Bill · H.R. 3331· House(119-HR-3331)
Mariner Exam Modernization Act
- Introduced
- 5/13/2025
- Last activity
- 6/11/2025 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 52 - 12.
- Sponsored by
- Salud Carbajal
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Mariner Exam Modernization Act," aims to amend title 46 of the United States Code regarding merchant mariner credential examinations. It changes the "Exam Review" to a "Working Group" and expands its membership to include individuals who have passed the exam in the last five years. The bill shifts the review timeline and requires the Commandant to convene the working group annually or when new questions are created. It also mandates the development of a plan to update and modernize the credentialing examination. Finally, it requires the Coast Guard to brief specific House and Senate committees on the progress of the review and plan.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Inclusion of experienced mariners: The bill adds a requirement for at least 2 individuals who have passed the examination in the last 5 years to be part of the working group (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 1, subparagraph E). This brings practical, recent experience to the examination process.
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Modernization of testing: The Commandant is required to develop a plan that includes the modernization of testing procedures to match contemporary standardized testing (Section 2, subsection d, paragraph 2, subparagraph B). This could lead to more consistent and updated evaluation methods.
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Relevance of exam content: The bill directs the review to look at industry standards, practices, technology, and the relevancy of examination topics (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 4, subparagraph A). This aims to ensure mariners are being tested on what is currently important in their field.
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Data-driven improvements: The new plan requires developing methods to collect data on pass and fail rates for specific questions and the overall exam (Section 2, subsection d, paragraph 2, subparagraph C). This could allow for better analysis of how the exam is performing.
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Flexibility for working group members: The Commandant must allow members to participate remotely if they do not have the means to attend in person (Section 2, subsection c, paragraph 3, subparagraph B). This makes participation easier for those with limited resources.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
No significant interests or groups are affected by this bill.
- 6/11/2025
- Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 52 - 12.
- 5/20/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/14/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 5/13/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike EzellRepublican · Mississippi
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania