To amend the requirements for the issuance and retention of licenses, certificates of registry and merchant mariners' documents; and for other purposes.

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Amends Federal law to require that the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating: (1) prior to issuing a merchant mariner's document or an endorsement to such a document, find that the applicant is qualified as to character and habits of life; and (2) determine the term of validity of a merchant mariner's document and of a certificate of registry. Allows documents and certificates to be renewed under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Adds habits of life to the qualifying criteria for issuance of merchant seamen certificates of registry as pursers, medical doctors, and professional nurses. Amends provisions relating to licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariners' documents to allow suspension or revocation if the holder has been convicted within five years of: (1) driving under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or a controlled substance; or (2) a traffic violation arising in connection with a fatal traffic accident, reckless driving, or racing on the highways. Allows suspension or revocation, in addition, if the holder: (1) has had a license to drive denied, canceled, revoked, or suspended in any U.S. jurisdiction for cause; and (…