The following is the text of a news release from the National Maritime Center:
(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — On Dec. 23, 2016, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) exercised our authority under Title 46, United States Code, Section 7507, to grant extensions of national endorsements for any mariner whose Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) expired on or after Dec. 1, 2016. The extension was effective immediately and remains valid until Sept. 30, 2017. Mariners are not authorized to sail on an expired MMC after Sept. 30, 2017. The extension does not apply to STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) endorsements or medical certificates.
Mariners are reminded that this extension deadline is rapidly approaching and are encouraged to apply for renewal as soon as possible. Overall processing time for applications remains approximately 60 days.
Through this bulletin we are notifying those mariners operating on the extension to submit your applications without delay. Failure to do so could lead to our inability to process your applications prior to the extension expiration. Expiration dates of renewed MMCs will be five years from the date of expiration of the previous MMC. This means there is no advantage in waiting to submit a renewal application.
Mariners, employers, and owner/operators are also reminded to print a copy of the letter explaining the extension. All mariners sailing on the extension are advised to carry a copy of this letter with their expired credentials and produce it upon the request of USCG personnel or other officials.
For questions, please see the NMC website, or contact the Customer Service Center by e-mail at IASKNMC@uscg.mil, by Chat, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
