Mariner Record Requests

Merchant Mariners, or their next-of-kin, may obtain copies of their records, but the National Maritime Center (NMC) may not disclose an individual’s personal record without:

Written and/or notarized consent of the mariner,
Power of Attorney, or
by providing a certified copy of a Death Certificate.

Request Information

You must include the required information in writing in order for us to process your request:

Nature of the request,
Requester and mariner’s full name,
Mariner's reference or social security number,
Mariner’s date of birth,
Contact information, address, and phone number.

Record Requests

The National Maritime Center (NMC) maintains records for United States Merchant Mariners, which are protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. Mariner records can be used for many reasons, including a valuable tool in genealogical research.

How to Submit a Request:

Beginning January 22, 2026, all FOIA and/or PA requests must be submitted electronically via the DHS Online Portal: Online Request Submission. Please refer to the Federal Register Doc. 2025-23783 for additional information on this change.

Need help navigating the DHS Online portal:

Submitting FOIA/PA Requests

WWII Veteran Eligibility Requests

United States Merchant Mariners who served in ocean going service during December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946, are considered "active duty" under the provisions of Public Laws 95-202 and 105-368. To determine eligibility for a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD Form 214, or a Report of Casualty, DD Form 1300, a member must not only have served within the qualifying period, but also meet the following:

Eligibility Criteria:

1.Was a merchant marine serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was:

operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation (or an agent of the Administration or Office);
operated in waters other than inland waters, the great Lakes, and other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United States;
under contract or charter to, or property of, the Government of the United States; and
served the Armed Forces.

2.While serving, was licensed or otherwise documented for service as a crewmember of such a vessel by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to license or document the person for such service.

Requests should be submitted using a DD Form 2168, Application for Discharge of Member or Survivor of Member of Group Certified to Have Performed Active Duty with the Armed Forces of the United States. You can save this form to your desktop then e-mail it as an attachment with all of your supporting documentation.

In addition, Public Law 105-368, which applies only to service performed during the period of August 16, 1945 to December 31, 1946, requires that the Coast Guard collect a $30 processing fee for each application. If qualified ocean going service was served and you wish to have this period certified, please mail a copy of the completed DD Form 2168 along with a check or money order made payable to the U.S. Treasury at the following address:

Mailing Address:
USCG ART/Others
PO Box 979119
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000

Overnight Courier Address:
U.S. Bank Government Lockbox
1005 Convention Plaza
Attn: Government Lockbox, 979119
St. Louis, MO 63101

For additional information see Reference Information Paper # 77.

Commercial Fishing Vessel LILY JEAN Loss

Formal Marine Casualty Investigation

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