USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials
Merchant Licensed Mariner Credentials
The USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is issued to United States citizens who have demonstrated their qualifications to serve as a mariner in the United States Merchant Marine. It is the equivalent of a National Certificate of Competency, and serves as a mariner’s proof of qualification, an identification. It is issued by the United States Coast Guard under the authority of Title 46 United States Code § 7302. A Merchant Mariner credential is not intended for sea-time record keeping. Certificates of discharge (CG-718A) or an official company letter of service are typically used for record keeping.
The MMC is similar in appearance to a passport, with an identification page and additional pages for qualification stickers. The identification page contains a passport-style photo which is derived from the applicant’s TWIC card. It also includes document number (reference number) and serial number, type, country code, full name, current address, citizenship, height, hair color, date of birth, sex, weight, eye color, place of birth, issue and expiration dates. The credential must be signed by the holder for validity. Following the identification page, the qualification page(s) list the mariner’s qualifications from highest to lowest ranking, categorized into two sections: STCW or International regulations, capacities, and limitations, and Domestic capacities and limitations. The STCW or International regulations apply to work in international waters and are identified by their roman numeral code, while the domestic qualifications apply to work in the United States waters. It’s important to note that not all licensed mariner hold both international (STCW) and domestic ratings.
The USCG MMC is mandatory for mariners working on USCG-jurisdictional vessels and, is an essential document for the maritime industry.
Types of Ratings and Officer Positions on the USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials:
The list includes common positions, but not limited to:
Deck Officers: These positions are issued to individuals who work in a leadership role on a commercial vessel, such as a Master or Mate.
Engine Officers: These positions are issued to individuals who work in an engineering role on a commercial vessel, such as a Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer.
Qualified Member of the Engine Department: This position is issued to individuals who work as part of the engineering crew on a commercial vessel.
Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch: This position is issued to individuals who work on deck and perform specific duties that are part of a navigational watch, such as steering the vessel or working as a lookout.
Able Seaman: This position is issued to individuals who work as part of the deck crew on a commercial vessel.
Tankerman: This type of MMC is issued to individuals who work on vessels that carry liquids or gases in bulk, such as oil tankers or liquefied natural gas carriers.
Each qualification listed in the USCG Merchant Mariner Credential has different requirements for training and experience, and the capabilities that a person is eligible for depending on their job duties, sea service, and the type of vessel they work on.
The overall purpose of the MMC is to certify that the holder has the necessary training, experience, and qualifications to work on a vessel. By having an MMC, individuals can work on vessels that are regulated by the government and help ensure that ships are operated safely and efficiently.
Why Should You Apply for a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)?
There are many reasons why you would want to obtain your merchant mariner credential. The most common reasons include:
Acquiring a USCG Merchant Marine Credential allows mariners to work in the shipboard merchant marine industry. The maritime industry is one of the most important industries in the world because 80% of the world’s trade is transported by sea.
Working in US Waters - Obtaining this certification indicates that you have the skills and knowledge to work on vessels registered with the United States Coast Guard. This makes it easier for people hiring new employees as they know they will be able to find someone who meets all the safety requirements and qualifications needed to fill the position.
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Any United States citizen aged 18+ can apply for a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Non-United States citizens are not eligible to apply for a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with officer endorsements, except those applying for endorsement as operators of uninspected passenger vessels that are not documented under the laws of the United States. All other positions (not Officers) can be applied for as long as they are a citizen of the US, An alien who is lawfully admitted to the US for permanent residence, or a foreign national who is enrolled in the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).
Those applicants that have a criminal history MUST report their criminal history to the United States Coast Guard on the USCG application package. If the USCG determines that the applicant is not a safe and suitable person or cannot be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of the MMC or endorsement applied for, the application may be disapproved. The criminal review is based on fingerprints provided from TSA to the Coast Guard. It is important not to lie when it comes to the criminal history or substance abuse history when completing the application. If you are unsure about expungements or anything similar, it is best to write it down and be honest. The USCG is a federal organization which can pull up all history.
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Applications can be submitted at any time. Currently, the process takes 90 days (about 3 months) from the time it is received at the Regional Exam Center. This time frame can change at any time based on the backlog of the USCG application request. Expedite can be requested but is not guaranteed when submitting your application. Here at Maritime Licensing Agency, we ensure that your application is processed correctly and in a timely manner.
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Some if not most all applicants will tell you that the USCG MMC application is daunting, frustrating, and downright confusing. Most times, reading through the required check lists on the USCG website is difficult to understand.
At The Maritime Licensing Agency, we will handle and assist you through all parts of your process including applications, fees, reviewing sea time/service letters, and advising on the exact documents/requirements needed to renew, upgrade, or apply for your first-time MMC. The basics to provide for the USCG application for your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) are:
Third (3rd) Party Authorization Form (if applicable)
USCG Application – CG_719B
Conviction Statement – CG_719C (if applicable)
Merchant Mariner Oath (only need it if this is the first time to ever apply for a USCG MMC, not needed if you are renewing your USCG MMC)
Sea Service (Sea Time): - CG-719S (Small Vessel Sea Service form), Sea Service Letter on Company Letterhead, Certificate of Discharge and Active Duty/ Reserve documents (USCG TOSS, Army TOSS, NOAA TOSS, USCG AOPS) of sea service you have earned.
You can find the total number of sea service days on the United States Coast Guard Website. https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/checklist/. Remember that you will need at least a year of Sea service (Sea Time) within the last 5 years to renew your USCG MMC. We will review it if you are unsure about your sea service.
Any relevant/valid training certificates approved by the USCG.
Negative Drug Test Document (3 options)
Provide the results of a DOT 5 Panel Urine Test for Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine, and Amphetamines.
Provide a letter on marine employer stationary or on command letterhead attesting to participation in a random drug testing program.
Provide a letter on marine employer stationery attesting to pre-employment drug testing.
Remember that there are a few exceptions to this requirement including increasing in scope, asking for a duplicate, or applying for an STCW only endorsement.
TWIC card: This is necessary unless you have previously held one and are exempt from holding one. (In case you are exempt, you will need to complete the TWIC exemption section on the USCG application form.)
Copy of your current USCG credential (This only applies for renewal)
USCG Medical form – CG_719K (This is necessary. If you already hold a valid USCG medical credential, then you will need to provide a copy. Please ensure you are following the date of what your MMC states you hold.)
If you have any medical restrictions, the USCG medical evaluator may ask you for doctor statements
If you are unsure about this, it is best to consult with your experienced licensing agent. The goal is to send the doctor statements or letters needed when submitting your application. This will help in ensuring little to no delays of your process.
USCG Fees (MLA will handle your USCG Fees.)
Additional requirements may be requested.
***IMPORTANT UPDATE***: USCG is now accepting e-signatures on all CG-719 series forms and merchant marine credential documentation as well as other supporting documentation including sea service, assessments, mariner training documentation, and qualified assessor and designated examiner requests.
You can find the applications, medicals, and any additional forms needed on our website. USCG checklist can be found on the USCG National Maritime Center website, or we will provide you one on request.
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Please upload the application, medical, and other forms sent to you for USCG in this drop-down.
If you don’t see something you need, or not sure what you need, send us an email (below) and we will help ensure that you have all the proper documentation needed to complete your application.