Credentialing Delays Afflict National Maritime Center

Image: National Maritime Center.

Those who applied for merchant mariner credentials may have to wait a little longer to receive them.

The National Maritime Center is delayed in issuing credentials because of heightened application volumes and ongoing technical issues with its credential production equipment, Maritime Center commanding officer Capt. Bradley W. Clare announced April 7.

“NMC credential printers remain operational but at a reduced capacity,” Clare said. “While we are unable to provide exact timeframes for completion of your MMC issuance, all efforts are being made to process applications and produce MMCs as quickly as possible.”

Mariners should receive status update emails at every stage of the application, including when credentials are issued. The technical issues should not affect credential endorsements or medical certificates, Clare said. They can also use NMC’s online tool to check their MMC status.

NMC Customer Service Center has said that it will work to prioritize printing credentials for mariners with ‘Approved to Print’ status and need mariner credentials for vessel operations or employment.

Mariners can also ask for expedited mailing for credentials.

The center also advises mariners to apply for credentials at least 90 days in advance. Renewals can be applied for as early as eight months before they expire or need to be renewed. The NMC’s Customer Service Center is available at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

By Karen Robes Meeks