(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) is expanding the existing extension policy for merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates impacted by the 2026 lapse in appropriations and continued processing delays.
Effective immediately, MMCs (national endorsements only) and medical certificates (national and pilot expiration dates only) that expire between Jan. 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026, will remain valid through Aug. 31, 2026. Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must carry the expired credential and a copy of the attached letter while sailing under the authority of those credentials. The NMC will not issue separate or replacement MMCs or medical certificates reflecting the extension.
This extension is intended to support continued maritime operations while the NMC works through increased application volumes and processing backlogs following the lapse.
Key information:
• Applications will continue to be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.
• Mariners are strongly encouraged to apply early via the ASAP Tool due to ongoing processing delays. Paper submission, because of manual handling, may delay issuance of mariner credentials and medical certifications.
• All other extension policies and measures outlined in the update from April 22 remain in effect unless otherwise superseded or rescinded. Mariners should refer to that bulletin for full details.
Mariners are encouraged to monitor the NMC website for updates regarding processing times, Regional Examination Center 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
