National Maritime Center

Coast Guard launches new format merchant mariner credential

The U.S. Coast Guard will launch a new merchant mariner credential (MMC) on March 1, 2024. The agency is replacing the MMC passport-style booklet (“Red Book”) with a new, certificate size, one page credential. The new credential will be issued to all mariners after the implementation date.

This is the first comprehensive revision of the merchant mariner credential since 2015 and the Coast Guard says that it is strategically designed to enhance both the quality of service and security within the...

https://www.marinelog.com/legal/safety-and-security/coast-guard-launches-new-format-merchant-mariner-credential/

Coast Guard issues another MMC Covid-19 extension

A sample Merchant Mariner Credential. Coast Guard image.

The Coast Guard, as it continues to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on the maritime industry and mariners, has issued another extension to merchant mariner credentials (MMCs).

The Coast Guard has posted Change 5 to MSIB 08-20, titled “Covid-19 – Mariner Credentials,” which updates information on extensions to MMCs, medical certificates and course approvals

The following significant changes are provided in Change 5 to MSIB 08-20:

  • Merchant mariner credentials, both national and STCW, and medical...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-issues-another-mmc-extension-due-to-covid-19/

Four RECs to reopen next week

The National Maritime Center (NMC) is reopening Regional Examination Centers (RECs) Memphis (Tenn.), Miami, Long Beach, and Toledo (Ohio) for limited examination services beginning Sept. 8. 

Additionally, RECs Boston, Honolulu, Houston, and Juneau (Alaska), and Monitoring Units (MUs) Ketchikan (Alaska) and San Juan are open for limited services. Mariners seeking to schedule examinations at these locations may do so by contacting the appropriate e-mail address or phone number below:

REC Boston – r...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/four-recs-to-reopen-next-week/

Coast Guard to reopen REC Boston

The National Maritime Center (NMC) is reopening Regional Examination Center (REC) Boston for
limited examination services beginning Aug. 31. Additionally, REC Houston, REC Honolulu, REC Juneau, MU San Juan, and MU Ketchikan are open for limited services.

Mariners seeking to schedule examinations may do so by calling the appropriate phone number or contacting the appropriate e-mail address:
REC Houston – rechoustonexam@uscg.mil
REC Honolulu – rechonolulu@uscg.mil
MU San Juan – (787) 729-2368
REC...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-to-reopen-rec-boston/

Coast Guard to reopen Honolulu, Houston RECs

The National Maritime Center (NMC) will reopen Regional Examination Centers (RECs) Honolulu
and Houston, and Monitoring Unit (MU) San Juan for limited examination services beginning
Monday, Aug. 24. REC Juneau and MU Ketchikan reopened on Aug. 17.

Mariners that need to schedule examinations should call the appropriate phone number
or contact the appropriate e-mail address:
REC Houston – rechoustonexam@uscg.mil
REC Honolulu – rechonolulu@uscg.mil
MU San Juan – (787) 729-2368
REC Juneau – recjun@us...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-to-reopen-honolulu-houston-recs/

National Maritime Center to reopen two Alaska locations

The National Maritime Center (NMC) announced this week that it is reopening Regional Examination Center (REC) Juneau and Monitoring Unit (MU) Ketchikan in Alaska for limited examination services beginning
on Monday.

Mariners seeking to schedule examinations should call the phone numbers below:

  • REC Juneau – (907) 463-2458
  • MU Ketchikan – (907) 225-4496 (extension #3)

• Exam services will be by appointment only. No walk-in appointments are available, and
all other application customer service...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/national-maritime-center-to-reopen-two-alaska-locations/

Coast Guard provides REC closure update

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) and Monitoring Units (MUs) were closed to the public on March 19. The National Maritime Center (NMC) plans to issue a reopening schedule once ongoing work to ensure a safe testing environment is complete.

Please note that during the initial phase of reopening, services will be limited to mariner examinations only. Additional information is provided below:

Mariner Examinations
Examinations will be conducted by appointment only....

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-provides-rec-closure-update/

NMC to launch electronic delivery process for license renewal exams

A sample mariner credential. USCG image.

On May 1, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will launch a centralized electronic delivery process (via e-mail) for license renewal examinations. This change provides mariners the ability to request, complete, and submit renewal examinations by e-mail and will help to maintain the flow of mariner credentials during the Covid-19 pandemic. Paper mailings will still be available upon request.Approval to test (ATT) letters for renewal examinations issued on or after May 1 will include directions on...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/nmc-to-launch-electronic-delivery-process-for-license-renewal-exams/

National Maritime Center Covid-19-related operational changes

On Monday, the Coast Guard released a notice outlining operational changes at the National Maritime Center (NMC) due to the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).

All 17 Regional Examination Centers (REC) and three Monitoring Units (MU) remain closed to the public until further notice. A transition to telework and shift work is being implemented to balance mission-essential credential services with the need for a safe, “social distance” working environment for all employees. Please note the following...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/national-maritime-center-covid-19-related-operational-changes/

Coronavirus impact on mariner credentials and vessel documentation

A sample Merchant Mariner Credential. Coast Guard image.

The National Maritime Center (NMC) said it is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and is prepared to adjust operations accordingly.

First, the NMC is concerned for mariner safety and the safety of its staff. If mariners are experiencing any symptoms of illness, including any symptoms of flu or COVID- 19, the should seek the appropriate medical attention and postpone any planned visits to a Regional Examination Center (REC) or Monitoring Unit (MU). Mariners may cancel or reschedule any REC...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coronavirus-impact-on-mariner-credentials-and-vessel-documentation/

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