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National Maritime Center (NMC)
Providing Credentials to Mariners
Providing Credentials to Mariners
Arranged by Subject | Arranged by Year
Effective June 30, 2010 certain Coast Guard Policy Letters and Guidance Documents will be cancelled. See Table for a complete list.
USCG Policies
The following policy letters have been provided for the purpose of informing the general public of the US Coast Guard's standing or views on various subject areas. They are provided to inform the public and provide assistance to the schools seeking general information on course approvals, or assisting mariners in attaining licenses, documents and
Document  |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-98 | Approval of courses offered outside the United States | ||
| 4-98 | Request for Approval of Instructors after Initial Course Approval | Superseded by regulation change | 46 CFR 11.302 |
| 7-98 | Submission of Application for courses approval | Superseded by regulation change | 46 CFR 11.302 |
| 9-98 | Fire Fighting Course Approval | ||
| 14-98 | Standards for Approval of Basic Safety Training Courses | ||
| 15-98 | Approval of Survival craft and Lifeboat training Courses | ||
| 20-98 | Alternate Site Approvals for Training | ||
| 1-99 | Instructor Requirements | ||
| 4-99 | Approval of Stereo Optical Company Farnsworth Lantern (Falant) Color Perception Test | Replaced by NVIC | NVIC 4-08, Medical and Physical Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials |
| 5-00 | Approval of Programs Leading to Certification as a rating forming part of a Navigational Watch | ||
| 7-01 | Recognition of Training Courses Approved or Accepted by Foreign Administrations | ||
| 03-02 | Acceptance of radar observer (unlimited) courses to satisfy requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) | Informational notice no longer required | 46 CFR 11.305 |
| 08-02-Change 2 | Electronic Submission of request for course approval | Superseded by NMC Guidance Document 01-06 | 46 CFR 11.302 |
| 08-02 | Electronic Submission of request for course approval |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-01 | Merchant Marine Licensing Examination Question Comment and Protest | Contained in Deck & Engine Guide | |
| 02-02 | Administration of examinations for certain deck and engine licenses subject to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) | Contained in Deck & Engine Guide |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-02 | Employment of foreign nationals on U.S.-flag vessels | ||
| 11-02 | Verification of Identity of Students in Coast Guard Approved Courses | ||
| 07-03 | Requirements for Fingerprinting and a Safety and Security Check When Issuing a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) with a New Expiration Date. [Enclosure 1] Table of MMD Transactions | Superseded by NMC Guidance Document 03-06 | 46 CFR 10.209 |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-98 | Consistency of Evaluations | Obsolete due to centralization | 71 FR 48480-01 |
| 5-99 | Evidence of Completion of Basic Safety Training (BST) | Replaced by NVIC | NVIC 5-00, Guidance on Performance Measures Used to Assess Seafarers' Proficiency in Programs in Basic Safety Training Meeting the Requirements on the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as Amended |
| 1-00 | Sea Service Credit in the Gulf of Mexico | ||
| 3-00 | Guidance for determination of user fees | Superseded by regulation change | 46CFR 10.219 |
| 2-01 | Guidance for Issuance of gas turbine endorsement | ||
| 5-01 | Lifeboatman and proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) Qualifications for service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats | Transition provisions self-cancelling as of Feb. 1, 2002 | 46 CFR Subpart 12.10 |
| 6-01 | Qualifications for issuance of type rating endorsements authorizing service on high-speed craft | ||
| 8-01 | In-Service Qualifications as a Lifeboatman and Certification as proficient in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Also see Policy Letter 01-03 | ||
| 9-01 | Evaluating experience aboard commercial vessels that do not get underway or that get underway for only limited periods | ||
| 10-01 | Sea Service Credit for Approved Courses | ||
| 12-01 | Continuing Competency in Basic Safety Training (BST) | ||
| 16-01 | Merchant Marine Licensing Examination Question Comment and Protest | Contained in Deck & Engine Guide | |
| 01-02 | Applicants for ocean or near coastal mate license for service on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (GT) (200 gross register tons [GRT]) with qualifying service or training beginning on or after 1 August 1998 and all applicants beginning 1 February 2002. [Part 2] , [Part 3], Also see Policy Letter 16-02 |
Cancelled as of July 1, 2011 | CG 543 Policy Letter 11-07 |
| 04-02 | Applicants for ocean or near coastal Master and Chief Mate licenses for service on vessels of 3000 or more gross tonnage (GT) with qualifying service or training beginning on or after 1 August 1998 and all applicants beginning 1 February 2002 | ||
| 05-02 | Administration of oaths to applicants for merchant mariner's credentials | Superseded by NMC Guidance Document 04-06 | 46 CFR 10.225(e) |
| 09-02 | Validity of licenses for service on vessels of not more than 200 gross tons (GT) valid for service on oceans | Expired grandfathering provision. Cancelled as of Feb. 1, 2002 | 46 CFR 11.202 |
