 that just arrived in the mail.png.medium-cropped.800x500.png)
Once your USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is renewed you don’t have to wait for the document to arrive in the mail.
Although mariners are required to have their MMC in hand when working, the USCG has temporarily provided flexibility in meeting this requirement. On April 25, 2023, the Coast Guard published Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB 06-23.
MSIB 06-23 allows you to work domestically in the U.S. once your USCG MMC has been issued from the Coast Guard and can be viewed on the USCG credential verification tool.
This allowance was originally provided when printer issues slowed down the issuance of USCG MMCs from the National Maritime Center. The MSIB that provides the allowance remains in effect to support mariners while the Coast Guard develops the new Coast Guard NAVITA system.
"Providing clarity to the maritime community on this existing policy and making it a permanent option for mariners is key. AWO looks forward to working with the Coast Guard to do just that and finding ways to extend the policy to medical certificates so American mariners' livelihoods aren't put on hold while waiting for the mail," said Jennifer Carpenter, president and CEO of American Waterways Operators.
Mariners and employers should note that this is only for domestic voyages. It is recommended by the Coast Guard that the mariner, maritime employers, and Coast Guard Marine Inspectors use the USCG Merchant Mariner Credential verification tool in lieu of a physical USCG Merchant Mariner Credential.
That being said, if a mariner is going to be sailing on any international voyages, he or she will still need to physically possess their valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential.
For USCG medical certificates, a mariner will still need to physically hold the valid medical certificate to work both domestically and internationally.
“NMC remains committed to getting both merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates in the hands of the applicants as soon as possible." said Captain Clare, commanding officer of the Coast Guard National Maritime Center. "Mariners can request expedited mailing options to get their MMC’s and medical certificates delivered as promptly as possible, and those can be found on the NMC website. The costs associated with expedited shipping are paid by the applicant.”
The Coast Guard should be applauded for its efforts to continuously improve its processes and policies to ensure that fully qualified mariners have a faster, more reliable, and simplified credentialing process. This is a great example of the Coast Guard's commitment to improving its services to the mariner so that we can have a safe, secure, economically viable, and environmentally sound Marine Transportation System. Keep up the great work!
