In an effort to improve services for mariners, the National Maritime Center can now accept electronic signatures on CG-719 series forms and all supporting documentation for merchant mariner credentials, medical certificates and course approvals, the NMC announced Jan. 23.
Mariner applicants may use software-generated electronic signatures such as Microsoft Word, and Adobe Acrobat on CG-719 forms and other supporting materials including, “but not limited to, sea service, assessments, mariner training documentation and qualified assessor and designated examiner requests,” according to the NMC.
“E-mailing your application and e-signing your documents is the preferred method for submission,” according to NMC.
However, any signatures missing from submissions will go back to the mariner or course provider and may cause applications to be delayed or rejected.
Meanwhile, requirements still apply to e-submitting an MMC application to a regional examination center or to MEDAIP@uscg.mil for medical certificate applications.
Mariners should note that although the U.S. Coast Guard can accommodate emails with attachments up to 35MB in size, make sure to check size restrictions by an email provider before sending.
For questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center at IASKNMC@USCG.mil or call 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).