36 MARCH 2019 • FOGHORN NEWSWIRE Coast Guard Initiates Credential Extensions in Light of Funding Lapse The Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued an updated bulletin concerning efforts to process and in some cases extend Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) in light of the lapse in FY2019 appropriations. In addition to MMCs identified in a January 4 bulletin, medical certificates of merchant mariners that expired in December 2018 or expire in January 2019 are extended as valid until March 31, 2019. The updated bulletin contains a letter that should be carried by mariners who have expired credentials due to the lapse in funding. The Customer Service Center call center remains open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday to answer any questions. You may reach the call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and IASKNMC@ uscg.mil. Read the complete bulletin at https://www. dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/announce- ments/2018/fiscal_year_appropriations_mitigation_ update_20190108.pdf?ver=2019-01-08-171356-060. n FTA Seeks Proposals for $30 Million in Ferry Grants for Capital Projects Now is the time for eligible ferry operators to submit a capital grant funding proposal to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The agency’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program has about $30 million to distribute in fiscal 2019. The application period closes on April 15 of this year. This grant program makes awards on a competitive basis. As a general rule, an eligible operator must be pub- licly-owned and serve an urbanized area (that is, a U.S. Census-designated geographic area with a population of 50,000 or more). An eligible capital project might support existing passenger ferry service, establish new ferry service, or repair and modernize ferry boats, terminals, and related facilities and equipment. Most awards will require a non-federal match of 20 percent of the project cost. If you have questions about this funding opportu- nity, contact Ms. Vanessa Williams at the Federal Transit Administration at (202) 366-4818 or vanessa.williams@ dot.gov. n Foghorn Ad 1 | 1/4p | 3.375” x 4.875” www.propspeed.com PROPSPEED® is effective on: Propellers | Rudders | Shafts | Struts | Trim tabs | IPS drives | Thrusters Keel coolers | Underwater lights (clear coat) | Any underwater metal surface PROPSPEED® can be used on boats of all types & sizes Both recreational and commercial, from sport-fishers, cruisers, sailboats and superyachts to work boats like ferries, trawlers, tugboats, research ships and patrol boats. Save on your boat’s running costs Having clean props and running gear lowers maintenance costs, reduces corrosion and decreases fuel burn. 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