b'The new credential Island Ferry Services, LLC; and Larry Nuesslein from Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. Each of these mariners submit-contains numerous ted their renewal applications to the NMC in December and all were reviewed and approved to print prior to the security features includingPVA Convention. Unfortunately, I was not able to present their new credentials in Portland; however, I was able to microprinting, foiling, provide each with a legacy credential and NMC challenge coin. Three of these members were present at the PVA con-and intricate patterns. vention and were recognized during my presentation. Each of these mariners had sufficient time between their The transition to the new credential will take place over thecredential expiration date and the date their new credential next five years. This means if you received a passport-stylewould go into effect, allowing me to delay the issuance of red book in February 2023, it remains valid for up to fivetheir new credentials until March 2024. All four members years. However, once you add an endorsement or get a raisehave now received their new credentials with numbers 2, 3, in grade, the new credential will become the most current4, and 13. Thanks to Gierzynski, Cox, Tally, and Nuesslein version. The new credential is not required to be foldeditfor their support of the marine transportation system andis up to the mariner to decide what works best for them.for applying early. I remind all mariners that in accordance The new credential is comparable to the passport-style redwith 46 Code of Federal Regulations 10.205(a), all renew-book in that it remains red and can be folded to look similar.als can be submitted up to eight months early. I also want to thank PVA and Eric Christensen for including the NMC A brochure that provides details of the new credential is avail- on the agenda at the annual convention and allowing me to able on the NMC website. The brochure has some importantprovide updates impacting your membership.information on dos and donts regarding the new credential. Sign it using a blue or black ballpoint pen when it arrives; however, do not use a permanent marker or gel-type pen as those may smear before drying. Protect your new credential as you would a passport, but it cannot be used as a passport. Please do not laminate your credential, as it may become damaged. The brochure also discusses what to check when you receive your new credential. All mariners should imme-diately check the personal information and the endorsements and limitation information. If there are any problems identi- About the Author fied, please contact the NMC Customer Support Center at 1-888-427-5662 or via e-mail to iasknmc@uscg.mil. CAPTAIN BRADLEY CLARECOMMANDING OFFICER,PRESENTATION AT THE PVA CONVENTION NATIONAL MARITIME CENTERDuring the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends heldCaptain Clare is the commanding officer of National in Portland, Ore., in January 2024, I had the opportunityMaritime Center which issues over 120,000 creden-to speak regarding NMC updates, and my first slide sharedtials, endorsements, and medical certificates every year. that the new credential was launching soon. As part of myPrior to the NMC, Capt. Clare was office chief for port presentation preparation, I reached out to PVA Director ofand facility compliance where he led and developed na-Regulatory Affairs & Risk Management Eric Christensentional policy related to safety, security, and stewardship to identify a group of PVA mariners to recognize with thefor the nations ports, facilities, and maritime critical first few credentials with low numbers on them. Chris- infrastructure. During this time, he oversaw the publi-tensen reached out to the PVA membership and providedcation and implementation of the Facility Cyber Navi-the names of four members: Eric Gierzynski from Shore- gation and Vessel Inspection Circular. lineSightseeing;BrianCoxandJohnTallyfromBlock 31 APRIL 2024'