House Passes Coast Guard Reauthorization with Michaud Provisions to Help Veterans

Press Release

Today, the House passed legislation reauthorizing United States Coast Guard operations through fiscal year 2016, and the bill includes several priorities championed by Congressman Mike Michaud. These include provisions which will make it easier for Navy and Coast Guard veterans to successfully obtain civilian maritime employment.

"Coast Guard and Navy veterans contribute significantly to their communities and our country -- yet they face significant obstacles transferring their skills and experience from the Armed Services into maritime certifications for civilian employment," said Michaud. "For example, equivalency standards between military service and civilian certifications are largely lacking. It can also take months after leaving the Navy or Coast Guard for veterans to receive their sea service letters, which are required for civilian certifications and employment."

Provisions in the legislation requested by Michaud will make it easier for veterans to receive civilian maritime certifications and employment. The Coast Guard would be required to send sea service letters to veterans within 30 days of a request. The bill also requires the Coast Guard to maximize the extent to which military training and service are creditable toward civil certifications.

"Bureaucratic delays should not prevent our veterans from finding work," added Michaud. "I'm pleased that this bill includes language to ensure our veterans receive full and timely credit for their military experience."

The bill also includes provisions sought by Michaud to facilitate consultation between the Coast Guard and State Maritime Academies during the development of new maritime certification and training requirements. Some recently implemented regulations have been criticized as burdensome, redundant, or unnecessary for the Academies. Michaud's provisions would give the academies seats on the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC), ensuring that institutions like Maine Maritime Academy have a voice in the rulemaking process.

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