Merchant Mariner Credential NMC

DUE TO A LAPSE IN FEDERAL FUNDING, THIS WEBSITE WILL NOT BE ACTIVELY MANAGED.

USCG LOGO

For more information, please visit our CURRENT STATUS page.

Due to the government shutdown, the National Maritime Center and all Regional Examination Centers are closed until further notice. For more information, refer to our bulletin, Lapse in Appropriations and Government Shutdown.

ATTENTION* Apply for your MMC at least 90 days in advance.

How to Apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)

Step 1: TWIC

Step 2: Submit Complete Application

Step 3: Transit from REC to NMC

Step 4: Application Evaluated

Step 5: Credential Mailed

How to video

Fullscreen Video Guide to Filling Out Application Form CG-719B

Need to submit an MMC application?

*NOTE: If you have a First-Class Pilotage or Local Limited Merchant Mariner Credential application, submit to your local Regional Examination Center responsible for the routes requested. ALL other Merchant Mariner Credential applications, submit directly to NMC by clicking the below button. Please send any documents in Adobe PDF format only, and include your Last Name_First Name_Mariner Reference Number (or last digits of your SSN) in the subject line of your e-mail.

Submit to NMC

Need to send additional information (AI) for an EXISTING MMC application?

Submit MMC AI

Original

Original MMC definition: The first credential issued to an applicant.

Steps to Apply for an Original MMC

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.
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.
Step 3. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.
Step 4. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement.
Step 5. Fill out a CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate or CG-719K/E Application for Medical Certificate for Entry Level Ratings. Applications for medical certificates (CG-719K and K/E) are processed completely separately from the CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential and should be emailed to; MEDAIP@uscg.mil when they are completed.
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.
Step 7. Obtain Drug Testing using a CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form or options listed on Page 2. NOTE: Drug test results are part of the Merchant Mariner Credential package and should be submitted with your completed ;CG-719B. They should not be sent with the Medical Certificate application (CG-719K or CG-719K/E).
Step 8. Pay user fees at https://www.pay.gov (mandatory payment method). Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.
Step 9. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
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.
Step 11. If you have a First-Class Pilotage or Local Limited Merchant Mariner Credential application, submit your ;CG-719B and supporting documentation to the local Regional Exam Center responsible for the routes requested. ALL other Merchant Mariner Credential applications should submit your completed ;CG-719B and supporting documentation directly to NMC at: MMCApplications@uscg.mil. NOTE: Your Medical Certificate applications (CG-719K or CG-719K/E) should only be sent to MEDAIP@uscg.mil for processing.
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.

Renewal

Renewal MMC definition: The re-issuance of a current MMC or previously held credential with a new five-year expiration date.

Steps to Apply for a Renewal MMC

Step 1. Go to the NMC’s Checklist Page. Click on the Renewal/Entry/Duplicate tab. See the National Renewal Checklist and/or the STCW-Renewal “Includes Original Basic Training” Checklist for specific requirements. Then come back to this page.
Step 2. Make a photocopy of your Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential, or photocopy your TWIC application receipt, or indicate that you qualify for a TWIC exemption by completing Section III.1. on the CG-719B.
Step 3. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.
Step 4. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement. List all convictions not previously reported to the Coast Guard.
Step 5. Must already hold a valid Medical Certificate OR you must fill out a CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate or CG-719K/E Application for Medical Certificate for Entry Level Ratings. Applications for medical certificates (CG-719K and K/E) are processed completely separately from the CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential and should be emailed to; MEDAIP@uscg.mil when they are completed.
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.
Step 7. Obtain Drug Testing using a CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form or options listed on Page 2. NOTE: Drug test results are part of the Merchant Mariner Credential package and should be submitted with your completed ;CG-719B. They should not be sent with the Medical Certificate application (CG-719K or CG-719K/E).
Step 8. Pay user fees at https://www.pay.gov. Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.
Step 9. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
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.
Step 11. If you have a First-Class Pilotage or Local Limited Merchant Mariner Credential application, submit your ;CG-719B and supporting documentation to the local Regional Exam Center responsible for the routes requested. ALL other Merchant Mariner Credential applications should submit your completed ;CG-719B and supporting documentation directly to NMC at: MMCApplications@uscg.mil. NOTE: Your Medical Certificate applications (CG-719K or CG-719K/E) should only be sent to MEDAIP@uscg.mil for processing.
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.

Raise of Grade

Raise of Grade MMC definition: Increasing the level of authority and responsibility associated with a credential.

If you have questions on the difference between Raise of Grade and Modification, please contact us.

Steps to Apply for a Raise of Grade MMC

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.
Step 2. Make a photocopy of your Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential, or photocopy your TWIC application receipt, or indicate that you qualify for a TWIC exemption by completing Section III.1. on the CG-719B.
Step 3. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.
Step 4. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement. List all convictions not previously reported to the Coast Guard.
Step 5. Must already hold a valid Medical Certificate OR you must fill out a CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate. Applications for medical certificates (CG-719K and K/E) are processed completely separately from the CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential and should be emailed to; MEDAIP@uscg.mil when they are completed.
Step 6. (OPTIONAL) 3rd Party Release: Can be listed on Page 5 of the CG-719B, Page 10 of the CG-719K, and/or on an alternate form.
Step 7. Obtain Drug Testing using a CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form or options listed on Page 2. NOTE: Drug test results are part of the Merchant Mariner Credential package and should be submitted with your completed ;CG-719B. They should not be sent with the Medical Certificate application (CG-719K or CG-719K/E).
Step 8. Pay user fees at https://www.pay.gov (mandatory payment method). Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.
Step 9. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
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.
Step 11. If you have a First-Class Pilotage or Local Limited Merchant Mariner Credential application, submit your ;CG-719B and supporting documentation to the local Regional Exam Center responsible for the routes requested. ALL other Merchant Mariner Credential applications should submit your completed ;CG-719B and supporting documentation directly to NMC at: MMCApplications@uscg.mil. NOTE: Your Medical Certificate applications (CG-719K or CG-719K/E) should only be sent to MEDAIP@uscg.mil for processing.
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.

