, the Coast Guard assumed that 13,951 original applicants travel approximately 6.7 miles one way or about 13.4 miles round-trip to an establishment that has a notary public service. See table 9.  The Coast Guard shows the cost-saving elements for Assumption 1 and 2 in table 10. The Coast Guard estimated that the 13,951 original applicants affected by the change to § 10.225(c) save the travel time or labor cost for travel (the value of travel time savings or VTTS), the mileage cost, and the cost of time waiting at a bank or a notary public service.[29]
                        
                         The Coast Guard included these cost savings in both Assumption 1 and 2. Under Assumption 2, half of these original applicants, or about 6,976, also save the cost of the time it takes to complete a payment transaction, either by credit card or by cash, at a notary public service. The Coast Guard assumed half of these original applicants currently pay by credit card and half by cash, for about 3,488 original applicants choosing each payment method. The Coast Guard acknowledges that there is a greater concentration of banks and establishments with notary public services in urban and metropolitan areas of the United States. Additionally, considering that the population density of urban areas is greater than in rural areas, it is likely that the population of original applicants is higher in urban areas than in rural areas of the United States. Therefore, it is likely that a 
                        ( print page 102323)
                        greater proportion of original applicants who apply for MMCs reside in urban and metropolitan areas and may travel shorter distances to reach these places, which will result in lower cost savings than the Coast Guard estimated in this analysis. Nevertheless, this analysis represents an analysis of averages because the Coast Guard does not know where original applicants who apply for MMCs reside. The Coast Guard acknowledges that bank branches (and notary public services) are not equally distributed in the United States; the travel distance of 6.7 miles we estimated in this analysis is an approximate distance to a bank branch or notary public service; the travel distance may vary for some applicants who reside in suburban and rural areas of the United States.  In addition to the two main assumptions for the change to § 10.225(c) that the Coast Guard presented earlier, we present a summary of the other assumptions (some of which we may have presented earlier in the analysis), that we included in the analysis for Assumptions 1 and 2: 1. Original applicants for an MMC are currently employed in another occupation; 2. Affected original applicants live approximately 6.7 miles from a bank branch or notary public; 3. Affected original applicants travel an equal distance of 6.7 miles to a bank branch or a notary public service; 4. The wait times and payment transaction times at bank branches and notary public are the same as wait times at an REC; and 5. Original applicants use their privately-owned vehicle to travel to a bank branch or a notary public service. Cost Savings Analysis for Assumption 1 for the Change to § 10.225(c) With Assumption 1, the Coast Guard assumed 13,951 original applicants currently obtain a notary public service for the purpose of the oath at a bank, where there is no charge for the service if original applicants have an account at the bank. Because the Coast Guard does not know where original applicants live in proximity to the location of bank branches, the Coast Guard assumed all 13,951 original applicants travel about 6.7 miles one-way or about 13.4 miles round-trip to a bank branch. Under this assumption, 13,951 original applicants save the labor travel time or VTTS, the mileage cost, and the time waiting at a bank branch to obtain a notary public signature on Form CG-719B under this final rule.[30] 
 
 To obtain the time it takes to travel this distance, the Coast Guard first accessed the Department of Transportation's (DOT) website to access the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) web page to obtain the mean road speeds on all roads.[31]
                        
                         The 2015 report shows the free-flow speed estimates (mph) for three road classes: limited access, major arterial, and minor arterial roads/collector roads. The Coast Guard used the mean speed for the minor arterial/collector road class, which may be more representative of roads used by applicants. NHTSA estimates the mean speed for minor arterial/collector roads to be about 49.73 miles per hour (mph).[32]
                        
                         The Coast Guard then divided the distance of about 6.7 miles (one way) by 49.73 mph to obtain the time it takes to travel this distance, or approximately 0.13 hours, rounded. The Coast Guard then divided the round-trip distance of about 13.4 miles by 49.73 mph to obtain the time it takes to travel this distance, or approximately 0.27 hours, rounded. The Coast Guard recognizes that an unknown portion of applicants, who live in urban areas, may travel at lower speeds than applicants in suburban and rural areas of the United States to get to a bank branch or notary public service. As a result, travel speeds may be lower than the 49.73 mph speed we estimated in this regulatory analysis. With this information, the Coast Guard then calculated the labor cost for all original applicants who currently expend the time to travel this distance to obtain a notary public service. Earlier, the Coast Guard established the loaded mean hourly wage rate for original applicants who apply for an MMCs to be approximately $45.65 (recall that this labor rate is for original applicants who need to take an oath; it is different than the labor rate for the mandatory fee portion of this analysis). Using the value of 50 percent for the VTTS for personal time (see footnote number 32), the Coast Guard calculated the labor cost for the time to travel the 13.4-mile round-trip distance for one original applicant to be approximately $6.16 ($45.65 × 0.50 × 0.27 hours). Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted labor travel time cost or VTTS, for 13,951 original applicants to be approximately $85,938 annually, rounded (13,951 original applicants × $6.16). Next, the Coast Guard calculated the mileage cost for these original applicants to travel the round-trip distance. The Coast Guard used the General Services Administration's (GSA) reimbursement rates for original applicants who use their privately-owned vehicles.[33]
                         The GSA reports the rate per mile to be $0.655 for calendar year 2023. Using the round-trip distance
                        
                         of 13.4 miles, the Coast Guard estimates the cost for one individual to make this trip to be approximately $8.78, rounded (13.4 miles × $0.655). The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted travel or mileage cost for 13,951 original applicants to be approximately $122,490 annually, rounded (13,951 original applicants × $8.78). Lastly, the Coast Guard calculated the waiting time at a bank branch for 13,951 original applicants to obtain a notary public signature on Form CG-719B. Because the Coast Guard assumed that waiting times at RECs is similar to waiting times at bank branches, we used the same waiting time that we used for original applicants who wait to pay the fees at an REC, or approximately 3.5 minutes (readers should refer to the earlier discussion of this estimate), or 0.06 hours, rounded. The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for 13,951 original applicants who currently wait at bank branches for a notary public service to be approximately $38,212 annually, rounded (13,951 × $45.65 × 0.06 hours). The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for 13,951 original applicants affected by the changes to § 10.225(c) and who currently travel to bank branches to obtain a free notary public service to be approximately $246,640 annually, rounded ($85,938 + $122,490 + $38,212). This estimate is for Assumption 1 of the analysis. Therefore, in this final rule, the Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost savings to these original applicants, who no longer need to obtain notary public service at bank branches, to be approximately $246,640 annually, rounded. See table 11.  
 
 The Coast Guard estimates the total discounted cost savings, under Assumption 1, over a 10-year period of analysis to be approximately $1.7 million, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost savings to be approximately $246,640, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. See table 12.  Cost Savings Analysis for Assumption 2 for the Change to § 10.225(c) Because the Coast Guard does not collect data on where original applicants obtain a notary public service, with Assumption 2, the Coast Guard assumed half of the original applicants who currently apply for an MMC obtain a notary public service at a bank branch free of charge and half at a notary public, where there is a fee for the service. The half of the affected population who currently obtain a notary public service at a location other than a bank branch under this assumption consists of approximately 6,976 original applicants. As in Assumption 1, 13,951 original applicants travel the same distance of about 6.7 miles one-way or about 13.4 miles round-trip to a bank branch or a notary public service. For the time and the associated labor cost, it does not make a difference if these original applicants travel to a notary public service rather than a bank branch; they still incur the same labor cost for the travel time as in Assumption 1. The Coast Guard estimated earlier this total undiscounted labor cost, or labor travel time cost (VTTS), for 13,951 original applicants to be approximately $85,938 annually, rounded. Similarly, these original applicants incur a mileage cost. As in Assumption 1, it does not make a difference if they travel to a notary public service rather than a bank branch; they still incur a mileage cost. The Coast Guard estimated earlier the total undiscounted travel or mileage cost, for 13,951 original applicants, to be approximately $122,490 annually, rounded. Again, as in Assumption 1, 13,951 original applicants incur the cost to wait at a bank branch or a notary public service. The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for 13,951 original applicants who currently wait at bank branches or at a notary public service to be approximately $38,212 annually, rounded. With Assumption 2, the Coast Guard added the cost for half of the original applicants, or about 6,976, who pay for the notary public service outside of a bank branch. Similar to the payment of mandatory fees presented earlier, the Coast Guard assumed original applicants pay for a notary public with either a credit card or cash. For this analysis, the Coast Guard assumed half of the original applicants who currently pay for a notary public pay by credit card and half by cash. For the approximately 3,488 original applicants who currently pay by credit card, the Coast Guard used the same time estimate for this method of payment as we did for the payment of fees earlier, or approximately 0.13 hours (7.5 minutes each). The Coast Guard estimated the total undiscounted cost for these original applicants who currently pay by credit card to be approximately $20,700 annually, rounded (3,488 × $45.65 × 0.13). The Coast Guard estimated the time for original applicants who currently pay by cash to be approximately 0.10 hours (6.0 minutes each). For the approximately 3,488 original applicants who currently pay by cash, the Coast Guard estimated the total undiscounted cost to be approximately $15,923 annually, rounded (3,488 × $45.65 × 0.10). The last of the five cost elements for Assumption 2 (which are cost-saving elements with this final rule) is the cost for the notary public service itself. The Coast Guard obtained the cost for notary public services in the U.S. from the organization National Notary (
                        *NationalNotary.org*). Readers should 
                        ( print page 102326)
                        refer to footnote 11 for more information. This organization provides cost data for 2024 for notary public services throughout the United States, including Washington DC and U.S. territories. The Coast Guard included fees from all 50 states and Washington DC in this analysis.[34]
                        
                         Because the organization provides a fee schedule for verbal oaths, the Coast Guard used these fees as a proxy for the signature of the notary public on Form CG719B. The fee varies from state to state with the lowest amount being $2 and the highest $25. Ten states do not have a fee schedule or do not charge a fee altogether; nevertheless, the Coast Guard took the statistical average of the fees for all 50 states and Washington, DC, for an average amount of approximately $6.16, rounded. Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for original applicants in this assumption who pay for a notary public service to be approximately $42,970 annually, rounded (6,976 × $6.16). The Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost for original applicants in Assumption 2 for the changes to § 10.225(c) in this final rule to be approximately $326,232 annually, rounded ($85,938 + $122,490 + $38,212 + $20,700 + $15,923 + $42,970). Therefore, the Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost savings to original applicants who no longer need to obtain a notary public service at bank branches or notary public services to be approximately $326,232 annually, rounded. See table 13.  The Coast Guard estimates the total discounted cost savings under Assumption 2 over a 10-year period of analysis to be approximately $2.3 million, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimated the annualized cost savings to be approximately $326,232, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. See table 14. 
 
  As noted earlier, the cost savings that the Coast Guard estimated for Assumptions 1 and 2 for the change to § 10.225(c) do not include the cost savings from the change to § 10.219(d). However, in table 1 of this RA, where we present the total cost savings estimates of the final rule, the Coast Guard included the cost savings estimates for the change to § 10.219(d), because the Coast Guard must add the cost savings from § 10.225(c) to the cost savings estimate for § 10.219(d). Also recall that only one of the two main assumptions of this analysis will hold. The Coast Guard presented two different scenarios, because we do not know where affected original applicants currently obtain a notary public service. For Assumption 1 and including the cost savings estimates from the change to § 10.219(d), the Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost savings of the final rule to be approximately $387,959 annually, rounded ($246,640 from Assumption 1 and § 10.225(c) + $141,320 from § 10.219(d)). The Coast Guard estimated the 10-year total discounted cost savings of the final rule to be approximately $2.7 million, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimated the annualized cost savings to be approximately $387,959, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. See table 15. 
 
  Readers should compare the total cost savings estimate and annualized cost savings estimate for the final rule in table 15 with the total cost savings estimate of the final rule for Assumption 1 in table 1. For Assumption 2 and including the cost savings estimates from the change to § 10.219(d), the Coast Guard estimates the total undiscounted cost savings of the final rule to be approximately $467,552 annually, rounded ($326,232 from Assumption 2 and § 10.225(c) + $141,320 from § 10.219(d)). The Coast Guard estimates the 10-year total discounted cost savings of the final rule for Assumption 2 to be approximately $3.3 million, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. The Coast Guard estimates the annualized cost savings to be approximately $467,552, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. See table 16. 
 
  Readers should compare the total cost savings estimate and annualized cost savings estimate for the final rule in table 16 with the total cost savings estimate of the final rule for Assumption 2 in table 1. Including Federal Government cost savings, the Coast Guard estimates the 10-year total discounted cost savings of the final rule under Assumption 1 to be about $2.96 million ($2,724,864 from table 15 and $230,491 from table 7), rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. We estimate the annualized cost savings to be approximately $420,776, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate ($387,959 from table 15 + $32,817 from table 7). See table 17. Including Federal Government cost savings, the Coast Guard estimates the 10-year total discounted cost savings of the final rule under Assumption 2 to be about $3.5 million ($3,283,889 from table 16 and $230,491 from table 7), rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate. We estimate the annualized cost savings to be approximately $500,369, rounded, using a 7-percent discount rate ($467,552 from table 16 + $32,817 from table 7). See table 17.  Unquantifiable Benefits of the Final Rule This final rule creates unquantifiable benefits for MMC applicants. This includes the flexibility to submit documents electronically; the changes are contained in §§ 1.03-15(h)(2)(i) and 10.219(i)(1). Because this is an option in the future, the Coast Guard does not have data at this point to estimate the cost savings that are associated with the electronic submission of documents, if applicants were to choose this option. The use of 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         provides a benefit to applicants because it is a free and 
                        ( print page 102330)
                        secure service that allows applicants to make payments to most Federal Government agencies. 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         uses the latest industry-standard payment methods and encryption technology to safely collect, store, transmit, and protect applicants' personal information throughout the payment process. Applicants can access and make payments through 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and every day of the year, including holidays. In table 2, the Coast Guard lists the unquantifiable benefits where the regulatory text changes are more than minor grammatical changes. Analysis of Alternatives *(1) Industry would continue to meet the current requirements in subchapter A, part 1 and subchapter B, parts 10-16 of title 46 of the CFR (current baseline without regulatory action).* This alternative represents the current state of the MCP with no updates to 46 CFR subchapter A, part 1 and subchapter B, parts 10-16. The Coast Guard rejected this alternative, because it does not require that applicants pay mandatory fees electronically through 
                        *Pay.gov*. This alternative maintains all the current, estimated, undiscounted costs between $246,640 and $326,232 annually, rounded (see the estimated costs under Assumptions 1 and 2, respectively, in the preferred alternative). The Coast Guard also continues to request applicants provide receipt of payment when using 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         (for example, attach receipt to applications and provide receipt for MCP services) although this is not required. Applicants still have the option of paying mandatory fees in person at an REC through cash, check, credit card, and money order. Although in-person payments remain an option, these applicants would not realize potential cost savings by using 
                        *Pay.gov*. In-person and standard mail payments made by applicants maintain the options that currently exist, which some applicants may find more convenient (for in-person payments, perhaps as a customer service benefit) over payments by electronic means. This alternative would also not result in time and cost savings to original applicants, who would still be required to take an oath before an authorized individual. Additionally, this alternative would not clarify existing regulatory text. *(2) The Coast Guard would update regulatory requirements to align with a new MCP IT system and update mandatory fees with an incentive for electronic payment.* With this alternative, the Coast Guard would replace the current MMLD database and would propose changes to 46 CFR parts 10 through 14 and 16 to increase electronic submission of documents to support the credentialing process. With this alternative, the Coast Guard would provide an incentive to applicants to electronically pay mandatory fees through 
                        *Pay.gov*. It would be beneficial to applicants, who would save time and money; however, the Coast Guard is unable to estimate a cost savings for this item under this alternative because it would require a lengthy analysis of the Coast Guard's mandatory fee program. The Coast Guard rejected this alternative because the update would require additional regulatory action to allow for future changes in the system, and any changes to mandatory fees would require further study and analysis by the Coast Guard, which would require the use of limited additional time and resources. *(3) The Coast Guard would update regulatory requirements to align with a new MCP IT system and require electronic payment but would not address mandatory fees.* With this alternative, the Coast Guard would not update the mandatory fees together with the requirement for the electronic payment of fees by individuals through a new MCP IT system. However, the Coast Guard kept the requirement under the preferred alternative (final rule) for the electronic payment of fees by applicants saving them approximately $141,320 annually, rounded (see the analysis for the preferred alternative for the derivation of this estimate), because it would not be connected to a new MCP IT system. The Coast Guard rejected this alternative because the new system is at the beginning stages of development, and, as a result, the Coast Guard is unable to estimate the economic impact of this new system on applicants and companies. Therefore, the Coast Guard cannot accurately determine any adjustments to mandatory fees based on the new system's capabilities, potential costs to support the system, or cost savings generated from the system. *(4) Preferred Alternative—Update 46 CFR subchapter A, part 1 and subchapter B, parts 10-16 to update regulatory requirements to align with a new MCP IT system, require the electronic payment of fees and the option of electronic submission of supporting documents for an MMC application, remove the requirement for an oath to be administered by an authorized individual, and make editorial and non-substantive changes that clarify existing regulatory text.* We selected this preferred alternative because with this final rule, applicants will be required to pay mandatory fees electronically using 
                        *Pay.gov*, which will result in cost savings to them from not having to visit RECs in person. Additionally, applicants will benefit from this final rule because it will create an option for the electronic submission of certain documents in §§ 1.03-15(h)(2)(i) and 10.219(i)(1). However, it should be noted that this preferred alternative removes the flexibility for applicants who wish to continue to pay the mandatory fees in person. We analyzed the time and cost difference between the different payment methods and the requirement to use 
                        *Pay.gov*
                         previously in this regulatory analysis. This alternative also aligns with Department of Treasury regulations for promoting efficient, effective cash management through improved billing, collection, deposit, and payment of funds. The Coast Guard also removes the requirement for an oath to be taken by original applicants when they submit their MMC application. This saves time and money for original applicants who no longer need to travel to a bank or a bank branch or a notary public service to have the oath administered. Lastly, the Coast Guard makes numerous editorial changes to the affected CFR subchapters that clarify existing regulatory text. The Coast Guard analyzed and presented the cost savings and other unquantifiable benefits associated with this alternative earlier in this RA. B. Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, we have considered whether this final rule has a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. Based on the analysis in Section A, Regulatory Planning and Review, we found this final rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The provisions of this final rule, which have an economic impact, affect individuals who apply for an MMC and do not directly regulate small entities. These include provisions that require electronic payment of merchant mariner credentialing fees in § 10.219(d), remove the requirement for an oath to be administered by an authorized official on Form CG-719B in § 10.225(c), and 
                        ( print page 102331)
                        allow for the electronic submission of certain documents in § 1.03-15(h)(2)(i) for appeals involving course approvals and merchant mariner personnel issues and in § 10.219(i) for requests involving no-fee MMCs. Since individual members of the public that are applying for MMCs are not considered to be small entities under the RFA, we have found that no small entities are impacted by these provisions of the final rule. Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because based on our analysis, the provisions of the final rule that have an economic impact (which also include editorial changes) affect applicants and do not directly regulate or affect small entities. The changes we made to all of the remaining provisions are editorial in nature (see table 4 in Section V, Regulatory Analysis, for a list of these changes). C. Assistance for Small Entities Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, Public Law 104-121, we offer to assist small entities in understanding this final rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this final rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard. Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). D. Collection of Information The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires the U.S. Coast Guard to consider the impact of paperwork and other information collection burdens imposed on the public. According to the 1995 amendments to the Paperwork Reduction Act, an agency may not collect or sponsor the collection of information, nor may it impose an information collection requirement unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The Coast Guard has determined that the final rule will not result in a new collection nor modify an existing collection of information. Thus, this final rule does not change the burden, number of respondents, or number of responses in the collections currently approved by OMB under OMB Control Numbers 1625-0012 with a title of “Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariners” and 1625-0040 with a title of “Applications for Merchant Mariners Credentials and Medical Certificates.” E. Federalism A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 (Federalism) if it has a substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13132 and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132. Our analysis follows. It is well settled that States may not regulate in categories reserved for regulation by the Coast Guard. It is also well settled that all of the categories covered in 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 7101, and 8101 (design, construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, operation, equipping, personnel qualification, and manning of vessels), as well as the reporting of casualties and any other category in which Congress intended the Coast Guard to be the sole source of a vessel's obligations, are within the field foreclosed from regulation by the States. 
                        *See*
                         the Supreme Court's decision in 
                        *United States*
                         v. 
                        *Locke*
                         and 
                        *Intertanko*
                         v. 
                        *Locke,*
                         529 U.S. 89, 120 S.Ct. 1135 (2000). Therefore, because the States may not regulate within these categories, this rule is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132. F. Unfunded Mandates The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Although this rule will not result in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. G. Taking of Private Property This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630 (Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights). H. Civil Justice Reform This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform) to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. I. Protection of Children We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks). This rule is not an economically significant rule and will not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children. J. Indian Tribal Governments This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), because it will not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. K. Energy Effects We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use). We have determined that it is not a “significant energy action” under that order because it is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. We have determined that it is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211, because although it is a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866, it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, and the Administrator of OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. L. Technical Standards and Incorporation by Reference The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, codified as a note to 15 U.S.C. 272, directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in 
                        ( print page 102332)
                        their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through OMB, with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (for example, specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. M. Environment We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have made a determination that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket. For instructions on locating the docket, see the 
                        **ADDRESSES**
                         section of this preamble. This final rule is categorically excluded under paragraphs L54 and L56 of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. Paragraph L54 pertains to regulations that are editorial or procedural. Paragraph L56 pertains to regulations concerning the training, qualifying, licensing, and disciplining of maritime personnel. This final rule involves regulatory changes that are needed for implementation of a new information technology system that will replace the current MMLD database used by the Coast Guard to process mariner credentials. This new system features an electronic platform for activities such as mariners providing documents for applying for or maintaining mariner credentials, or submitting associated fees. In addition, the rule includes technical amendments, such as updates, to addresses and websites necessary for accessing or using MMLD. List of Subjects *46 CFR Part 1* Administrative practice and procedure
Organization and functions (Government agencies)
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements *46 CFR Part 10* Penalties
Personally identifiable information
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Seamen *46 CFR Part 11* Penalties
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Schools
Seamen *46 CFR Part 12* Penalties
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Seamen *46 CFR Part 13* Cargo vessels
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Seamen 46 CFR Part 14 Oceanographic research vessels
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Seamen *46 CFR Part 15* Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Seamen
Vessels *46 CFR Part 16* Drug testing
Marine safety
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
Safety
Transportation
 For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is amending 46 CFR parts 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 as follows: PART 1—ORGANIZATION, GENERAL COURSE AND METHODS GOVERNING MARINE SAFETY FUNCTION
 1.The authority citation for part 1 is revised to read as follows: Authority:
                            5 U.S.C. 552; 14 U.S.C. 503; 46 U.S.C. 7701; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 93; Secs. 101, 888, and 1512, Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; § 1.01-35 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507; and § 1.03-55 also issued under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 3306(j). 2.Amend § 1.01-15 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows: § 1.01-15
  
 (e) Applicants for merchant mariner credentials may apply to the Coast Guard National Maritime Center or any of the NMC detachments. Applicants may contact the National Maritime Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25404, by telephone at 1-888-I-ASK-NMC (1-888-427-5662), by email at 
                                *IASKNMC@uscg.mil,*
                                 or online chat at website 
                                *https://www.dco.uscg.mil/​national_​maritime_​center/​.*
                                 A list of NMC detachment locations is available through the website.
 3.Amend § 1.03-15 as follows: a.Revise paragraph (h)(2)(i); and b.In paragraph (h)(2)(ii), remove the period after the words “2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE”. The revision reads as follows: § 1.03-15
  
 (h) * * * (2) * * * (i) Appeals involving course approvals and merchant mariner personnel issues must be in writing and mailed or electronically submitted to the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC), U.S. Coast Guard, Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509, by email to 
                                *MMCPolicy@uscg.mil,*
                                 or as prescribed by the Coast Guard.
 PART 10—MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL
 4.The authority citation for part 10 continues to read as follows: Authority:
                            14 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 2104, 2110; 46 U.S.C. chapter 71; 46 U.S.C. chapter 73; 46 U.S.C. chapter 75; 46 U.S.C. 7701, 8903, 8904, and 70105; Executive Order 10173; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. 5.In part 10:, a.Remove “his or her” wherever they appear, and add in their place “their”; and b.Remove “he or she” wherever they appear, and add in their place “they”. 6.Amend § 10.107 as follows: a.Revise the definition of “ *Regional examination center or REC*
                            ”; and b.Add a definition of “ *Written, writing, or in writing*
                            ”. The revision and addition read as follows: § 10.107
  
 *Regional examination center or REC*
                                 means a field office of the National Maritime Center that performs activities as required by this subchapter on behalf of the National Maritime Center. 
 *Written, writing, or in writing*
                                 means handwritten in ink, mechanically or electronically printed, or any form of expression that can be read, reproduced, or later communicated including electronically submitted and stored information.
 § 10.203
 7.Amend § 10.203 as follows: a.In paragraph (b), remove the text, “, license, MMD, COR, or STCW endorsement”; and b.In paragraph (c), remove the text, “an MMD and an MMC serve” and add, in its place, the text, “an MMC serves”. 8.Amend § 10.209 by revising the introductory text of paragraph (d) and paragraphs (d)(1) through (3) to read as follows: § 10.209
  
 (d) The application may be submitted in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard that may include in person, by mail, or other electronic means. A complete MMC application, which is described in §§ 10.223, 10.225, 10.227, 10.229, and 10.231 may include— (1) The application, consent for National Driver Register (NDR) check, oath, and the evaluation fee required by § 10.219 of this part; (2) The applicant's continuous discharge book, certificate of identification, and MMC if expired; (3) Proof, in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard, which may include forms or other means, that the applicant passed the applicable vision, hearing, medical, or physical exam as required by subpart C of this part, or an unexpired medical certificate issued by the Coast Guard;
 9.Amend § 10.211 as follows: a.Revise paragraph (c); and b.In paragraph (f), remove the word “furnishes” and add, in its place, the word “furnish”; and c.In paragraph (i), remove the words “has applied” and add, in their place, the words “have applied”. The revision reads as follows: § 10.211
  
 (c) 
                                *Criminal convictions.*
                                 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will provide to the Coast Guard the applicant's FBI number and criminal record generated in the TWIC review process. This information will be used by the Coast Guard to determine whether the applicant has a record of any criminal convictions.
 10.Amend § 10.217 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: § 10.217
  (a) 
                                *Applicant Locations.*
                                 Applicants for an MMC may apply to any of the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) or any other location designated by the Coast Guard. Applicants may contact the National Maritime Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, by telephone 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or by email at 
                                *IASKNMC@uscg.mil.*
                                 A list of locations approved for application submittal is available through the Coast Guard website at 
                                *https://www.dco.uscg.mil/​national_​maritime_​center/​.*
 11.Amend § 10.219 by revising paragraphs (d) and (i)(1) to read as follows: § 10.219
  
 (d) Unless the Coast Guard provides additional payment options, fee payment must be for the exact amount and must be made by electronic payment in a manner specified by the Coast Guard. For information regarding current forms of electronic payment, go to the National Maritime Center's (NMC) website, 
                                *https://www.dco.uscg.mil/​national_​maritime_​center/​.* 
 (i) * * * (1) An organization may submit a written request in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard that may include mail, email, or electronic means to U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, at email 
                                *IASKNMC@uscg.mil,*
                                 in order to be considered an eligible organization under the criteria set forth in paragraph (h) of this section. With the written request, the organization must provide evidence of its status as a youth-oriented, not-for-profit, charitable organization.
 12.Amend § 10.223 by revising paragraph (c)(5) to read as follows: § 10.223
  
 (c) * * * (5) Any expired MMC held by the applicant. If still valid at the time of application, the applicant must surrender the old, original credential to the Coast Guard within 30 days of issuance of the new credential. If requested at the time of submission, the old MMC may be returned to the applicant after cancellation.
 13.Amend § 10.225 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows: § 10.225
  
 (c) 
                                *Oath.*
                                 Every person who receives an original MMC must first solemnly swear or affirm, that they will faithfully and honestly, according to their best skill and judgment, without concealment or reservation, perform all the duties required by law and obey all lawful orders of superior officers. This affirmation remains binding for any subsequently issued MMC and endorsements added to the MMC, unless specifically renounced in writing.
 § 10.227
 14.Amend § 10.227 as follows: a.Remove the word “present” and add, in its place, the word “provide” wherever it appears; b.Remove the word “Present” and add, in its place, the word “Provide” wherever it appears; c.In paragraph (d)(4): i.Remove the word “uncanceled” and add, in its place, the words “expired or uncanceled”; and ii. Remove the word “photocopy” and add, in its place, the word “copy”; d.In paragraph (e)(1)(iv), remove the words “license or”; e.In paragraph (e)(6)(ii), remove the words “License or”; f.In paragraph (h), remove the words “A license, MMD, COR, STCW endorsement, MMC, and any endorsements thereon, are” and add, in their place, the words “An MMC, and any endorsements thereon, is”; and g.In paragraph (i)(1), remove the words “presentation of” and add, in their place, the words “providing evidence of”. 15.Amend § 10.231 by revising paragraph (c)(5) to read as follows: § 10.231
  
 (c) * * * (5) Any expired or uncanceled MMD, MMC, license, STCW endorsement, or COR held by the applicant. If one or more of these credentials are still valid at the time of application, a copy—front, back, and all attachments—will satisfy this requirement.
 § 10.232
 16.Amend § 10.232 as follows: a.In paragraph (a)(1), remove the word “presented” and add, in its place, the word “provided”; b.In paragraph (a)(4), remove the word “licensed” and add, in its place, the word “credentialed”; and c.In paragraph (d)(6), remove the word “License” and add, in its place, the word “credential”. § 10.233
 17.Amend § 10.233 as follows: a.In paragraph (a), remove the text “License, MMD, COR, or”; b.In paragraph (b), after the words “made in writing” add the words “and provided in a manner specified by the Coast Guard”; and c.In paragraph (c), after the word “Invalid”, add the words “or expired”. § 10.235
 18.Amend § 10.235 by removing the text “, License, MMD, and COR” wherever it appears. 19.In § 10.239, amend Table 1 by revising the entry “MODU licenses” to read as follows: § 10.239
  
 Table 1 to § 10.239: Quick Reference Table for MMC Requirements 
 Endorsement
                                         category
Minimum age
Citizenship
Medical and physical exam
Experience
Recommendations and character check
Firefighting
Professional
                                         exam
Demonstration
                                         of 
                                         professional 
                                         ability
Recency
                                         of service
First aid
                                         and CPR*         *         *         *         *         *         *MODU
§ 11.201(e); Note: exceptions
U.S.,
                                         § 10.221(a)(1); 
                                         § 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
OIM: § 11.470;
                                         B.S.: § 11.472; 
                                         BCO: § 11.474; 
                                         ChEng: § 11.542; Asst. Eng: § 11.544
N/A:
                                         Note exceptions in 
                                         § 11.201(g) for original national or STCW endorsements
§ 11.201(h): note exceptions
§ 11.201(j); § 11.903; § 11.920
N/A
original § 11.201
                                         (c)(2); renewal 
                                         § 10.227(e)
§ 11.201(i).*         *         *         *         *         *         *
 § 10.302
 20.In § 10.302(a), remove the words “as appropriate” and add, in their place, the words “or as directed by the Coast Guard”. § 10.404
 21.Amend § 10.404 by removing the text “, License, or document” wherever it appears. § 10.405
 22.In § 10.405, remove the words “has attained” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the words “have attained”. § 10.407
 23.In § 10.407(g)(3), remove the text “paragraph (d)” and add, in its place, the text “paragraph (e)”. § 10.409
 24.In § 10.409(e), remove the word “present” and add, in its place, the word “provide”. PART 11—REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICER ENDORSEMENTS
 25.The authority citation for part 11 is revised to read as follows: Authority:
                            14 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, and 2110; 46 U.S.C. chapter 71; 46 U.S.C. 7502, 7505, 7701, 8903, 8904, 8906, and 70105; Executive Order 10173; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. Section 11.107 is also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507. 26.In part 11, revise the following references wherever they appear: a.“his or her” to read “their”; and b.“he or she” to read “they”. § 11.102
 27.In § 11.102(a), remove the period after the text “2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE”. § 11.201
 28.Amend § 11.201 as follows: a.In paragraph (c)(4), remove the word “has” and add, in its place, the word “have”; b.In paragraph (g)(1), remove the text “License, merchant mariner document (MMD), or MMC” and add, in its place, the text “merchant mariner credential (MMC)”; c.In paragraph (g)(2) remove the words “license, certificate of registry,” wherever it appears, and add, in their place, the text “MMC”; and d.In paragraphs (h)(1), (i), and (k) remove the word “present” wherever it appears and add, in its place, the word “provide”. § 11.211
 29.Amend § 11.211(c)(1) as follows: a.Remove the words “or license” wherever they appear; and b.Remove the words “licenses or”. § 11.217
 30.Amend § 11.217(a) by removing the word “presents” and adding, in its place, the word “provides”. § 11.301
 31.Amend § 11.301(g) by removing the words “of the license”. § 11.337
 32.Amend § 11.337(a) by removing the word “present” and adding, in its place, the word “provide”. § 11.401
 33.Amend § 11.401 as follows: a.Remove the words “License or” wherever they appear; and b.in paragraph (d), remove the word “present” and add, in its place, the word “provide”. § 11.402
 34.Amend § 11.402 as follows: a.In paragraph (c)(2), remove the words “License or”; and b.In paragraph (c)(3): i.Remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the text “an MMC”; and ii. Remove the words “Mate's License or” and add, in their place, the word “Mate's”. § 11.404
 35.Amend § 11.404 as follows: a.In paragraph (a)(2), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.In paragraph (b), remove the words “or License”. § 11.405
 36.Amend § 11.405(a) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.406
 37.Amend § 11.406 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the word “an”; and ( print page 102335) b.In paragraph (c), remove the words “or License”. § 11.407
 38.Amend § 11.407 as follows: a.In paragraph (c), remove the words “a license or” and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.In paragraph (d), remove the words “or License”. § 11.412
 39.Amend § 11.412 by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.414
 40.Amend § 11.414(a)(1)(iii) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.418
 41.Amend § 11.418 by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.420
 42.Amend § 11.420(a) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.422
 43.Amend § 11.422 as follows: a.In paragraph (b)(4), remove the words “License or”; and b.In paragraph (c), remove the words “or License”. § 11.424
 44.Amend § 11.424 as follows: a.In paragraph (a)(1), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.In paragraph (b), remove the words “License or”. § 11.425
 45.Amend § 11.425 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.In paragraph (d), remove the word “presentation” and add, in its place, the words “providing evidence”. § 11.426
 46.Amend § 11.426(a)(1) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.427
 47.Amend § 11.427 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.In paragraph (d), remove the word “presentation” and add, in its place, the word “providing evidence”. § 11.428
 48.Amend § 11.428(b) by removing the words “License or”. § 11.429
 49.Amend § 11.429(c) by removing the words “License or”. § 11.433
 50.Amend § 11.433(a) by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.435
 51.Amend § 11.435 as follows: a.In paragraph (a)(1), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.In paragraph (a)(2), remove the words “License or”. § 11.437
 52.In § 11.437(a)(3): a.Remove the words “holding a License or” and add, in their place, the words “holding an”; and b.Remove the words “this License” and add, in their place, the words “this MMC endorsement”. § 11.442
 53.Amend § 11.442(a) by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.444
 54.Amend § 11.444(a)(2) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.446
 55.Amend § 11.446 by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.450
 56.Amend § 11.450 as follows: a.In paragraph (c), remove the words “Licenses or”; and b.In paragraph (d), remove the word “License” and add, in its place, the word “endorsement”. § 11.452
 57.Amend § 11.452 as follows: a.In paragraph (a): i.Remove the words “or License ”; and ii. Remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.In paragraph (b), remove the words “License or”. § 11.454
 58.Amend § 11.454 as follows: a.In paragraph (c), remove the word “presentation” and add, in its place, the words “providing evidence”; and b.In paragraph (d), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.457
 59.Amend § 11.457 as follows: a.In paragraph (a), remove the word “present” and add, in its place, the word “provide”; and b.In paragraph (b), remove the words “License or”. § 11.462
 60.Amend § 11.462 by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.464
 61.Amend § 11.464 by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.465
 62.Amend § 11.465 by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.466
 63.Amend § 11.466(b) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.470
 64.Amend § 11.470 as follows: a.Remove the word “Present” wherever it appears and add, in its place, the word “Provide”; b.In paragraph (d)(2)(i), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”; c.In paragraphs (e), (g), and (i), remove the words “License or”; and d.In paragraph (j)(2)(i), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.472
 65.Amend § 11.472 as follows: a.Remove the word “Present” wherever it appears and add, in its place, the word “Provide”; and b.In paragraph (b), remove the words “license or”. § 11.474
 66.Amend § 11.474 as follows: a.Remove the word “Present” wherever it appears and add, in its place, the word “Provide”; b.In paragraph (a)(1)(i), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”; and c.In paragraph (b), remove the words “License or”. § 11.480
 67.In § 11.480(d), remove the word “present” and add, in its place, the word “provide”; and remove the text “fax,”. § 11.482
 68.Amend § 11.482 as follows: a.Remove the words “License or” wherever they appear; and b.In paragraph (c), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.491
 69.Amend § 11.491(a) by removing the words “License or”. § 11.501
 70.Amend § 11.501 as follows: a.In paragraph (c), remove the words “Licenses or”; and b.In paragraphs (d) and (e), remove the words “License or” wherever they appear. § 11.502
 71.Amend § 11.502(b) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.503
 72.Amend § 11.503 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear, and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.In paragraph (c)(2), remove the words “licensed or”. § 11.510
 73.Amend § 11.510(a)(2) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.512
 74.Amend § 11.512(a)(1) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.514
 75.Amend § 11.514(a) by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.542
 76.Amend § 11.542 as follows: a.Remove the word “Present” wherever it appears, and add, in its place, the word “Provide”; and b.In paragraph (b), remove the words “presentation of” and add, in their place, the word “providing”. § 11.544
 77.Amend § 11.544 as follows: a.Remove the word “Present” wherever it appears, and add, in its place, the word “Provide”; and b.In paragraph (b), remove the words “presentation of the” and add, in their place, the word “providing”. § 11.603
 78.Amend § 11.603 by removing the words “License must present” and adding, in their place, the text “an MMC must provide evidence of”. § 11.604
 79.Amend § 11.604 by removing the word “present” and adding, in its place, the word “provide”. § 11.701
 80.Amend § 11.701(d) by removing the words “A License or” and adding, in their place, the word “An”. § 11.703
 81.Amend § 11.703(d) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.705
 82.Amend § 11.705(c) by removing the words “License or” wherever they appear. § 11.707
 83.Amend § 11.707(b) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 11.713
 84.Amend § 11.713 by removing the words “License or” wherever they appear. § 11.805
 85.Amend § 11.805 as follows: a.In paragraph (a), remove the word “present”, and add, in its place, the word “provide”; and b.In paragraph (b), remove the word “is” and add, in their place, the word “are”. § 11.807
 86.Amend § 11.807(d) by removing the word “presents” and adding, in its place, the word “provides”. § 11.821
 87.Amend § 11.821(b)(2) by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 11.903
 88.Amend § 11.903(c)(1) by removing the words “a License” and adding, in their place, the words “an endorsement”. § 11.920
 89.In § 11.920, amend the heading to Table 2 by removing the word “Licenses” and add, in its place, the word “Endorsements”. PART 12—REQUIREMENTS FOR RATING ENDORSEMENTS
 90.The authority citation for part 12 is revised to read as follows: Authority:
                            31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 2110, 7301, 7302, 7503, 7505, 7701, and 70105; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. § 12.201
 91.Amend § 12.201(a)(2) by removing the words “his or her” and adding, in their place, the word “their”. § 12.401
 92.Amend § 12.401(c)(3) by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 12.405
 93.Amend § 12.405(a) by removing the words “he or she” and adding, in their place, the word “they”. § 12.407
 94.Amend § 12.407(b)(1)(iii), by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 12.409
 95.Amend § 12.409(b)(1)(iii), by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 12.501
 96.Amend § 12.501(c)(3), by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 12.625
 97.Amend § 12.625(a)(1) by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 12.627
 98.Amend § 12.627(a)(1) by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 12.707
 99.Amend § 12.707 by removing the word “present” and adding, in its place, the word “provides”. § 12.709
 100.Amend § 12.709(a) by removing the word “present” and adding, in its place, the word “provides”. § 12.711
 101.Amend § 12.711(a) by removing the word “presents” and adding, in its place, the word “provides”. § 12.809
 102.Amend § 12.809(b) by removing the word “present” and adding, in its place, the word “provide”. PART 13—CERTIFICATION OF TANKERMEN
 103.The authority citation for part 13 continues to read as follows: Authority:
                            46 U.S.C. 3703, 7317, 8105, 8703, 9102; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. § 13.107
 104.Amend § 13.107 as follows: a.In paragraph (a), remove the words “engineer License or engineer” and add, in their place, the words “engineer officer”; and b.In paragraph (d), remove the words “licensed or”. § 13.111
 105.Amend § 13.111 as follows: a.In paragraph (d)(3), remove the word “Present” and add, in its place, the word “Provide”; and b.In paragraph (d)(4): i.Remove the words “Present evidence in the form of a letter” and add, in their place, the words “Provide evidence in a method prescribed by the Coast Guard”; and ii. Remove the words “on company letterhead”. § 13.120
 106.Amend § 13.120 by removing the word “present” wherever it appears and adding, in its place, the word “provide”. § 13.201
 107.Amend § 13.201(c) introductory text, by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”.; § 13.203
 108.Amend § 13.203 by removing the word “present” wherever it appears, and adding, in its place, the word “provide”. § 13.205
 109.Amend § 13.205 as follows: a.Remove the words “Proof of service must be provided in a letter on company letterhead” and add, in their place, the words “Provide evidence in a method prescribed by the Coast Guard of proof of service”; and b.Remove the words “The letter” and add, in their place, the words “The evidence”. § 13.301
 110.Amend § 13.301(c) by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 13.303
 111.Amend § 13.303(a) by removing the word “present” and adding, in its place, the word “provide”. § 13.305
 112.Amend § 13.305 as follows: a.Remove the words “Proof of service must be provided in a letter on company letterhead” and add, in their place, the words “Provide evidence in a method prescribed by the Coast Guard of proof of service”; and b.Remove the words “The letter” and add, in their place, the words “The evidence”. § 13.401
 113.Amend § 13.401 by removing the word “Present” wherever it appears, and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 13.405
 114.Amend § 13.405(a) as follows: a.Remove the words “A letter on company letterhead” and add, in their place, the words “Evidence in a method prescribed by the Coast Guard”; and b.Remove the words “The letter” and add, in their place, the words “The evidence”. § 13.501
 115.Amend § 13.501(c) by removing the word “Present” and adding, in its place, the word “Provide”. § 13.503
 116.Amend § 13.503(a) by removing the word “present” and adding, in its place, the word “provide”. § 13.505
 117.Amend § 13.505(a) as follows: a.Remove the words “Service must be proved by a letter on company letterhead” and add, in their place, the words “Provide evidence in a method prescribed by the Coast Guard of proof of service”; and b.Remove the words “The letter” and add, in their place, the words “The evidence”. PART 14—SHIPMENT AND DISCHARGE OF MERCHANT MARINERS
 118.The authority citation for part 14 continues to read as follows: Authority:
                            5 U.S.C. 552; 46 U.S.C. Chapters 103 and 104; 46 U.S.C. 70105. 119.In part 14, revise all references to “his or her” to read “their”. § 14.103
 120.In § 14.103(c), remove the text “ *http://www.uscg.mil/​nmc*
                            ” and add, in its place, the text “
                            *https://www.dco.uscg.mil/​national_​maritime_​center/​*
                            ”. § 14.205
 121.Amend § 14.205 as follows: a.Remove the word “present” and add, in its place, the word “provide”; and b.Remove the words “every document, certificate, credential, or license” and add, in their place, the words “a merchant mariner credential with endorsements”. § 14.207
 122.In § 14.207(a)(1), remove the text “license, MMD or”. 123.Revise § 14.307 to read as follows: § 14.307
  (a) Each master or individual in charge of a vessel must, for each merchant mariner being discharged from the vessel, prepare a certificate of discharge in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Coast Guard. The prescribed format may include the current form CG-718A or other means provided by the Coast Guard. If not using the Coast Guard prescribed format, the mariner must be provided with all the same information included on the certificate of discharge. (b) Each mariner being discharged must validate the information on the certificate of discharge by signing it. (c) When the mariner leaves the vessel, the master or individual in charge must give the certificate of discharge to the mariner.
 § 14.403
 124.Amend § 14.403(a)(2) by removing the word “presented” and adding, in its place, the word “provided”. § 14.405
 125.Amend § 14.405 as follows: a.In paragraph (c), before the words “will forward the request”, add the text “OCMI”; and b.In paragraph (d), remove the words “the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will” and add, in their place, the text “the Coast Guard OCMI in whose zone the vessel is located. The Coast Guard OCMI will”. § 14.407
 126.In § 14.407(a), remove the words “to the address provided” and add, in their place, the words “in a manner specified”. PART 15—MANNING REQUIREMENTS
 127.The authority citation for part 15 continues to read as follows: Authority:
                            46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 3306, 3703, 8101, 8102, 8103, 8104, 8105, 8301, 8304, 8502, 8503, 8701, 8702, 8901, 8902, 8903, 8904, 8905(b), 8906 and 9102; sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905; and DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. § 15.105
 128.Amend § 15.105 as follows: a.In paragraph (b), remove the words “Licenses and”; and b.In paragraph (h), remove the words “License or”. § 15.410
 129.Amend § 15.410 by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 15.515
 130.In § 15.515, remove the words “License or”. § 15.520
 131.Amend § 15.520 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear, and add, in their place, the word “an”; b.In paragraph (c), remove the words “A License or” wherever it appears, and add, in their place, the word “An”; c.In paragraph (d), remove the text “a License as Master endorsed as OIM, or”; d.In paragraph (e), remove the text “a License as Master endorsed as OIM or”; and e.In paragraph (g), remove the words “License, or an”. § 15.605
 132.Amend § 15.605 by removing the words “a License or” wherever they appear and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 15.610
 133.Amend § 15.610(b) as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.Before the text “MMC for towing vessels”, remove the words “License or”. § 15.701
 134.Amend § 15.701(b) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 15.730
 135.In § 15.730(d), remove the word “presented” and add, in its place, the word “provided”. § 15.805
 136.Amend § 15.805 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear, and add, in their place, the word “an”; b.In paragraph (a), remove the words “License as or a”; and c.In paragraph (b), remove the word “is” and add, in their place, the word “are”. § 15.810
 137.Amend § 15.810 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the word “an”; b.In paragraphs (c) and (d)(2), remove the words “License or”; and c.In paragraph (d)(2)(ii), remove the words “A License or” and add, in their place, the word “An”.138. Amend § 15.812 as follows: a.Revise paragraphs (b) and (c), table 1 to § 15.812(e)(1), and table 2 to § 15.812(e)(2); b.In paragraph (f), remove the words “valid License or” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the word “or”; and c.In paragraph (f)(1)(i), remove the words “a License or” and add, in their place, the word “an”. The revisions read as follows: § 15.812
  
 (b) The following individuals may serve as a Pilot on a vessel subject to paragraph (a) of this section, when underway on the navigable waters of the United States that are designated areas: (1) An individual holding a valid MMC officer endorsement as First-Class Pilot, operating within the restrictions of their credential, may serve as Pilot on any vessel to which this section applies. (2) An individual holding a valid MMC officer endorsement as Master or Mate, employed aboard a vessel within the restrictions of their credential, may serve as Pilot on a vessel of not more than 1,600 GRT propelled by machinery, described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (3) of this section, provided they— (i) Are at least 21 years old; (ii) Are able to show current knowledge of the waters to be navigated, as required in § 11.713 of this subchapter; and (iii) Provide evidence of completing a minimum of four roundtrips over the route to be traversed while in the wheelhouse as watchstander or observer. At least one of the roundtrips must be made during the hours of darkness if the route is to be traversed during darkness. (3) An individual holding a valid MMC officer endorsement as Master, Mate, or operator employed aboard a vessel within the restrictions of their credential, may serve as Pilot on a tank barge or tank barges totaling not more than 10,000 GRT/GT, described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (3) of this section, provided they - (i) Are at least 21 years old; (ii) Are able to show current knowledge of the waters to be navigated, as required in § 11.713 of this subchapter; (iii) Have a current physical examination in accordance with the provisions of § 11.709 of this subchapter; (iv) Have at least 6 months of service in the deck department on towing vessels engaged in towing operations; and (v) Provide evidence of completing a minimum of 12 roundtrips over the route to be traversed, as an observer or under instruction in the wheelhouse. At least three of the roundtrips must be made during the hours of darkness if the route is to be traversed during darkness. (c) An individual holding a valid MMC officer endorsement as Master, Mate, or operator, employed aboard a vessel within the restrictions of their credential, may serve as a Pilot for a vessel subject to paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, when underway on the navigable waters of the United States that are not designated areas of pilotage waters, provided they— (1) Are at least 21 years old; (2) Are able to show current knowledge of the waters to be navigated, as required in § 11.713 of this subchapter; and (3) Have a current physical examination in accordance with the provisions of § 11.709 of this subchapter. 
 
 
 Table 1 to § 15.812(
                                    e
                                    )(1)—Quick Reference Table for Federal Pilotage Requirements for U.S.-Inspected, Self-Propelled Vessels, Not Sailing on Register
Designated areas of pilotage waters
                                         (routes for which First-Class Pilot's MMC 
                                         officer endorsements are issued)
Non-designated areas of pilotage waters
                                         (between the 3-mile line and the start 
                                         of traditional pilotage routes)Inspected self-propelled vessels greater than 1,600 GRT, authorized by their COI to proceed beyond the Boundary Line, or operating on the Great Lakes
First-Class Pilot
Master or Mate may serve as Pilot if they—
                                         1. Are at least 21 years old; 
                                         2. Have an annual physical exam; and 
                                         
                                            3. Maintain current knowledge of the waters to be navigated.1Inspected self-propelled vessels not more than 1,600 GRT, authorized by their COI to proceed beyond the Boundary Line, or operating on the Great Lakes
First-Class Pilot, 
                                        *or*
                                         Master or Mate may serve as Pilot if they—
                                         1. Are at least 21 years old; 
                                         
                                            2. Maintains current knowledge of the waters to be navigated; and 1
                                         
                                         
                                            3. Have four roundtrips over the route.2
Master or Mate may serve as Pilot if they—
                                         1. Are at least 21 years old; and 
                                         
                                            2. Maintain current knowledge of the waters to be navigated.1Inspected self-propelled vessels greater than 1,600 GRT, not authorized by their COI to proceed beyond the Boundary Line (inland route vessels); other than vessels operating on the Great Lakes
First-Class Pilot
Master or Mate may serve as Pilot if they—
                                         1. Are at least 21 years old; 
                                         2. Have an annual physical exam; and 
                                         
                                            3. Maintain current knowledge of the waters to be navigated.1Inspected self-propelled vessels not more than 1,600 GRT, not authorized by their COI to proceed beyond the Boundary Line (inland route vessels); other than vessels operating on the Great Lakes
No pilotage requirement
No pilotage requirement.1
                                     One roundtrip within the past 60 months.2
                                     If the route is to be traversed during darkness, one of the four roundtrips must be made during darkness.
 
 Table 2 to § 15.812(
                                    e
                                    )(2)—Quick Reference Table for Federal Pilotage Requirements for U.S.-Inspected Tank Barges, Not Sailing on Register
Designated areas of pilotage waters
                                         (routes for which First-Class Pilot's MMC 
                                         officer endorsements are issued)
Non-designated areas of pilotage waters
                                         (between the 3-mile line and the start 
                                         of traditional pilotage routes)Tank Barges greater than 10,000 GRT/GT, authorized by their COI to proceed beyond the Boundary Line, or operating on the Great Lakes
First-Class Pilot
Master, Mate, or Master, Mate (Pilot) of towing vessels may serve as Pilot if they:
                                         1. Are at least 21 years old; 
                                         
                                            2. Have an annual physical exam; 2
                                         
                                         
                                            3. Maintain current knowledge of the waters to be navigated; 1
                                             and4. Have at least 6 months' service in the deck department on towing vessels engaged in towing operations.Tank Barges 10,000 GRT/GT or less, authorized by their COI to proceed beyond the Boundary Line, or operating on the Great Lakes
First-Class Pilot, or Master, Mate, or Master, Mate (Pilot) of towing vessels may serve as Pilot if they:
                                         1. Are at least 21 years old; 
                                         
                                            2. Have an annual physical exam; 23. Maintain current knowledge of the waters to be navigated; 14. Have at least 6 months' service in the deck department on towing vessels engaged in towing operations; and5. Have 12 roundtrips over the route.3Tank Barges authorized by their COI for inland routes only (lakes, bays, and sounds/rivers); other than vessels operating on the Great Lakes
No pilotage requirement
No pilotage requirement.1
                                     One roundtrip within the past 60 months.2
                                     Annual physical exam does not apply to an individual who will serve as a Pilot of a tank barge of less than 1,600 GRT.3
                                     If the route is to be traversed during darkness, three of the 12 roundtrips must be made during darkness.
 § 15.815
 139.Amend § 15.815(c) by removing the words “a License or” and adding, in their place, the word “an”. § 15.820
 140.Amend § 15.820 as follows: a.In paragraph (a), remove the words “or license”; b.In paragraph (a)(3), remove the words “a License or”; and c.In paragraph (c), remove the words “License or”. § 15.825
 141.Amend § 15.825(a) by removing the words “License or”. § 15.901
 142.Amend § 15.901 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.Remove the words “individual's License or” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the word “individual's”. § 15.905
 143.Amend § 15.905 as follows: a.Remove the words “a License or” wherever they appear and add, in their place, the word “an”; and b.Remove the words “individual's License or” wherever they appear, and add, in their place, the word “individual's”. § 15.915
 144.Amend § 15.915 as follows: a.Remove the words “Licenses and” wherever they appear; and b.Remove the words “License or” wherever they appear. § 15.1001
 145.In § 15.1001, remove the words “or License with” and add, in their place, the words “with an”. PART 16—CHEMICAL TESTING
 146.The authority citation for part 16 continues to read as follows: Authority:
                            46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 7101, 7301, and 7701; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. 147.Amend § 16.105 by revising the definition of *Credential*
                             to read as follows: § 16.105
  
 *Credential*
                                 is the same as defined in 46 CFR 10.107.
 148.Amend § 16.220 as follows: a.In paragraph (a)(1), remove the text “a License, Certificate of Registry (COR), MMD, or” and add, in its place, the word “an”; b.In paragraph (a)(3), remove the text “a License or COR” and add, in its place, the text “an MMC”; and c.In paragraph (a)(5), revise the second sentence. § 16.220
  (a) * * * (5) * * * Results of the test must be provided to the Coast Guard in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard.* * *
 § 16.230
 149.Amend § 16.230(b)(1) by removing the word “License” and adding, in its place, the word “credential”. § 16.500
 150.Amend § 16.500 by removing the period after the text “2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE”. Dated: November 6, 2024. W.R. Arguin, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy.


# Footnotes

1.
    
                             The 2019 Federal Reserve Payments Study, p14, 
                            *https://www.federalreserve.gov/​newsevents/​pressreleases/​files/​2019-payments-study-20191219.pdf*. Back to Citation
 2.
    
                             Developments in Noncash Payments for 2019 and 2020: Findings from the Federal Reserve Payments Study, p7, 
                            *https://www.federalreserve.gov/​publications/​files/​developments-in-noncash-payments-for-2019-and-2020-20211222.pdf.* Back to Citation
 3.
    
                             This final rule affects all applicants who apply for MMCs. Mandatory fees include evaluation, examination, and issuance fees. The Coast Guard data does not differentiate between these fees in the data it collects; the data the Coast Guard collected for this analysis are for any fees where applicants may pay for any or all of them at one time. Back to Citation
 4.
    
                             Readers can access the National Maritime Center's (NMC) website and 
                            *Pay.gov*
                             to obtain information about the payment of fees at 
                            *www.dco.uscg.mil/​nmc/​fees/​.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed this web page in August 2024. 5.
    
                             For this regulatory analysis, the term “applicants” refers to all individual applicants who pay mandatory fees. The changes and estimated cost savings for § 10.219(d) affect these applicants. The phrase “original applicants” refers to individuals who apply for their first MMC and therefore are required by existing regulation to take an oath before an authorized official. The changes and cost savings to § 10.225(c) affect only original applicants. We also assume the affected population of applicants has bank accounts. Back to Citation
 6.
    
                             A notary public is an individual who has met the requirements to provide notary public services to the general public in order to verify a person's identity. Currently, in the case of Form CG-719B, when an original applicant applies for an MMC either at an REC or near an original applicant's place of residence (either at a bank or bank branch or where there is a notary service in the U.S.), the original applicant must sign the form in the presence of a notary public. The notary public must also sign the form; this process serves as the oath for the original applicant in accordance with the information contained in Form CG-719B. Readers can access 
                            *www.nationalnotary.org*
                             to obtain more information about notary services in the U.S. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. Back to Citation
 7.
    
                             The Coast Guard collects information on the number of payment transactions for original applications and for other payments of MMC fees. For the purpose of this analysis, we assumed each payment transaction represents one individual or mariner. There may be more than one payment transaction for an application, but for tractability of this analysis, we assumed a one-to-one ratio. Back to Citation
 8.
    
                             The Coast Guard acknowledges that some banks or bank branches may not provide a notary public service free of charge; however, we assumed applicants with a bank account at a given bank do not incur a cost for a notary public service if they are a member of that bank. Readers can access these websites for more information on notary public services at banks: 
                            *https://www.bankofamerica.com/​signature-services/​notary/​,*
                             and 
                            *https://www.citizensbank.com/​learning/​notary-public-services.aspx.* Back to Citation
 9.
    
                             Based on NMC data, most applicants paid fees by cash or check at RECs; however, a small, unknown number of applicants paid by check or money order. The Coast Guard does not maintain data on applicants who paid by check or money order at RECs, which may result in an underestimation of applicants who paid fees in person by these two methods. Back to Citation
 10.
    
                             This form is part of a currently OMB-approved Coast Guard ICR with a control number of 1625-0012. Readers can access NMC's website at 
                            *https://www.dco.uscg.mil/​national_​maritime_​center/​*
                             to view this form and obtain information about the application process. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in August 2024. Back to Citation
 11.
    
                             
                            *Pay.gov*
                             accepts three payment types: credit card, prepaid card, and ACH payments. The Coast Guard does not collect data on the usage of prepaid cards for applicants who use 
                            *Pay.gov*. The Coast Guard also did not estimate a cost (and subsequent 
                            
                            cost savings) to obtain these cards in this analysis because applicants can obtain these cards when they are at grocery stores or other locations without making a separate trip to specifically obtain the cards. In this analysis, we assume for the unknown number of applicants who choose to use a prepaid card to pay fees, already possess the card. Back to Citation
 12.
    
                             U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022, S2801 Types of Computers and internet Subscriptions: ACS 1-year Estimates Subject Tables, Types of Computers, 
                            *https://data.census.gov/​table/​ACSST1Y2022.S2801?​q=​internet*
                             access. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. The Census Bureau will release 2023 data in September 2024. Readers can verify this information at, 
                            *https://www.census.gov/​programs-surveys/​acs/​news/​data-releases/​2023/​release.html*
                             (“2023 Data Release New and Notable” (
                            *census.gov*)). The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. Back to Citation
 13.
    
                             See footnote 15. Back to Citation
 14.
    
                             The Coast Guard acknowledges that there may be a small portion of applicants in the affected population who may not own a computer or have access to the internet to submit a MMC payment. Readers can access these websites for further information on access to the internet and the ownership of mobile phones in the United States: 
                            *https://www.pewresearch.org/​internet/​fact-sheet/​internet-broadband/​*
                             and 
                            *https://www.pewresearch.org/​internet/​fact-sheet/​mobile.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed these web pages in May 2024. Back to Citation
 15.
    
                             The BLS defines civilian workers to be “private industry workers and State and local government workers.” This includes individuals in the private nonfarm economy excluding households and the public sector excluding the Federal Government. Readers can view BLS' glossary of terms at 
                            *https://www.bls.gov/​bls/​glossary.htm.*
                             Readers can access BLS' website at: May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (
                            *bls.gov*) to obtain information about the wages used in this analysis. The Coast Guard accessed BLS' web page in May 2024. Back to Citation
 16.
    
                             A loaded mean hourly wage rate is what a company pays per hour to employ a person, not the hourly wage an employee receives. The loaded mean hourly wage rate includes the cost of non-wage benefits (health insurance, vacation, etc.). The Coast Guard calculated the load factor by accessing BLS' website at 
                            *https://www.bls.gov/​*
                             and selecting the topic “Data Tools” from the menu on this web page. Under this menu item, the Coast Guard selected the category “Top Picks, One Screen, Multi-Screen, and Maps.” On the next page titled, “Databases, Tables, and Calculators by Subject,” the Coast Guard selected used the category “Pay and Benefits”. Under the category, “Employer Costs for Employee Compensation”, we selected the “Multi-Screen” feature. This took us to 
                            *https://data.bls.gov/​cgi-bin/​dsrv?​cm.*
                             At this page titled, ”Create Customized Tables”, or screen 1, the Coast Guard then selected the category of “Civilian Workers”. At screen 2, the Coast Guard first selected the category “Total Compensation,” then we continued to select “All Workers” at screens 3, 4, and 5. At screen 6, for “Area” the Coast Guard selected “United States.” At screen 7, the Coast Guard selected the category “Cost of Compensation.” At screen 8, the Coast Guard selected the category “not seasonally adjusted.” At screen 9, the Coast Guard selected the series ID, CMU1010000000000D. The Coast Guard used the “Cost of Compensation” for quarter 4 of 2023, or $45.42. The Coast Guard performed this process again to obtain the value for “Wages and Salaries,” which we selected on screen 2. On screen 9, the Coast Guard selected the series ID CMU1020000000000D and obtained a value of $31.29. The Coast Guard divided $45.42 by $31.29 and obtained a load factor of 1.45, rounded. The Coast Guard used the same methodology to obtain the load factor for the occupational category for applicants other than original applicants. However, instead of using the category of “Civilian Workers”, the Coast Guard selected “Private Industry Workers” at screen 1, “Total Compensation” at screen 2, “Transportation and Material Moving Occupations” at screen 3, “All Workers” at screens 4 and 5, “United States” at screen 6, “Cost of Compensation” at screen 7, “not seasonally adjusted” at screen 8, and the series ID at screen 9, CMU 2010000520000D. The Coast Guard again used the “Cost of Compensation” for quarter 4 of 2023, or $34.43. The Coast Guard then selected “Wages and Salaries,” at screen 2. On screen 9, the Coast Guard selected the series ID CMU2020000520000D and obtained a value of $23.89. The Coast Guard divided $34.43 by $23.89 and obtained a load factor of 1.44, rounded. The Coast Guard then used the average of these two load factors, which is 1.45, rounded. The Coast Guard accessed this BLS' website in May 2024. Back to Citation
 17.
    
                             Readers can access USPS' website at 
                            *https://www.usps.com*
                             to find past postal rates or search online for USPS' “Postal News” or “USPS Forever Stamps Postage Rate 2023”. Back to Citation
 18.
    
                             Readers can view the General Schedule of salaries for Federal Government employees at 
                            *https://www.opm.gov/​policy-data-oversight/​pay-leave/​salaries-wages/​salary-tables/​23Tables/​html/​RUS_​h.aspx.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. Back to Citation
 19.
    
                             Readers can view the report at, 
                            *https://www.cbo.gov/​system/​files/​115th-congress-2017-2018/​reports/​52637-federalprivatepay.pdf.*
                             See pages 16 and 11 of the report, respectively. The Coast Guard accessed this report in May 2024. Back to Citation
 20.
    
                             An oath an original applicant must take is a pronouncement that an original applicant will abide by the rules and regulations aboard a vessel, faithfully execute his or her duties, and obey the superior officers of the vessel. Back to Citation
 21.
    
                             This form is part of a currently-approved OMB ICR with a control number 1625-0040 and a title of “Applications for Merchant Mariners Credentials and Medical Certificates.” Readers can access NMC's website at 
                            *https://www.dco.uscg.mil/​national_​maritime_​center/​*
                             to view this form and obtain information about the application process. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in August 2024. Back to Citation
 22.
    
                             The Coast Guard acknowledges that Credit Unions, similar to banks in the U.S., may also offer notary public services, free of charge, for its members. Back to Citation
 23.
    
                             Readers can access the St. Louis Federal Reserve's “FRED” website at 
                            *https://fred.stlouisfed.org/​#.*
                             At this page, readers should use the search feature and type the words “bank branches” in the search field. The resulting web page will show a graph of the data and the value that the Coast Guard used for this analysis. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. With the acknowledgement that Credit Unions also offer notary public services (see footnote number 15), the Coast Guard did not include them in this analysis because the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) reports the total number of Federally-insured Credit Unions in its “Quarterly Credit Union Data Summary 2023 Q4” in the United States (4,604 as of December 31, 2023) and not per a certain population or certain group of individuals as FRED reports it. Therefore, the Coast Guard cannot simply add the NCUA's number to FRED's number because we would be combining incongruent data. Readers can view this report at 
                            *https://www.ncua.gov/​files/​publications/​analysis/​quarterly-data-summary-2023-Q4.pdf.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed this website in May 2024. Readers should also note that the number of bank branches has been in decline since 2000. See the first link to the report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland in footnote number 31. Back to Citation
 24.
    
                             For more information on U.S. census statistics and estimates, readers can access the U.S. Census Bureau's website at 
                            *https://www.census.gov/​quickfacts/​fact/​table/​US/​PST045222.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. Back to Citation
 25.
    
                             ibid. Back to Citation
 26.
    
                             ibid. Back to Citation
 27.
    
                             We base this estimate on the information presented in this RA. The actual number of bank branches in the U.S. may be less than this amount. Readers may refer to this source for an alternate estimate, 
                            *https://www.bankbranchlocator.com.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. Back to Citation
 28.
    
                             The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland reports the average distance to a bank branch in urban and rural areas of the United States to be about 1.5 miles and 4.3 miles, respectively, in 2020 (an average of about 2.9 miles combined), which is significantly less than the distance we calculated in this analysis. Readers can view the Cleveland Federal Reserve's report at this link, “Has Bank Consolidation Changed People's Access to a Full-Service Bank Branch?” (clevelandfed.org). In a working paper by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, it reports the median distance traveled to a bank branch to be 5 miles on page 16 of the paper. Readers can view this paper at 
                            *https://www.chicagofed.org/​-/​media/​publications/​working-papers/​2023/​wp2023-15.pdf?​sc_​lang=​en.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed these links in July 2023. Back to Citation
 29.
    
                             The Department of Transportation (DOT) has guidance on VTTS for individuals who use different modes of travel in the United States. The VTTS is divided into two categories, local and intercity travel. See table 1 on page 13 of the memorandum. Within these two categories, there are two subcategories, personal and business travel, in the first column of the table. Based on SME input from the NMC, applicants will most likely obtain an oath on their personal time. Therefore, we used the category, local personal travel. In the second column of the table, the Coast Guard used the category “surface modes (except high-speed rail)”. Therefore, we used the value of 50 percent of the mean hourly wage rate for the VTTS. Readers can access DOT's memorandum at 
                            *https://www.transportation.gov/​office-policy/​transportation-policy/​revised-departmental-guidance-valuation-travel-time-economic.*
                             At this link, to access the memorandum, readers should select the pdf document titled, “2016 Revised Value of Travel Time Guidance.pdf”. The Coast Guard accessed this link in July 2023. Back to Citation
 30.
    
                             For this analysis, the Coast Guard did not account for the time it will take an applicant to park at a bank branch or notary public service. Back to Citation
 31.
    
                             At DOT's homepage, under the heading “Explore DOT,” the Coast Guard selected the topic “Roadways and Bridges.” At this page, under the heading “Other Associated Agencies,” the Coast Guard selected the NHTSA link. There is no direct link, so in the search feature, the Coast Guard typed the words “traffic survey.” The Coast Guard then selected the link titled “National Traffic Speeds Survey III: 2015 Traffic Tech.” One result will appear, or a pdf version of the report that the Coast Guard used in this analysis. Readers can access the report at, 
                            *https://www.nhtsa.gov/​sites/​nhtsa.gov/​files/​traffic_​tech/​812489_​tt-national-traffic-speeds-survey-iii-2015.pdf.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed this web page in in May 2024. Back to Citation
 32.
    
                             Readers should view the classification of roadways by DOT's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to understand the types of roadways used in DOT's survey found in footnote number 34. The 2013 document describes the classification of roadways by the FHWA and is titled, “Highway Functional Classification Concepts, Criteria and Procedures”, which readers can find at 
                            *https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/​planning/​processes/​statewide/​related/​highway_​functional_​classifications/​fcauab.pdf.*
                             The Coast Guard accessed this link in July 2023. Back to Citation
 33.
    
                             To obtain the rates for privately owned vehicles for 2023, at the 
                            **Federal Register's**
                             homepage, search for “Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Mileage Reimbursement Rates”. This will take the reader to a GSA web page, at this page under “Summary”, select the link, 
                            *https://gsa.gov/​ftrbulletins.*
                             At the next page, select the bulletin with the date, 12/29/2022. This page contains the mileage rate for POA or privately owned vehicles under item “3a” of the bulletin. The Coast Guard accessed this web page in May 2024. Back to Citation
 34.
    
                             National Notary also includes fees for U.S. territories, with the highest amount being $25. The Coast Guard did not include the fees for U.S. territories in this analysis, because we have sufficient national data for this analysis. We used 2024 fee data because National Notary does not list fees for 2023 on its website. Back to Citation


BILLING CODE 9110-04-P BILLING CODE 9110-04-C [FR Doc. 2024-27026 Filed 12-16-24; 8:45 am]