COVID-19 Affects Merchant Mariner Credential App Processing

With COVID-19-related remote work and limited staff affecting processing times for Merchant Mariner Credential Applications, the National Maritime Center is asking mariners to include the necessary information needed to speed up the process.

When mariners submit their application, they should:

• Turn them in electronically in a .pdf format;


• Pay all fees with Pay.gov and include a scanned receipt copy when the application is submitted;


• Make sure to include all necessary documentation (course completion certificates, drug tests, sea service forms, etc.); and


• Submit applications as soon as mariners meet the requirements. At any time, MMCs can be renewed and post-dated up to eight months.

“Every effort is being made to maintain our 30-day net processing goal, with a corresponding high level of customer service you’ve come to expect,” Kirsten R. MartinCaptain, U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer, said in a release. “The above items will greatly help streamline application processing.”

The center will handle applications on a ‘first in, first out’ basis. It will also consider hasten cases “when an employer verifies it is critical to operations or an applicant’s employment.” Reach out to the Customer Service Center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) for an expedited service.