The U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) has issued a corrected Update #3 regarding the lapse in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. This directly impacts mariner credentialing.
Full details regarding the lapse in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding are here; below are key points. PVA will continue to assist members navigating though the impacts of the lapse in DHS funding.
NMC civilian staff have returned to work under alternative funding arrangements, allowing normal operations to resume with some exceptions. Applications for merchant mariner credentials (MMCs), medical certificates, and course approvals and related requests will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. Requests for national security-related expedite requests will continue to be evaluated as they are received.
The Regional Examination Centers (RECs) remain closed to walk-in customers. Mariners who have examination appointments currently scheduled for future dates will be able to test while REC staff remain in an exempted status. Upon determination of continued funding availability, mariners with appointments canceled between Feb. 17 and April 18, 2026, will be contacted by the appropriate REC to reschedule those appointments.
To mitigate the impact caused by the government shutdown, the NMC has implemented the following measures:
- The Application Submission Portal (ASAP) for submission of applications and supporting documentation remains active. Processing will resume once appropriations are restored.
- Merchant mariner credentials (national endorsements only) and medical certificates (national and pilot expiration dates only) that expire between Jan. 1 and May 31, 2026, remain valid until August 31, 2026. Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must carry the expired credential AND a copy of the letter attached to Update #3 while sailing under the authority of those credentials. The NMC will not issue separate or replacement MMCs or medical certificates reflecting the extension.
- For MMCs and medical certificates subject to the International Convention Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, please see Update #3.
- Additional information letters, approval to test letters, mariner training course completion certificates, and drug test letters that expire between February and May 2026, are extended until Aug. 31, 2026. The NMC will not issue updated letters reflecting the extension.
- Qualified assessor and designated examiner certification letters and course approvals that expire between February and May 2026, are extended until Aug. 31, 2026. The NMC will not issue updated certificates/letters reflecting the extension.
- Mariner examinations:
- Mariners who began but did not complete all modules of an examination prior to Feb. 13, 2026, may resume testing without penalty once the NMC reopens. Testing should be completed within 60 days of reopening. Contact the NMC regarding waivers due to sea service.
- Day retest periods are paused beginning on Feb. 13, 2026, and will restart upon reopening. Contact the NMC regarding waivers due to sea service.
For updates on NMC and REC operating status, please monitor the NMC website. For questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).