Delays Continue in Merchant Mariner Credentials Issuance

Delays Continue in Merchant Mariner Credentials Issuance

A massive influx of applications and technical issues with credential producing equipment at the National Maritime Center continue to delay when merchant mariner credentials are being issued, the NMC said April 25. “The Coast Guard is working as quickly as possible to resolve these issues and we do not want these delays to burden the mariner’s ability to use their MMC (merchant mariner credentials),” the center said, adding that these issues don’t impact mariner medical certificates or endorsements processing. To help troubleshoot delays, the NMC announced an interim verification process.  For mariners only serving on domestic voyages, the MMC application…
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National Maritime Center Sees Surge in Credential Applications

National Maritime Center Sees Surge in Credential Applications

The National Maritime Center is recommending that mariners renew their credentials at least 90 days in advance. The MNC has been seeing “a significant surge in application submissions for Merchant Mariner Credentials over the past several months,” according to National Maritime Center Commanding Officer Capt. Bradley W. Clare, U.S. Coast Guard. “NMC staff are taking prompt action to process these applications, along with any previously pending applications, as quickly as possible.” To avoid delays, the NMC is asking mariners to apply early for renewals, which mariners can apply eight months in advance of expiration; review applications with those at the…
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