- Download the MMC Application Checklist AND “How to Obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential”
- Determine the Officer and/or Rating(s) you wish to obtain. For a complete list of ratings, see Ratings/Endorsements section. For more information on ratings, visit NMC’s Checklist Page.
- Obtain a Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential (TWIC)
- List occupation as “Merchant Mariner”.
- Keep copies of the TWIC application or TWIC application receipt.
- Complete form CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credentials
- Additional Resource: A Guide to Filling Out CG-719B
- If applicable, complete form CG-719C Conviction Statement
- Complete form CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate OR Complete form CG-719K/E Application for Medical Certificate for Entry Level Ratings
- Consent to 3rd Party Release (optional)
- Obtain Drug Testing using a CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form
- Pay user fees at www.pay.gov (preferred payment method)
- Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.
- If applicable, complete form CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
- For the NMC’s regulation on sea service, visit here
- For more information on utilizing military experience towards sea service, see Documenting Military Experience/Sea Service section
- If applicable, obtain relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and/or Assessment(s). Make photo-copies of all course completion certificates and/or completed assessments.
- Submit all forms, photocopies, supporting documentation, and proper signatures to your nearest REC (Regional Exam Center).
- Additional expedited mailing option
- IMPORTANT: You must apply at an REC (do not submit your application packet to the NMC). Emailing your application is the preferred method. In-person visits to an REC are no longer permitted. Missing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected.
Documenting Military Experience/Sea Service
if using prior military experience towards the sea service requirement, ensure you have the following document(s):Ic.org/directory
- Transcript of Sea Service (TOSS) – current and former Coast Guard members only
- History of Assignments (HOA)
- Military Tracking Software printout
Additional Requirements for Military Applicants –
- Officer applicants i.e. Tug Captain, must have 3 months of qualifying service on vessels of appropriate tonnage or horsepower within 7 years immediately preceding the date of application.
- Provide vessel information which includes the name or official number of the vessel, period time assigned to the vessel, rate or rank for officers, and/or position held while assigned.
- Provide proof of qualifications i.e. Army Watercraft Operator (Army MOS 88K) certification, DWO (Deck Watch Officer), or EWO (Engineering Watch Officer). PQS (Personnel Qualification Standards) or designation letters must be included.
- Shipboard Generated Letter: A letter signed by the CO of the vessel is considered appropriate as long as it is properly formatted and signed by the CO of that particular vessel for the point in time the service was obtained.
- Applicant may provide a copy of their DD-214 however, this is not an acceptable form of documentation to substantiate sea service as it could lack pertinent information such as HP, tonnage, route, and position held while assigned to the vessel.
Application Processing
- Obtain TWIC
- Provide vessel information Submit Complete Application Packet to REC
- Packet Transfers from REC to NMC
- Application Evaluated – To check the status of your application, visit here
- Once Approved, Credential Printed
- Credential Mailed
