39 APRIL 2026 homepage under the Credential Veri- fication tab where a mariner’s creden- tials, including medical certificates can be verified. An employer or prospec- tive employer only needs the mariner’s name, MMC reference number, and a valid email address where results should be sent to complete the inquiry. Any discrepancies detected during the online verification process or other concerns regarding Coast Guard-issued mariner credentials and medical certifi- cates should first be addressed through the National Maritime Center via Live Chat, email, or by calling 1-888-IASK- NMC. If the MMC is found to be expired* or otherwise not valid, follow up with your local Coast Guard Inves- tigations Division is required. *Note: Due to recent funding issues with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Coast Guard has used their authority to extend the validity of MMCs expiring between Jan. 1 and May 31, 2026, until Aug. 31, 2026. Mariners who are actively work- ing on expired credentials that meet the previously mentioned expiration criteria, must carry the expired creden- tial and a copy of the letter attached to Update #3 — Lapse in Appropriations and Government Shutdown while sail- ing under the authority of their MMC. The NMC portal for submitting appli- cations for MMCs and medical certifi- cates remains operational; applications will be processed in the order received. DRUG AND ALCOHOL BACK- GROUND CHECKS Beyond mariner citizenship, compe- tency, and medical fitness for duty, adherence to federal drug testing requirements is something the pro- spective employer must verify. In ad- dition to conducting pre-employment testing, marine employers are required to obtain drug and alcohol testing in- formation on new crewmembers, cre- dentialed or not, that will be working in a safety sensitive position. After obtaining an individual’s writ- ten consent, the marine employer must request specific drug and alco- hol information from all the individ- ual’s previous DOT employers in the last two years. Each request should have the employee’s original signature. Ideally the requested information is received by the potential employer be- fore the individual starts performing safety sensitive duties; however, a ma- rine employer can employ the individ- ual for up to 30 days while the request is pending at previous employers. Find Your Solution at Imtra.com or Call 508-995-7000 Bringing you the best. Bringing the best to passenger vessel owners and operators Best in class products, expert advice and unparalleled customer support THRUSTER SOLUTIONS WIPER SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS COMPREHENSIVE MARINE LIGHTING MARINE INSULATION SEATING SOLUTIONS POWER MANAGEMENT DOORS, HATCHES & WINDOWS SOLAR SHADES & MUCH MORE
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