Bridging the Gap: How the Maritime EO and SHIPS Act Aim to Open Merchant Marine Opportunities for Veterans

Opinion by Nate Gilman, President of Mariner Credential service LLC, Commander Ander S. Heiles, USN, and Grant Greenwell, AFNI

Hey ther! Let’s chat about a pressing issue that’s been hanging around for way too long: the barriers keeping our veterans and active military personnel from stepping into vital roles within the U.S. Merchant Marine.These folks are trained for this work but often find themselves stuck on the sidelines due to bureaucratic red tape. With a growing shortage of mariners threatening our national security readiness, both Congress and the White House are finally taking action to change this.

Recently signed into effect was an executive order that kicks off a “Maritime Action Plan” (MAP). This plan is backed by legislation like the SHIPS Act—designed to address years of neglect in shipbuilding and maritime workforce growth that have left us vulnerable. The timing couldn’t be more critical; experts warn that our merchant marine force is aging out fast. If we don’t bridge the credentialing gap for military members soon,we risk losing a wealth of skilled talent just when we need it most.

The new executive order aims at various issues—from boosting shipbuilding capacity to refining trade policies—but it zeroes in on improving mariner training and credentialing processes where inefficiencies still linger despite past efforts. Veterans from branches like the Navy or coast Guard face hurdles such as redundant security checks and complex medical certifications when trying to obtain civilian maritime credentials.

While previous initiatives under Executive Order 13860 made some headway—like waiving fees for Active Duty personnel—the latest order signals an urgent push toward broader reforms. A key part mandates agencies to identify unnecessary or burdensome requirements in mariner credentialing while also assessing how Coast Guard programs can better serve Navy sailors looking to transition into civilian roles.

One major sticking point? The requirement for Active Duty members with valid Common Access Cards (CACs) also needing Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWICs).Many see this as an unnecessary hurdle since CACs already undergo extensive vetting through DoD processes—adding another layer just complicates things without enhancing security significantly.

Another significant challenge lies in documenting sea service experience—a especially tough nut for Navy veterans due to their lack of standardized documentation compared with other branches. Unlike others who receive clear transcripts detailing their sea service history, Navy personnel often struggle with incomplete records after leaving service—a problem veteran advocates have raised repeatedly but which remains unresolved within military bureaucracy.

Transitioning service members also face financial burdens when seeking required medical certifications from Coast Guard standards; many report difficulties getting DoD medical staff to complete necessary forms without charging them out-of-pocket expenses—even though they’re entitled to free care through military channels!

Industry insiders stress that tackling these credentialing bottlenecks is crucial if we want revitalization goals set forth by both recent legislation and executive orders like MAP or SHIPS Act achieved successfully. Streamlining these processes could integrate them directly into military career paths while ensuring documentation remains accessible throughout one’s service journey.

To make real progress under this new directive—and support legislative efforts—we need specific actions addressing known deficiencies:

1. Standardize Sea Service Documentation: Implement a uniform Transcript of Sea Service across all branches urgently needed by Navy veterans.

1. Eliminate TWIC Redundancy: Except valid CACs instead of requiring TWICs for Active Duty personnel.

1. Streamline Medical Evaluations: Ensure DoD facilities complete CG-719K forms at no cost.

1. Integrate Credential Readiness Early On: Make MMC application prep part of early training so transitioning becomes seamless rather than daunting.

This combination of executive action alongside supportive legislation offers us an unprecedented chance at reform! But success hinges on collaboration among agencies like the Navy, Coast Guard, Department of Defense—and beyond—to dismantle these long-standing barriers effectively.

If we don’t act now—standardizing records or simplifying requirements—we’ll continue facing gaps in our maritime workforce that threaten national security readiness down the line! Let’s turn good intentions into real results strengthening America’s Merchant Marine together!

Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights
Sign up today so you never miss out on important updates—trusted by over 109k members!