Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the status of my Merchant Mariner Credential Application? (click to expand)

What is the status of my Merchant Mariner Credential application?

ANSWER

There are three ways to check the status of your MMC application.

  • System Generated Email
    • Supply us with your email account on the 719B application form
    • During each step of the credentialing process we will send you an email as your application moves through the system.
  • Customer Service Center
    • If you’d like to speak with a Customer Service Agent call 1-888-I-ASK-NMC and we will be happy to give you your application status.
    • If you’d like to email, us send your request to IASKNMC@USCG.MIL and we will gladly email you your application status. 
2. How do I renew my current Merchant Mariner Credential? (click to expand)

How do I renew my current Merchant Mariner Credential?

ANSWER

Renewal - If this is requested, and you qualify, you will receive a new Merchant Mariner Credential equal to the credential you currently hold, with an expiration date 5 years from the date of issuance.  
To apply for a renewal of your current credential you will need to:

  • Show proof that you have either applied for or hold a TWIC card issued by TSA (a photocopy of your TWIC card or enrollment receipt)
  • Complete Coast Guard form 719 B (application)
  • Complete Coast Guard form 719 P (drug test) or equivalent (Drug Test must be dated within the past 6 months)
  • Physical form dated within the past 12 months
    • 719 K physical form for qualified ratings or officer endorsements
    • 719 K/E for entry level ratings
  • Payment of Applicable fees set forth is 46 CFR 10.219
    • If making online payment, include your pay.gov receipt
    • A straight renewal with no additional endorsements or testing will cost $95 ($50 evaluation fee and $45 issuance fee)
  • Meet the professional requirements set forth in 46 CFR 10.227 
3. How do I apply for a Raise of Grade to my current Merchant Mariner Credential? (click to expand)

How do I apply for a Raise of Grade to my current Merchant Mariner Credential?

ANSWER

Raise of Grade - If this is requested, and you qualify, you will receive an endorsement sticker to place in your current Merchant Mariner Credential.  This will increase your level of authority and responsibility associated with the credential.  The credential will not receive a new expiration date.
To apply for a raise of grade to your current credential you will need to:

  • Show proof that you have either applied for or hold a TWIC card issued by TSA (a photocopy of your TWIC card or enrollment receipt)
  • Complete Coast Guard form 719 B (application)
  • Complete Coast Guard form 719 P (drug test) or equivalent (Drug Test must be dated within the past 6 months)
  • Physical form dated within the past 36 months
  • 719 K physical form for qualified ratings or officer endorsements
  • Payment of Applicable fees set forth is 46 CFR 10.219
    • If making online payment, include your pay.gov receipt
    • A Raise of Grade for a rating endorsement will cost $140 ($95 evaluation fee and a S50 issuance fee.)
    • A Raise of Grade for an officer endorsement will cost $145 ($100 evaluation fee and a $45 issuance fee)
  • Meet the professional requirements for the endorsement requested.
    • Qualified ratings requirements are in 46 CFR Part 12 and 13
    • Officer endorsements requirements are in 46 CFR Part 11
4. How do I apply for a New / Original Merchant Mariner Credential? (click to expand)

How do I apply for a New / Original Merchant Mariner Credential?

ANSWER

To apply for a New / Original Merchant Mariner Credential you will need to:

  • Show proof that you have either applied for or hold a TWIC card issued by TSA (provide a photocopy of your TWIC card or enrollment receipt)
  • Complete Coast Guard form 719 B (application)
    • Ensure Certification of Oath is completed.  If your Oath is not being completed by a Coast Guard official you must utilize the Merchant Mariner Oath form.
  • Complete Coast Guard form 719 P (drug test) or equivalent (Dated within the past 6 months)
  • Physical form dated within the past 12 months
    • 719 K physical form for qualified ratings or officer endorsements
    • 719 K/E for entry level ratings
  • Payment of Applicable fees set forth in 46 CFR 10.219
    • If making online payment, include your pay.gov receipt
    • An Original Entry Level endorsement will cost $140 ($95 evaluation fee and a $45 issuance fee).
    • An Original Qualified Rating endorsement will cost $140 ($95 evaluation fee and a $45 issuance fee).
    • An Original Officer endorsement will cost $145 ($100 evaluation fee and a $45 issuance fee).
  • Meet the professional requirements for the endorsement requested.
    • Qualified Ratings requirements are in 46 CFR Part 12 and 13
    • Officer Endorsements requirements are in 46 CFR Part 11
5. Where can I find all the forms necessary to apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential? (click to expand)

Where can I find all the forms necessary to apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential?

ANSWER

After you’ve determined what you are applying for you may print off the necessary forms by selecting the link for “Applications and Forms” on the NMC website’s left-side menu bar.  A link to several of the forms you may need is also available below: