(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) has released the following guidance on delivery, e-signing and troubleshooting common issues with e-medical certificates:
What’s new
• New medical certificates that do not include a medical waiver will now be delivered electronically via email.
• Certificates are issued as standard 8.5-by-11-inch (letter size) PDF documents.
• Certificates must be signed to be valid. It is also recommended that mariners print and maintain a signed certificate for their use. When printed, it will be a standard 8.5-by-11-inch document.
• Certificates with medical waivers will continue to be mailed.
• New medical certificates include a QR code as a built-in security feature. Once the code is scanned, users will be directed to the NMC’s credential verification tool to confirm validity of the certificate.
• Reminder – If you want your medical certificate delivered by email, make sure you provide a valid email address with your 719 K or K/E, otherwise your certificate will be mailed in accordance with standard procedures.
How to e-sign your medical certificate (mobile phone)
With the right electronic signature app, you can digitally sign your certificate on a mobile device (iPhone or Android) easily, legally and securely. Several free electronic signature services exist that offer legally binding e-signatures for documents. Examples include OpenSign (unlimited free), SignWell (limited free docs), DigiSigner, and Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign.
Troubleshooting and important notes
Important: Allow time for email delivery and check your spam/junk folder before contacting the NMC’s Customer Service Center.
• Did not receive the email? Check your spam/junk folder.
• Missing attachments? Firewalls may block PDFs. Try a personal device/email.
• Cannot open file? Try using a PDF app like Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Some organizational email systems may block attachments. Accessing from a personal device may resolve the issue.
Example of an e-medical certificate:
