b'NEWSWIREMerchant Mariner Examination Working GroupFederal Government 2020 Meeting Schedule Considers Amendments The National Maritime Center has posted a notice on its website seeking partici- to Existing Regulations pants for the Merchant Mariner Examination Working Group meetings scheduledof Killer Whalesfor 2020. The three-day meetings are scheduled from February through NovemberThe National Marine Fisheries and all are at the NMC location in Martinsburg, WV.Service is considering a rulemak-Section 315 of the 2015 Coast Guard Authorization Act requires the Coast Guarding process to amend the existing to commission a working group to review existing and new examination questionsfederal regulations to protect killer for accuracy and availability of examination references. Examination questionwhales from vessel effects, and is review is an opportunity to help the National Maritime Center and other marinersseeking public input on the existing make long-term improvements to the knowledge examination system. vessel impact regulations, alterna-The Examinations page of the NMC website provides an outline of the processtive management options (including to request membership in the working group. Once on the Examinations page,no-go zones or larger stand-off click Working Group to access this information. Requests may be submitted atdistances), and potential economic any time. impacts of alternative management Anyone interested in participating in these or any future sessions should followoptions. In mid November, a public the application instructions found through the Examinations page on NMC website.hearing was held in Friday Harbor, NMC will review the request and contact applicants to discuss further details andWA to solicit public comments on confi rm the desired session(s). Continue to check the website for updates. n ways to reduce impacts of vessels and noise on orcas in the inland Questions may be submitted to: NMCExamWorkingGroup@uscg.mil orwaters of Washingtons Puget contact the NMC Customer Service Center using the NMC online chat system,Sound. emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil,or calling1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) NMFSwillalsoaccept KILLER WHALES, CONTINUED ON PAGE 39NEW PRODUCTS, SAME LEVEL OF TRUST & DURABILITY.Introducing Highly Configurable Vessel System Monitoring & SMART Alarm Device Power Assist Get-homeSteeringDrivesStabilizers Reversing Thrusters Autopilot PumpKOBELT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.+1 (604) 572-3935Surrey, BC, Canadawww.kobelt.com38NOVEMBER 2019FOGHORN'