51
JUNE 2026
P
VA crew members that have cre-
dentials impacted by the 2026 
lapse in appropriations and con-
tinued processing delays will get some 
relief. The U.S. Coast Guard has re-
sponded to this industry-wide concern 
with a mariner credential extension.
The 
National 
Maritime 
Center 
(NMC) issued guidance on May 26, 
expanding the existing extension pol-
icy for merchant mariner credentials 
(MMCs) and medical certificates 
impacted by ongoing delays. As a re-
sult of sustained recovery efforts and 
increased production capacity, the 
NMC also announced on June 16, that 
complete applications are expected 
to be processed within eight months 
from the date received, a significant 
improvement in turnaround time. 
Application volumes remain elevated 
and mariners should continue to plan 
accordingly and submit applications 
early to avoid potential disruptions to 
employment and vessel operations.
WHAT PVA MEMBERS 
NEED TO KNOW
MMCs (national endorsements only) 
and medical certificates (national and 
pilot expiration dates only) that expire 
between Jan. 1, 2026, and July 31, 
2026, will remain valid through 
Aug. 31, 2026.
Applications will be processed on a 
first-in, first-out basis.
Mariners are strongly encouraged to 
apply up to eight months before expi-
ration via the ASAP Tool to account 
for unforeseen delays. Mariner creden-
tial renewals may also be post-dated up 
to eight months, allowing mariners to 
renew early. Paper and incomplete sub-
missions may delay issuance of mariner 
credentials and medical certifications.
Be sure to read the full guidance re-
garding extensions for all details.
Mariners can monitor the NMC web-
site for updates regarding processing 
times, REC operations, and policy 
adjustments as operations stabilize. 
For questions, contact the NMC Cus-
tomer Service Center via the NMC 
online chat system, by e-mailing 
IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 
1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
U.S. COAST GUARD
Mariner Credential Extension and 
Improving Processing Times
U.S. COAST GUARD

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