Modification

Modification MMC definition: Also known as an Increase of Scope, this is defined as removing limitations previously placed on the credential such as change in horsepower, tonnage limitations, or geographic route.

If you have questions on the difference between Raise of Grade and Modification, please contact us.

Steps to Apply for a Modification MMC

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.
Step 2. Make a photocopy of your Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential, or photocopy your TWIC application receipt, or indicate that you qualify for a TWIC exemption by completing Section III.1. on the CG-719B.
Step 3. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.
Step 4. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement. List all convictions not previously reported to the Coast Guard.
Step 5. Must already hold a valid Medical Certificate OR you must fill out a CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate. Applications for medical certificates (CG-719K and K/E) are processed completely separately from the CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential and should be emailed to; MEDAIP@uscg.mil when they are completed.
Step 6. (OPTIONAL) 3rd Party Release: Can be listed on Page 5 of the CG-719B, Page 10 of the CG-719K, and/or on an alternate form.
Step 7. Pay user fees at https://www.pay.gov (mandatory payment method). Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package. NOTE: Drug test results are part of the Merchant Mariner Credential package and should be submitted with your completed ;CG-719B. They should not be sent with the Medical Certificate application (CG-719K or CG-719K/E).
Step 8. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
Step 9. (IF APPLICABLE) Obtain relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and/or Assessment(s). Make photocopies of all course completion certificates and/or completed assessments.
Step 10. If you have a First-Class Pilotage or Local Limited Merchant Mariner Credential application, submit all your forms and supporting documentation to the local Regional Exam Center responsible for the routes requested. ALL other Merchant Mariner Credential applications, submit all your forms and supporting documentation directly to NMC at: MMCApplications@uscg.mil.
Step 11. If you have a First-Class Pilotage or Local Limited Merchant Mariner Credential application, submit your ;CG-719B and supporting documentation to the local Regional Exam Center responsible for the routes requested. ALL other Merchant Mariner Credential applications should submit your completed ;CG-719B and supporting documentation directly to NMC at: MMCApplications@uscg.mil. NOTE: Your Medical Certificate applications (CG-719K or CG-719K/E) should only be sent to MEDAIP@uscg.mil for processing.

Duplicate

Duplicate MMC definition: A replacement credential issued containing the same authority, wording , and expiration date as a the lost, stolen, or destroyed credential.

Steps to Apply for a Duplicate MMC

Step 1. Complete the CG-719B and affidavit.
Step 2. Pay your fees.
Step 3. Submit all your forms including affidavit, and pay.gov receipt in PDF format labeled with your Last Name_First Name_Mariner Reference Number(if available)_DUPLICATE including the subject line of the e-mail and expedited mailing option to MMCApplications@uscg.mil.

Replacement MMC

Replacement MMC definition: A replacement credential issued as the result of a request to change the name, address, or physical attributes on the credential.

Steps to Apply for a Replacement MMC

Step 1. Complete the CG-719B.
Step 2. Pay the modification fees.
Step 3. Submit all your forms including supporting documentation and pay.gov receipt in PDF format labeled with your Last Name_First Name_Mariner Reference Number (if available) including the subject line of the e-mail and expedited mailing option to MMCApplications@uscg.mil.

Continuity

Document of Continuity definition: Documents issued solely to maintain an individual’s eligibility for renewal. The holder is not authorized to work under this document.

Steps to Apply for a Document of Continuity

Step 1. - Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.

Be sure to select the appropriate Document of Continuity box under Transaction Type in Section II on page 3. Specify which endorsement(s) you want to put into continuity in the Description box on page 3. If you want all of your credentials to be placed into continuity, write "ALL CREDENTIALS HELD".

YOU MUST SIGN Section IV on page 4 that you are attesting to the statement: "I understand that a Document of Continuity is not valid for use in accordance with 46 CFR 10.227 and aware of the requirements to obtain an MMC. STCW endorsements may not be placed in continuity per 46 CFR 10.227."
Step 2. MMCApplications@uscg.mil.
Step 3. (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.

STCW

STCW MMC definition: An annotation on an MMC that allows a mariner to serve in those capacities listed in 46 CFR 10.109(d) and serves as evidence that a mariner has met the requirements of STCW.

Steps to Apply for an STCW MMC

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.
Step 2. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.
Step 3. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement. List all convictions not previously reported to the Coast Guard.
Step 4. (OPTIONAL) 3rd Party Release: Can be listed on Page 5 of the CG-719B, and/or on an alternate form.
Step 5. No fees are required for STCW only applications.
Step 6. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
Step 7. (IF APPLICABLE) Obtain relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and/or Assessment(s). Make photocopies of all course completion certificates and/or completed assessments.
Step 8. If you have a First-Class Pilotage or Local Limited Merchant Mariner Credential application, submit all your forms and supporting documentation to the local Regional Exam Center responsible for the routes requested. ALL other Merchant Mariner Credential applications, submit all your forms and supporting documentation directly to NMC at: MMCApplications@uscg.mil.
Step 9. (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.

NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER