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Merchant Mariner Credential- What is it?
A Merchant Mariner Credential, often referred to as MMC, is an official document issued and regulated by the United States Coast Guard that authorizes individuals to work aboard commercial vessels. An MMC serve as proof of a mariner’s qualifications, competency, and authorization to perform specific duties at sea. They encompass various certifications, endorsements, and qualifications required for different positions within the maritime industry. Without an MMC, you will be unable to work for MSC or any shipping company. Starting March 1, 2024, the Coast Guard has changed the format of an MMC. Prior to March 1, 2024, MMCs looked like a red passport booklet with your credentials on the various pages. However, the new MMC is a laminated 8.5x11 piece of paper. This will supposedly expedite printing time, but it is still very new.
MMC and the Pool:
If your MMC is less that 6 months from expiring, you will be unable to check into the pool. Additionally, if you are in the pool and your MMC dips below 6 months of expiration, they will not send you on a ship assignment and kick you out of the pool. If you are not checked into the pool, you are not entitled to a hotel room and must be in a leave status, or they will place you in an AWOL status (you will not get paid). Renewing your MMC can take MONTHS, so it is important to begin your MMC renewal process well in advance to avoid issues.
How Do I Get One?
Step 1. Determine the Officer and/or Ratings that you wish to obtain by visiting the NMC’s Checklist Page. Specific requirements can be found on the checklists. Then come back to this page.
If you are applying for an entry level position or a position within the Supply Department (like a Cook, Assistant Storekeeper or Supply Officer) you only need an Entry Level endorsement. To promote in the Deck or Engine department, you will need to take courses and earn sea days to advance you credential, so you are legally allowed to perform more advanced tasks and duties. If you do have prior experience or training, read the checklists listed on the website for more detailed information regarding the endorsement you are applying for.
Step 2. Obtain a Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential. Be sure to list your occupation as a Merchant Mariner. Make photocopy of TWIC or copy of the TWIC application receipt.
A Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential, commonly known as a TWIC, is needed to get an MMC. For more information on TWIC’s please see our article HERE.
Step 3. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.
The 719B is a standard and straight forward form. It will ask you for basic information like your name, age and address as well as the type of endorsement you are applying for as identified/determined in step 1. In section 2 of the form, you will see a box that you can check that says “STCW”. STCW stands for Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping. To get this endorsement on your MMC, classes are required. However, if you are applying to MSC, MSC will provide these classes during New Hire Training. Even if you complete these on your own prior, MSC will still make you take the courses again.
Link to CG-719B: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719B.pdf
Step 4. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement.
If you have been convicted of a crime or been court martialed in the military, you are required to complete this form and submit it with your application.
Step 5. Fill out a CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate or CG-719K/E Application for Medical Certificate for Entry Level Ratings.
If you are applying to MSC, they recently changed their rules and now require you to a completed 719K regardless position. In the eyes of the Coast Guard, a 719K/E, also known as the short form, is sufficient for entry level positions. However, MSC requires a 719K for all positions. The 719K is essentially a medical physical. You can have your primary care doctor, or an approved physician complete this form.
Step 6. (OPTIONAL) 3rd Party Release: Can be listed on Page 5 of the CG-719B, Page 10 of the CG-719K, Page 5 of the CG-719K/E and/or on an alternate form.
The 3rd Party Release form is a consent from that allows a third party (someone not you or the Coast Guard) to view the information. This form is necessary if you are using a service to help you renew your credential. Credential services will be coming soon to CIVMAR.com!
Step 7. Obtain Drug Testing using a CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form or options listed on Page 2.
To obtain an MMC, you must pass a drug test at a Department of Transportation approved drug testing facility. A link to a facility locator is below. If you are currently in the military or are employed at a company that has a drug testing program, you can submit a letter from your company stating that you are in a drug testing program instead of going to get a drug test done.
Link to Website to Find a Drug Testing Location: https://accrediteddrugtesting.com/dot-drug-testing-locations
Step 8. Pay user fees at https://www.pay.gov (preferred payment method). Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.
The cost to obtain your original, entry level MMC is $140. This is split between a $95 evaluation fee and a $45 issuing fee. If you are applying for more advanced or officer ratings, the fees will be higher. Below is a link to the fee schedule. To submit payment, you need to follow the pay.gov link, choose the fees you need to pay and submit a copy of the receipt with the rest of your paperwork. Why doesn’t the Coast Guard have a native payment processor on the website? No idea. But, this is the way it is.
Link to Coast Guard Fee Schedule: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/faq/fees_faq.pdf
Step 9. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
If you have never been on a ship before, you can disregard this step. A Sea Service Letter is an official document that states the dates in which someone worked on a vessel. This document is important because this is how the Coast Guard tracks credible sea days, a metric for advancement. If you want to upgrade your license or add additional endorsements, you will need to collect and submit sea service letters. For more information on sea day requirements for specific ratings, please see some of the article on CIVMAR.com.
Step 10. (IF APPLICABLE) Obtain relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and/or Assessment(s). Make photocopies of all course completion certificates and/or completed assessments.
Like Step 9, if you are looking to apply for a more advanced license/endorsement additional training and sea days are required. If you are applying for your initial entry level MMC, no additional classes are required. However, if you have completed the STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), you can submit these certificates so BST will be on your MMC. As previously mentioned, regardless if you already have the endorsement, MSC will force you to take these classes at New Hire Training.
Step 11. Submit all of your forms, photocopies, and supporting documentation to a Regional Exam Center. You must apply at an REC (emailing your application is the preferred method). Missing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected.
Once all your paperwork is complete and ready to submit, you need to scan and submit it to a Regional Exam Center (REC). RECs are located through the country and have their own specific email addresses. There is not one email address for all MMC applications, they need to be routed through a specific REC. Regardless of where you live, you can submit to any REC. Unless you are taking a test to upgrade a license, you will not need physically show up to the REC. Why does the Coast Guard do it this way? Again, no idea.
Link to List of RECs and their Email Addresses:
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/recs/
Step 12. (OPTIONAL) If you wish to receive your credential via a method that can be tracked and will reach you in a few days, consider using an expedited mailing option.
This step is optional, but if you want the ability to track your credentials once mailed you can select this option. This option will NOT expedite the processing of your MMC, it will just allow you to track the physical MMC once shipped. Processing time for MMC vary wildly and depend on the number applications in the que. It could be anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
In Summary:
Obtaining an MMC is a crucial step to any seagoing employment. While the information required is not difficult, it can be difficult navigating the bureaucracy. If you have questions about the MMC application process, questions about how to upgrade or questions about how to renew, reach out!
The maritime industry can be unpredictable. Missions, ports, policies and procedures frequently changes, and not having the most up to date information is frustrating. If something we wrote needs an update, or if we missed something important that should be added or highlighted, drop us a line via the form below and we will work to get the information updated as soon as possible! Safe sailing!