Bills · HR 3331
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3331Licensing and registrationsCoast guard
Mariner Exam Modernization Act
INTRO MAY 13· LAST ACTION JUN 11
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to ensure that the U.S. maritime workforce is tested on up-to-date knowledge and skills, which is critical for safety, efficiency, and competitiveness in a global industry. If it becomes law, mariners will face exams that are more relevant to modern ships and operational demands, potentially improving their readiness for the job. If it doesn't pass, the current system for updating these exams, which some consider slow or outdated, would remain in place, possibly leading to mariners being tested on obsolete information and practices, which could compromise safety and hinder career progression.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill expands the membership of merchant mariner credential examination working groups to include at least two individuals who have recently taken and passed the exam.
This ensures the working groups have direct, recent experience with the exams, improving the relevancy and fairness of the test content.
PROVISION 02
It broadens the scope of working group reviews to include the overall questions, content, relevancy, industry standards, practices, and technology of the exams.
This helps guarantee that exams keep pace with advancements in the maritime industry, preventing outdated or irrelevant material.
PROVISION 03
The U.S. Coast Guard must convene these working groups annually or whenever new exam questions are created, and new questions require working group approval before use.
This provision ensures continuous oversight and modernization of exam content and gives the working group more authority over what appears on the tests.
PROVISION 04
The Coast Guard is required to develop a plan to update and modernize the entire examination system, including eliminating outdated topics, improving testing procedures, and collecting data on pass/fail rates.
This mandates a comprehensive approach to making the exams current and uses data to inform future improvements, moving towards a more standardized and effective testing process.
PROVISION 05
The deadlines for commissioning working groups, completing reviews, and developing the modernization plan are shortened.
This accelerates the process of updating and improving merchant mariner examinations, making changes happen more quickly.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
36
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTSJUN 11
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Discharged
JUN 11
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
JUN 11
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 52 - 12.
MAY 14
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3331
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedMay 13, 2025
Last actionJun 11, 2025
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 13, 2025
House BillHR 3331Licensing and registrationsCoast guard
Mariner Exam Modernization Act
INTRODUCED MAY 13, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 11, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
