The following is text of a news release from the National Maritime Center (NMC):
(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) and Monitoring Units (MUs) closed to the public on March 19. The National Maritime Center plans to issue a reopening schedule once ongoing work to ensure a safe testing environment is complete. Please note that during the initial phase of reopening, services will be limited to mariner examinations only. Additional information is provided below:
Mariner examinations
Examinations will be conducted by appointment only. Once a r-opening date for an REC/MU is announced, appointments will be scheduled directly with that office, or by contacting the NMC Customer Call Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Scheduling priority will be given to mariners who had appointments canceled by the temporary closures.
Safety precautions for REC/MU reopening
Mariners will need to confirm health status prior to arrival at an REC/MU. Any mariner showing signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and/or other COVID symptom(s) will not be allowed to enter and will need to reschedule any appointments. Mariners will be subject to a temperature check and need to answer a series of health screening questions upon arrival. Mariners will need to wear a face covering for examination periods.
REC/MU application submittal procedures
The hand delivery of applications remains suspended and mariners should continue to e-mail all applications. Submission guidance and REC/MU e-mail addresses are on the NMC website.
COVID-19 conditions vary greatly across our 20 REC/MU locations. We appreciate your patience as we respond to this dynamic situation. Please monitor the NMC website for the latest information and other operational updates. The NMC Customer Service Center remains open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. You may reach the call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and IASKNMC@uscg.mil.