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AUGUST 2026
U.S. COAST GUARD
Ongoing Improvements for the U.S. Coast Guard 
Mariner Credentialing Program
T
he U.S. Coast Guard Mari-
ner Credentialing Program 
(MCP) Transformation is a 
comprehensive reform of merchant 
mariner credentialing aimed at meet-
ing the needs of the maritime industry 
by removing obsolete requirements, 
integrating modern training technolo-
gy, and introducing digital-first tools. 
At the core of the MCP Transforma-
tion is the development of Navita™, 
a modern, streamlined credentialing 
system. In addition to Navita™, the 
MCP Transformation focuses efforts 
on modernizing mariner examina-
tions, the use of maritime simulators 
in training, and deregulatory actions 
to reduce undue burdens on the mari-
time industry. 
Mariners and maritime stakeholders 
can stay informed on progress by vis-
iting the National Maritime Center 
(NMC) website for updates and an-
nouncements. 
Maritime Simulator Study 
The Coast Guard partnered with 
the U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion’s Volpe National Transportation 
Center to study how simulator-based 
training and assessments of compe-
tence may be applied to meet certain 
sea service requirements. 
Modernization of 
Mariner Examinations 
The Coast Guard completed a job task 
analysis to ensure credentialing exam-
inations reflect the mariner duties and 
responsibilities required on modern 
U.S. vessels. The Coast Guard is 
also planning a transition from a pa-
per-based examination process to an 
electronic format. 
Deregulatory Actions 
The Coast Guard is considering de-
regulatory actions and policy changes 
to reduce burdens on mariners and 
the maritime industry. Areas of con-
sideration include alternate methods 
for meeting sea service requirements, 
eliminating excessive training require-
ments for certain endorsements, and 
streamlining processes and require-
ments for maritime training and 
course approvals. 
Application Submission and  
Additional Information Portal  
In January 2026, the NMC launched 
the online ASAP to improve cus-
tomer service until Navita™ becomes 
operational. This portal gives mar-
iners more direct control over their 
credential transactions, simplifying 
the submission process, and minimiz-
ing wait times. 
E-Mail Delivery of 
Medical Certificates 
The Coast Guard transitioned to e-mail 
delivery in April 2026, simplifying the 
process, eliminating mailing delays, and 
providing mariners with faster, reliable 
access to their medical certificate. 
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