| 13-02 | Endorsements on a Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) Issued to a Licensed Officer | Superseded by regulation change | 46 CFR 12.02-11(a)(1) |
| 14-02 | Qualification for deck and Engineering Ratings | Attachments A&B of enclosure (2) are replaced by NVIC 01-06 | NVIC 01-06, Guidelines for Assessment of Merchant Mariner's Proficiency for Certification as Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch Through Demonstration of Skills |
| 16-02 | Change 1 to NMC Policy Letter 01-02 | Cancelled as of July 1, 2011 | CG 543 Policy Letter 11-07 |
| 02-03 | Processing Applications for Mariner Credentials For Service on Seagoing Vessels Beginning 1 February 2003 | ||
| 04-03 | Acceptance of STCW assessments of Skills to Qualify for Near Coastal and Oceans Towing Vessel Licenses and Endorsements | ||
| 06-03 | Qualification for Issuance of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Endorsements | ||
| 07-03 | Requirements for Fingerprinting and a Safety and Security Check When Issuing a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) with a New Expiration Date. [Enclosure 1] Table of MMD Transactions | Superseded by NMC Guidance Document 03-06 | 46 CFR 10.209 |
| 09-03 | Procedures to Prevent Reduced Periods of Validity of a Mariner's Credentials at Renewal | Superseded by Regulation | 46 CFR 10.205
46 CFR 10.209 See, "Coast Guard Clarifies Delayed Issuance" Bulletin for further information |
| 11-07 | Qualification VIA "The Hawsepipe" for STCW Endorsement As Office in charge of a navigation watch on ships of 200 GRT/500 GT or more. | ||
| 10-03 | Restricted Endorsements for Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) as Operator Of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) | ||
| 11-15 | Merchant Mariner Credentials for Mariners Not Requiring a Transportation Worker Identification Credential |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-98 | Medical Standards for Entry Level Ratings | Superseded by NVIC 04-08 | 46 CFR 10.215(e)(2) |
| 9-99 | Medical Training and Qualifications Set Forth in the International Convention an Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01-02 | Applicants for ocean or near coastal mate license for service on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (GT) (200 gross register tons [GRT]) with qualifying service or training beginning on or after 1 August 1998 and all applicants beginning 1 February 2002. [Part 2], [Part 3], Also see Policy Letter 16-02 |
||
| 04-02 | Applicants for ocean or near coastal Master and Chief Mate licenses for service on vessels of 3000 or more gross tonnage (GT) with qualifying service or training beginning on or after 1 August 1998 and all applicants beginning 1 February 2002 | ||
| 14-02 | Qualification for deck and Engineering Ratings | Checklists and assessment control sheets replaced by NVIC | NVIC 01-06, Guidelines for Assessment of Merchant Mariner's Proficiency for Certification as Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch Through Demonstration of Skills |
| 15-02 | Sea Service on Vessels Measured Under the International Tonnage Convention System | ||
| 06-03 | Qualification for Issuance of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Endorsements | ||
| 11-07 | Qualification VIA "The Hawsepipe" for STCW Endorsement As Officer in charge of a navigation watch on ships of 200 GRT/500 GT or more. |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-98 | Standards for Approval of Basic Safety Training Courses | ||
| 15-98 | Approval of Survival craft and Lifeboat training Courses | ||
| 5-99 | Evidence of Completion of Basic Safety Training (BST) | Replaced by NVIC | NVIC 5-00, Guidance on Performance Measures Used to Assess Seafarers' Proficiency in Programs in Basic Safety Training Meeting the Requirements on the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as Amended |
| 5-01 | Lifeboatman and proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) Qualifications for service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats | Transition provisions self-cancelling as of Feb. 1, 2002 | 46 CFR Subpart 12.10 |
| 8-01 | In-Service Qualifications as a Lifeboatman and Certification as proficient in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Also see Policy Letter 01-03 | ||
| 12-01 | Continuing Competency in Basic Safety Training (BST) | ||
| 08-03 | Removal of Dates for Completion of Basic Safety Training (BST) From Certificates Issued Under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as Amended (STCW) | Informational notice no longer required | 46 CFR 11.202(b) |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-98 | Application of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW), to Engineering Personnel | NMC Policy Letter 14-02 cancelled Enclosure (2) |
NMC Policy Letter 14-02, Qualifications for Deck and Engineering Ratings |
| 9-99 | Medical Training and Qualifications Set Forth in the International Convention an Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) | ||
| 6-00 | Clarification of Navigational and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 7-00 on the application of STCW on vessels less than 200 GRT | ||
| 7-00 | Licenses and Certifications Issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) for Service on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSV)- Change 1 to Policy Letter 7-00 | ||
| 12-01 | Continuing Competency in Basic Safety Training (BST) | ||
