The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) launched a new Application Submission and Additional Information Portal (ASAP) along with a redesigned website on Jan. 26, 2026.
ASAP is now the primary method for submitting applications and documents to the NMC, including:
- Merchant mariner credential (MMC) applications
- Medical certificate (MC) applications
- Supporting or additional documents for existing applications
Submission options such as email and fax will be significantly limited and eventually discontinued.
Review the ASAP portal overview and tutorial here. Mariners are strongly encouraged to review the tutorial for the new system.
The updated NMC website features:
- Improved navigation and layout
- Clearer “how to apply” guidance
- Easier access to credentialing information and customer support tools
These improvements should simplify the application process, reduce wait times, and provide mariners with greater control over document submission.
Visit the NMC website for full details.
For questions regarding the upcoming changes, mariners may contact the NMC Customer Service Center, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST:
Online chat via the NMC website
Email: IASKNMC@uscg.mil
Phone: 1-888-IAKNMC (427-5662)