(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) has made substantial progress in reducing the backlog of applications resulting from the 2026 lapse in appropriations. As a result of sustained recovery efforts and increased production capacity, the NMC is updating its published processing timeline outlined in the NMC announcement dated June 16.
Effective immediately, complete applications are expected to be processed within four months from the date received, excluding any time waiting for mariner applicants to test or provide additional information. This improvement reflects expanded production efforts, overtime, surge processing, workflow efficiencies, and the reallocation of personnel and resources to reduce the backlog inventory accumulated during the lapse.
While application volumes remain elevated, current trends indicate continued progress toward restoring more normal processing timelines. Mariners and maritime employers should continue to plan accordingly and submit applications early to avoid potential disruptions to employment and vessel operations.
Key information
• Applications will continue to be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. Only applications demonstrating a clear and documented nexus to national defense will be considered for expedited processing.
• Mariners are strongly encouraged to apply early via the ASAP Tool to account for unforeseen delays. As a reminder, mariner credential renewals may also be post-dated up to eight months, allowing mariners to renew early. Paper and incomplete submissions may delay issuance.
• Mariners should verify the expiration dates on their medical certificates before submitting a renewal application. Medical certificate expiration dates may differ from merchant mariner credential (MMC) expiration dates, and medical certificate renewal may not yet be necessary.
The NMC remains committed to further improving processing times while maintaining the safety, security, and professional standards of the U.S. merchant mariner credentialing system.
Mariners are encouraged to monitor the NMC website for updates regarding processing times, Regional Examination Center (REC) operations, and policy adjustments as operations stabilize. For questions, contact the Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
– National Maritime Center