| 14-01 | Exceptions to the Application of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) to Seagoing Vessels. [Enclosure 1] , Evaluation of a Request for Exemption from the STCW |
Superseded by regulation change | 46 CFR 15.103 |
| 15-01 | Acceptance of courses completed prior to the implementation of the 1995 amendments to the international convention on standards of training, certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers, 1978 (STCW) | Informational notice no longer required | Approved Courses |
| 02-02 | Administration of examinations for certain deck and engine licenses subject to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) | Contained in Deck & Engine Guide | |
| 03-02 | Acceptance of radar observer (unlimited) courses to satisfy requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) | Informational notice no longer required | 46 CFR 11.305 |
| 09-02 | Validity of licenses for service on vessels of not more than 200 gross tons (GT) valid for service on oceans | Expired grandfathering provision. Cancelled as of Feb. 1, 2002 | 46 CFR 11.202 |
| 10-02 | Employment of foreign nationals on U.S.-flag vessels | ||
| 12-02 | Conducting Assessments of Skills to Satisfy Requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as Amended | Informational notice no longer required | 46 CFR 12.02-11(d) |
| 13-02 | Endorsements on a Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) Issued to a Licensed Officer | Superseded by regulation change | 46 CFR 12.02-11(a)(1) |
| 15-02 | Sea Service on Vessels Measured Under the International Tonnage Convention System | ||
| 04-03 | Acceptance of STCW assessments of Skills to Qualify for Near Coastal and Oceans Towing Vessel Licenses and Endorsements | ||
| 08-03 | Removal of Dates for Completion of Basic Safety Training (BST) From Certificates Issued Under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as Amended (STCW) | Informational notice no longer required | 46 CFR 11.202(b) |
USCG Guidance
The following material has been provided for the purpose of establishing the minimum subject material for maritime courses to be submitted to the US Coast Guard for approval. Additional subjects will be added as they are developed.
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03-04 | Drug Testing |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04-05 | Maritime Academy Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) For License Applications And Examinations. | Replaced by MMS | 71 FR 48480-01 #MCP-MA-NMC5-01 |
| 04-06 | Services To Mariners At Regional Examination Center (REC) Remote Location Or By REC Traveling Examination Teams | Superseded by regulation change | 46 CFR 10.209 |
| 01-07 | Administration Of Examinations For Certain Deck And Engine Licenses | Contained in Deck & Engine Guide | http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/training/pdfs/deck_and_engineering_guide.pdf |
| 02-07 | US Coast Guard Personnel Substituting Module 054XX Fore Initial Deck Watch Officer Exam (DWINTO) |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01-05 | Issuance of Merchant Mariners' Documents (MMDS) to Cadets Attending a Maritime Academy. | Superseded by regulation change | 74 FR 59354 |
| 04-05 | Maritime Academy Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) For License Applications And Examinations. | Replaced by MMS | 71 FR 48480-01 #MCP-MA-NMC5-01 |
| 02-06 | Photographs for Merchant Mariner's documents (MMDS) and certificates issued under the international convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping,1978, as amended (STCW). | Superseded by regulation change and incorporated into TWIC process | 46 CFR 12.25 |
| Document |
Title | Action | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01-05 | Issuance of Merchant Mariners' Documents (MMDS) to Cadets Attending a Maritime Academy. | Superseded by regulation change | 74 FR 59354 |
| 04-05 | Maritime Academy Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) For License Applications And Examinations. | Replaced by MMS | 71 FR 48480-01 #MCP-MA-NMC5-01 |
Shipboard Assessor's Manual This document provides guidance to persons conducting
assessments of mariners' practical skills. Every shipboard assessor
should have read this document before assessing a demonstration of a
mariner's ability to perform an activity.
Oversight Guidance The purpose of this Instruction is to
formally promulgate existing policy and more clearly delineate the
standards and reporting requirements for conducting oversight of Coast
Guard approved courses and non-governmental parties that perform
services related to the issuance of merchant marine licenses,
certificates of registry, and merchant mariner's documents.
NVIC's
A Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) provides detailed guidance about the enforcement or compliance with a certain Federal marine safety regulations and Coast Guard marine safety programs. While NVIC's are non-directive, meaning that they do not have the force of law, they are important "tools" for complying with the law. Non-compliance with a NVIC is not a violation of the law in and of itself, however non-compliance with a NVIC may be an indication that there is non-compliance with a law, a regulation or a policy.
Click here to go directly to NVIC's page
NMC Customer Service Center (CSC): 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662) email (IASKNMC@uscg.mil)
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Last Modified 8/13/2012