By Christian Spain
Vice President, Government Relations
AMO’s Government Relations office in Washington, D.C. may be able to assist members who are having issues with the National Maritime Center when renewing or upgrading a Merchant Mariner Credential, adding certifications and endorsements, or renewing a Medical Certificate. However, in the first quarter of 2024, the number of members contacting Alaina Basciano and I for assistance has significantly increased. The majority of these issues are the result of renewal applications not being submitted in a timely manner and/or neglecting to properly fill out the application.
Applications for MMC renewal should be submitted as you enter the eight-month window prior to expiration, even if you are on a ship. Due to relief delays, waiting until you get home to submit your application is not advisable. Medical Certificate renewals should be submitted six to eight months prior to expiration, depending on the length of your rotation.
MMC renewals are accepted up to eight months prior to their expiration date. License creep for renewal applications is no longer an issue due to the ability to post-date the credential. Renewals submitted prior to the expiration of a current MMC will result in a renewed MMC dated one day after the expiration of the current MMC unless early issuance is requested, as may be the case when upgrading/renewing or adding an endorsement. This option can be selected on the bottom of Page 3 on the CG-719B form under Section II beginning: “FOR RENEWAL TRANSACTIONS ONLY …”
As a reminder, all engineering and deck officers who require STCW certification on their Merchant Mariner Credential in order to sail are required to complete U.S. Coast Guard approved Basic Training and Advanced Firefighting Revalidation courses, as well as 360 days of sea service, and to include proof of course completion in their application package when submitting documents to the Coast Guard for MMC renewal, or for an upgrade including a renewal. This came into effect in January 2017 as laid out in STCW 2010.
All Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers accept CG-719B applications via email. The National Maritime Center only accepts Medical Certificate applications (CG-719K) electronically . Submitting documents through the Coast Guard’s established electronic system is the best way to ensure that your interactions with any REC and the NMC can be tracked and documented.
PLEASE NOTE: The Coast Guard has recently enabled an automated response from the MEDAIP email address and you may be notified your MEDICAL application has been received. You will be notified again when it is under review. As this can take some time, it is advised that you follow the guidelines above and SUBMIT EARLY.
It is highly advised you ensure the correct boxes are checked in Section II of your CG-719B form prior to submission. Checking too many options is just as bad as not checking enough. Incorrectly filling out this section of the form is the number one issue we are seeing with members and will inevitably cause delays in your application and possible errors in your new MMC. Please reach out to Captain Kathleen Friel or Captain Bob Silva if you have ANY questions regarding how you should complete this form. Please take two minutes to look at the renderings of the CG-719B form here to help avoid issuance of a renewed MMC with errors.
DO NOT SUBMIT MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS IF YOU NOTICE AN ERROR OR ARE EXPERIENCING DELAYS.
It is also advised you include scans of your current MMC and TWIC as PDF files.
Please ensure you plan ahead. The Basic Training and Advanced Firefighting Revalidation courses required for STCW renewal can be taken any time during the five years prior to your MMC renewal. The STAR Center course schedule for AMO members is available on the AMO website and on the STAR Center website.
If you have any questions, please contact me or call me at 202-658-8887.