PLEASE NOTE: As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remained in a partial shutdown at the time of publication, the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center continues to issue updates to mitigation efforts for Merchant Mariner Credentials and Medical Certificates. The details of these mitigation efforts and document validity extensions for National Endorsements (and Pilot for Medical Certificates), as well as requirements for extending International Endorsements and Medical Certificates, can be found in the latest bulletin issued April 17, 2026.
It is very important to keep in mind that, although you may qualify for an extension under the terms provided in the USCG’s latest bulletin, the decision to allow you to continue to sail and/or join a vessel on your “expired” certificate or credential is ultimately up to the company by which you are currently employed.
If the vessel you are assigned to gets underway or is expected to get underway in any capacity, whether coastwise or international, you MUST obtain an STCW dispensation letter, which can only be requested by the company by which you are currently employed.
The complete bulletin, including the required letter from the U.S. Coast Guard, can be downloaded from the AMO website.