The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following news item on Aug. 26, 2019:

Final Update –

Fiscal Year 2019 Partial Government Shutdown

Merchant mariner credentials (MMC) and medical certificates (national endorsements only) that expired in December 2018, January 2019, February 2019, March 2019, April 2019, May 2019, June 2019, or July 2019 will remain valid only until August 31, 2019.  No further credential extensions are authorized.

The backlog of credential applications and increased net processing time caused by the lapse in appropriations and partial government shutdown has improved.  Within the next 2 weeks, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will resume processing all MMC applications within the stated goal of 30 net days.  Applications for medical certificates are currently processed well under the stated goal of 20 net days.

The NMC recommends mariners submit their application packages at least 2 months prior to the expiration date of their current credentials.

If you need immediate assistance or require expedited processing, contact our Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing [email protected], or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

For general information, visit the NMC website at http://www.uscg.mil/nmc.

/K. R. Martin/
Kirsten R. Martin
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Commanding Officer