- About Us
- Contacting NMC
- Credentials
- Forms
- Credentialing Fees
- Training & Assessment
- Regional Exam Centers
- Medical Information
- Drug Testing
- Appeal Process
- Reports
- Policy Letters
- Mariner's Information Center
- Helpful Links
- NMC Location
- STCW
- TWIC
- Customer Survey
- Site Map
Security Levels
Providing Credentials to Mariners
The Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping was created in 1978 and amended in 1995 in order to ensure that US Merchant Mariners have the skills & abilities to serve aboard seagoing vessels. International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the owner of the STCW. The US Coast Guard implements its policies through legal means established in 1978 and amended in 1995.
Who must comply with the STCW?
STCW only applies to Mariners employed on vessels greater than 200 Gross Register Tons (Domestic Tonnage), or 500 Gross Tons (ITC Tonnage), operating seaward of the boundary lines specified in Title 46 CFR Part 7.
For additional information on policy guidance in STCW implementation, go back to Policy and Guidance. You may also contact any of the 17 Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (RECs). To see a list of RECs and their locations, click here.
NMC Customer Service Center (CSC): 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662) email (IASKNMC@uscg.mil)
In order to view PDF files you will need an Acrobat Reader. To download this free software, click the Adobe icon.
Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF)