Where is the Masters License Issue Number?

Gentlemen,

I am saddened by the demise of a number I was a little proud of. The Masters License Issue Number is no longer printed in the new MMC booklets. (see below)

Although I think I understand the reasoning, possibly assuming that a specific License has the same validity regardless of experience, I am disappointed that I can no longer be proud of that little number in the upper right hand corner of my paper license. When hiring, I also found it a quick-look reference as to a candidates experience on the water.

Can we get it back?

Capt. Tom Dougherty

San Francisco

Mr. Dougherty,

The issue number will no longer appear on any “Merchant Mariner Credential.”

Thank you for contacting the Mariner Information Call Center. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact us.

Britney Morris

Security Assistance Corporation

MICC-Team Lead NMC-5

Contractor to the United States Coast Guard-National Maritime Center 100 Forbes Drive Martinsburg WV 25404

—–Original Message—–

From: tfdougherty@comcast.net [mailto:tfdougherty@comcast.net]

Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 8:44 PM

To: D05-SMB-NMC-Questions

Subject: MMC Issue number

Dear Sir or Madam,

I’ve noticed the omission of the “Issue number” on my new MMC containing my Masters License.

This number is useful in helping to determining a Mariners level of experience.

Was this omission an anomaly to my MMC, or is this policy on all new documents?

I look forward to your reply.

Best regards,

Capt. Thomas F. Dougherty

By Professional Mariner Staff