(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-26, “Guidelines for Coast Guard Approved Training.”
This NVIC will streamline the process of obtaining Coast Guard approval of required training for a merchant mariner credential and will reduce the administrative burden on maritime training providers. This NVIC makes several changes to the current process and requirements, including:
• Reducing the documents required to be submitted with a request for course or program approval.
• Reducing the records a training provider is required to maintain.
• Reducing the documents required to be submitted when requesting renewal of a course or program approval.
• Reducing the number of internal audits a training provider must conduct.
• Avoiding lapses in course or program approval if a timely request is made and the original approval expires before a final decision on the renewal request is made.
Click below to view the new NVIC:
NVIC 01-26 Guidelines for Coast Guard Approved Training 2JUN2026
NVIC 03-14, “Guidelines for Approval of Training Courses and Programs,” COMDTPUB 16721, is canceled.
Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at [email protected] or (206) 815-6890 with any questions or feedback.
– National Maritime Center
