30 DECEMBER 2018 • FOGHORN REGULATORYREPORT 2570 Beverly Dr. #128, Aurora, IL 60502 T 630.236.3500 CENTA Power trAnsmIssIon LeADIng By InnovAtIon • USA based production • Over 20 unique designs • Over 16 million sold • Torsional vibration experts Trust CENTA – The Global Innovator Since 1970 CENTALINK Carbon Fiber Driveshafts Innovative flexible couplings for marine applications By Peter Lauridsen, PV A Regulatory Affairs Consultant O n November 13, 2018 the U.S. Coast Guard published a notice in the Federal Register offering a newly developed Merchant Mariner Medical Manual (Commandant Instruction M16721.48) for public review and comment. This manual seeks to assemble all existing merchant mariner medical related information in a single Commandant Instruction. In the process, the Coast Guard has resolved conflicting material and in- corporated the advice and recommen- dations from two federal advisory panels. They are the Merchant Mariner Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) and the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (MEDMAC). The Coast Guard claims public stakeholder input has been con- sidered through comments received during the use of the merchant mariner related Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) and open comment periods during the advisory committee meetings. With this Federal Register notice, the Coast Guard is seeking review and comments on the work product’s “readability, clarity and ease of use” and on a new initiative where the Coast Guard becomes aware of changes in a merchant mariner’s medical fitness during the term of a holder’s medical certificate. Sometime ago, PVA’s Safety and Security Committee and the PVABoard of Directors became concerned about the owner, operator and master’s re- sponsibility and liability that attached to a mariner who was medically unfit to perform his or her duties but continued to hold a medical certificate issued by the Coast Guard. Questions posed to the Coast Guard provided the Revised Merchant Mariner Medical Manual Addresses Key Medical Credential Issues Fast Page Loads Streamlined Checkout Multiple Account Sign-Ons Improved Search Quick Order Easy Invoice Look-up Requisition Lists • Over 135,000 products for your business • 28 regional distribution centers • Same-day van delivery • 250+ stores • The most-knowledgeable and seasoned sales representatives in the industry Your 24/7 destination that’s packed with the features you need to get the most out of your time and money. westmarinepro.com All backed by the power of West Marine Pro. 1-800-621-6885 or visit westmarinepro.com. Increased Inventory Availability Advertise in FOGHORN! Contact Bill Forslund at 206-284-8285 or email: bill@philipspublishing.com