U.S. Coast Guard: National Maritime Center credential application surge

The following article was released by the National Maritime Center.

The National Maritime Center (NMC) has experienced a significant surge in application submissions for Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) over the past several months. NMC staff are taking prompt action to process these applications, along with any previously pending applications, as quickly as possible. As we continue to strive to meet our customer's needs, we again highly recommend mariners take the following steps to avoid processing delays:

• Apply at least 90 days in advance. Remember, for renewals you can apply up to eight months early with no change between your expiration and renewal dates.
• Use the Regional Exam Centers and Monitoring Units to review your application before submission. They are available for appointments in person or over the phone.
• Use the tools and resources on the NMC website. The application acceptance checklist and evaluator checklists are valuable tools.
• For general questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by , calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662), or using the Live Chat feature on the NMC Home Page.

Additionally, mariners can request expedited mailing of their MMC or Medical Certificate, which includes the ability to track the package. Full instructions are provided on the NMC website detailing the expedited mailing process.

For a complete list of important announcements on how to avoid application delays, see the National Maritime Center Announcements on the NMC Home Page.

Sincerely,
Bradley W. Clare
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Commanding Officer