Marshall Islands News Bulletin No. 2 of February 8, 2000 announced a reduction in fees for Merchant Marine officers’ licenses and seafarers’ identification books with special qualifications endorsements issued by the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The adjustment to these selected fees has resulted in an overall 10 percent reduction in cost. The response to this action has been gratifying and we are pleased to see shipowners, crewing agents and seafarers take advantage of these reductions.

Marshall Islands Documentation for Seafarers is available to all qualified seagoing personnel irrespective of whether or not they are employed or will be employed upon a Marshall Islands Registered Vessel.

Along with this cost saving measure we have implemented new procedures to improve efficiency resulting in a reduction in processing time for application and issuance of licenses, seafarer identification books and special qualification endorsements. The Seafarers’ Identification and Certification Division has processed approximately 8,000 applications for licenses, identification books and special qualifications certificates since January 1 (an average of 70 certificates a day). The turnaround time to process the applications has been a remarkable three to five days.

We are extremely pleased to be able to provide the shipping community with efficient, quality service and continue to pursue ways to further improve our operation. Just more evidence that we are committed to living up to the pledge that “QUALITY DOES NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE.”

For more information on The Marshall Islands corporate or maritime programs please contact any IRI Office.