The following is text of a news release from the National Maritime Center (NMC):
(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — To mitigate the impact caused by the lapse in appropriations and shutdown of National Maritime Center operations, the following updated actions are being taken:
• Merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) and medical certifications (national endorsements only) that expire in December 2018, January 2019, February 2019, March 2019, or April 2019 are extended as valid until May 31, 2019. Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must carry the expired credential with a copy of the attached letter.
• The following items that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended to April 30, 2019: Additional information (AI) letters, qualified assessor (QA) letters, designated examiner (DE) letters, proctor approval letters, approval to test (ATT) letters, and mariner training course certificates.
• For mariners whose 90-day testing cycles were interrupted by Regional Exam Center (REC) closures (starting on Dec. 26, 2018), the days the RECs were closed will not count against the 90-day period.
If you have questions, visit the NMC website, or contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).