The USCG National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a bulletin, reminding operators that the extension of national endorsements for Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) remains valid until September 30, 2017.
On December 23, 2016, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) exercised authority under Title 46, United States Code, Section 7507, to grant extensions of national endorsements for any mariner whose Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) expired on or after December 1, 2016. However, the extension date is invalid after 30 September.
As mariners are not authorized to sail on an expired MMC after this date, they are reminded that this extension deadline is rapidly approaching and are encouraged to apply for renewal as soon as possible. Overall processing time for applications remains approximately 60 days.
The extension does not apply to STCW endorsements or medical certificates.
Failure to submit applications could lead to USCG NMC’s inability to process applications prior to the extension expiration. Expiration dates of renewed MMCs will be 5 years from the date of expiration of the previous MMC.
Mariners, employers, and owner/operators are also reminded to print a copy of the letter explaining the extension. All mariners sailing on the extension are advised to carry a copy of this letter with their expired credentials and produce it upon the request of USCG personnel or other officials.