The following press release was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard on May 26.
The National Maritime Center (NMC) is expanding the existing extension policy outlined in Update #3: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions, dated April 22, 2026, for merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates impacted by the 2026 lapse in appropriations and continued processing delays.
Effective immediately, MMCs (National endorsements only) and medical certificates (National and Pilot expiration dates only) that expire between January 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026, will remain valid through 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 attached letter while sailing under the authority of those credentials. The NMC will not issue separate or replacement MMCs or medical certificates reflecting the extension.
This extension is intended to support continued maritime operations while the NMC works through increased application volumes and processing backlogs following the lapse.
Key Information:
* Applications will continue to be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.
* Mariners are strongly encouraged to apply early via the ASAP Tool due to ongoing processing delays. Paper submission, because of manual handling, may delay issuance of mariner credentials and medical certifications.
* All other extension policies and measures outlined in Update #3: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions, dated April 22, 2026, remain in effect unless otherwise superseded or rescinded. Mariners should refer to that bulletin for full details.
Mariners are encouraged to monitor the NMC website for updates regarding processing times, REC operations, and policy adjustments as operations stabilize.
For questions, contact our Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by , or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Sincerely,
Patrick A. Drayer
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspections