POLL - How Many HAVE COMMENTED Proposed License Changes to USCG?

[CaptMike04530]

Have YOU commented to the USCG on the NEW proposed Licensing Rules (Made an official federal rulemaking comment)?

[jdcavo]

Have YOU commented to the USCG on the NEW proposed Licensing Rules (Made an official federal rulemaking comment)?

The period in which to file comments closed on February 16, 2010.

[CaptMike04530]

Yes, That is true. Which is why this poll might give some indication as to level of input given to the USCG on this subject. I suspect that the subject matter was not widely circulated in the Mariner community prior to the comment period ending.

If this supposition is true, then it would be in the best interest of concerned Mariners to contact their Congressional Representatives to have their concerns addressed outside the rulemaking process.

[Diesel]

I don't think our individual comments will have much sway. Maybe your legislative approach may be more effective.

[captbbrucato]

The attached is from the AWO addressing its suggestions regarding the imminent changes.

[jdcavo]

The attached is from the AWO addressing its suggestions regarding the imminent changes.

There is an apparent lag in comments being received, and posted to the on-line docket. The number of comments in the docket has been growing substantially since the comment period closed. If you haven't looked at the docket lately, you may be surprised by the volume.

[Diesel]

Yeah well, I guess you snooze you lose, we had our chance to weigh in.

[CaptMike04530]

Diesel - The question is, did we? I am returning to my ship on March 16 2010 and will work onboard until November 2010. If this "comment period" came out for 90 days while I am onboard and working 12hrs/day, how could I have read the proposal over & over (took me 5 readings to get it down) and then had the time to compose a thoughful reply and comments.

The answer is, I could not. Therefore, for other "working" mariners who may have been working during this period, they have effectively been exculded from commenting by the USCG.

That is why we must request and extension for further action on this rulemaking and it is WHY you must ask for help from your congressperson to encourage the USCG to re-think this badly flawed proposal.

[Diesel]

Diesel - The question is, did we? I am returning to my ship on March 16 2010 and will work onboard until November 2010. If this "comment period" came out for 90 days while I am onboard and working 12hrs/day, how could I have read the proposal over & over (took me 5 readings to get it down) and then had the time to compose a thoughful reply and comments.

The answer is, I could not. Therefore, for other "working" mariners who may have been working during this period, they have effectively been exculded from commenting by the USCG.

That is why we must request and extension for further action on this rulemaking and it is WHY you must ask for help from your congressperson to encourage the USCG to re-think this badly flawed proposal.

I am on your team Mike. No worries, I have been more interested than most on this topic, with you as an obvious exception. If this goes into effect before winter 2010 it will most likely add another year to my upgrade.