Authority to extend the duration of medical certificates

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may extend for not more than one year a medical certificate issued to an individual holding a license, merchant mariner’s document, or certificate of registry issued under chapter 71 or 73 if the Secretary determines that the extension is required to enable the Coast Guard to eliminate a backlog in processing applications for medical certificates or is in response to a national emergency or natural disaster. An extension under this section may be granted to an individual or a specifically identified group of individuals. (Source: (Added Pub. L. 112–213, title III, § 306(a), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1565; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXV [LXXXV], § 8505(b)(6), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4751.))