I came across this on MaritimeLicensing.com, has anyone done followed this “procedure” yet?
[B]APPOINTMENTS FOR ALL REC’S NOW IN EFFECT[/B]
Greetings Industry Members,
As part of the ongoing [U]merchant marine licensing centralization project[/U], beginning today March 3rd, 2009, all RECs are now set up for on-line appointments. Mariners desiring an appointment at an REC may do so by first going to the below listed link, then clicking on the appropriate state where the REC of your choice happens to be located. So, for example, to make an appointment at REC Toledo, first go to the below link, then go to Ohio State and click on there, this then maps you to that particular REC’s web page, which then contains a link for appointments.
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/rec_information.asp
As stated on the web page, mariners are highly encouraged to make an appointment prior to coming to the REC. Now that all RECs have much smaller staffs, mariners who chose to walk in without an appointment run the risk of being served on a “Space Available Basis” only. In other words, those who took the time to make an appointment will take priority over walk-ins.
Please help to get the word out by apssing on this information to all industry members