NMC – Professional Mariner

02 Feb

NMC, exam centers close due to government shutdown

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, NMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — Due to the government shutdown, the National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) are closed until further notice. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are canceled. The following applies during the government shutdown: • The NMC Customer Service Center (CSC) will be open from 8 a.m. to…

28 Jan

New Coast Guard portal improves online credentialing services

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & TrainingNMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard has launched a new, easier-to-use online system that allows mariners to submit and track credential applications faster and more securely. The Application Submission and Additional Information Portal, known as ASAP, lets mariners apply for merchant mariner credentials and medical certificates, upload documents and monitor application status in one place. The system is now the…

08 Jan

NMC to launch new application portal, redesigned website

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & TrainingNMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) will officially launch its new online Application Submission and Additional Information Portal (ASAP) and redesigned website on Monday, Jan. 26. The transition to the new website will begin Friday, Jan. 23, and users will experience a period of system unavailability during this transition. Please note this new functionality is not associated with…

02 Dec

NMC announces changes to improve credentialing process

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & TrainingNMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) has announced three upcoming enhancements designed to make the maritime credentialing experience faster, clearer and more convenient. New and improved website (January 2026) The redesigned website will put customers first, using plain language and focusing on the NMC's major products and services: merchant mariner credentials (MMCs), medical certificates (MCs), courses, and examinations.…

03 Nov

NMC extends mitigation efforts as shutdown continues

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, NMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) remain closed due to the federal government shutdown. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are canceled. To mitigate the impact caused by the government shutdown, the NMC has implemented the following measures: • Email submission of applications and supporting…

18 Sep

New policy extends recent sea service period for applicants

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & TrainingNMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 02-25, titled "Crediting Recent Service of Applicants for National Officer Endorsements." Under current regulation (46 CFR 11.201(c)(1)), a mariner who has not worked on vessels of the uniformed services must have at least three months of qualifying service in the three years immediately prior to application for…

18 Sep

New exam guidance for third mate unlimited tonnage endorsements

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & TrainingNMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 01-25, titled "Professional Examination for Mariners Raising the Grade of Officer Endorsements from Master Less Than 500 or 1,600 Gross Registered Tons to Third Mate of Unlimited Tonnage." This policy removes the examination requirement for mariners who hold a national endorsement as master 500 GRT or master…

08 Sep

NMC addressing error on recent medical certificates

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & TrainingNMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — A system error affected the limitations and restrictions section shown on medical certificates issued between July 25 and Sept. 3, the National Maritime Center (NMC) announced Monday. In some cases, a limitation of “YES” may be listed in error. In other cases, a valid limitation or restriction may be listed as a “NO” on the certificate. All…

21 Aug

NMC sets dates for merchant mariner exam working group

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & TrainingNMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — 46 USC 7510 requires the U.S. Coast Guard to establish a working group to review existing and new examination questions for accuracy and the availability of examination references. Participation in these working groups is an opportunity to assist the National Maritime Center (NMC) and fellow mariners in making long-term improvements to the knowledge examination system. Your expertise…

18 Aug

National Maritime Center releases new fax numbers

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & TrainingNMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) has new fax numbers. On Sept. 1, the old fax numbers will be disconnected, and users will receive a transmission failure or error if attempting to fax to the old numbers. Effective immediately, the following new fax numbers are operational: • 540-317-4551 – Submission of NMC course approvals, designated examiner, and qualified…