(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) is currently experiencing a backlog of medical certificate applications. The NMC recommends that mariners submit their application 90 days in advance of their current medical certificate’s expiration. NMC processing times are currently close to 30 days for complete applications but may be longer for incomplete applications.
Processing times at the NMC have grown due to large email volume. Sending multiple emails for individual pages of the application or sending the same information multiple times only causes delays in processing for other mariners and will significantly delay the processing of your information. For example, during the week of June 10-14, approximately 25 percent of all emails processed were duplicate medical certificate applications (CG-719K).
Mariners can help the NMC improve processing times by adhering to the following guidelines:
• Review your application to ensure it is complete prior to submission. Please review the NMC website to avoid common medical certificate application errors.
• Check your medical certificate expiration date and apply 90 days before it expires.
• Email medical certificate applications (CG-719K or K/E) directly to MEDAIP@uscg.mil. (Other submission options include sending to a Regional Exam Center, fax or U.S. mail, but these options are not processed as quickly as direct submission to MEDAIP@uscg.mil.)
• Enter the email subject line in the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_MARINER REFERENCE NUMBER.
• Name your PDF file in the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_REFERENCE NUMBER.
• Medical certificate applications (CG-719K) should be submitted as one PDF.
• JPEG and other formats are not accepted.
• Do not send drug test results with your medical certificate applications (CG-719K). Drug testing results should be sent with your merchant mariner credential (MMC) application to MMCApplications@uscg.mil.
• If necessary, email medical-related documentation other than medical certificate applications (i.e., additional information) to NMCMedicalClerks@uscg.mil.
As a reminder, only complete medical applications are accepted for processing. Incomplete applications are returned to the mariner for correction and must be resubmitted, which delays the processing of the medical certificate application.
– National Maritime Center
