About Us

NMC Mission & Vision
As a world class credentialing program, our staff of highly competent and devoted professionals ensures a safe, secure, economically viable and environmentally sound Marine Transportation System manned by fully qualified U.S. mariners. We accomplish this vision with leading edge technology, strengthened by continuous improvement and stakeholder partnerships.

NMC Organization Chart

USCG Credentialing Program Organization

NMC Location

Mailing Address:
Commanding Officer
United States Coast Guard
National Maritime Center
100 Forbes Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25404-7120

Location

Serving the Merchant Mariner:

We value the mariner, respect their experience, are considerate of their time, want to get it right the first time and protect personal information. We are listening to mariners' suggestions for improvement, and we will find a way to say yes when legally and reasonably possible.

NMC Authority

The National Maritime Center is granted authority through federal mandates listed in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), NVIC, and Coast Guard Policy Letters. NMC is a headquarters unit under the United States Coast Guard who works under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security.

Future of NMC

One day mariners should be able to upgrade or renew their credentials on demand from any cyber location in the world, much like you can access your bank account and withdraw cash from an ATM, or pay your taxes on line. The Merchant Mariner Secure Electronic Application System will allow access to mariner records or applying online from anywhere in the world.

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has preserved our Nation's maritime interests around the world. The Coast Guard is an adaptable, responsive military force of maritime professionals whose broad legal authorities, capable assets, geographic and expansive partnerships provide a persistent presence along our rivers, in the ports, littoral regions and on the high seas. Coast Guard presence and impact is local, regional, national and international. These attributes make the Coast Guard a unique instrument of maritime safety, security and environmental stewardship.

Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission: to secure the nation from the many threats we face. This requires the dedication of more than 240,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cyber security analyst to chemical facility inspector. Our duties are wide-ranging, but our goal is clear - keeping America safe.