The following press release was issued by the National Maritime Center on December 20.
Effective December 17, 2024, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will no longer require applicants for original merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) to take an oath before an authorized official or notary.
In the final rule published on December 17, 2024, titled Mariner Credentialing Program Transformation, it was determined the requirement in 46 Code of Federal Regulations part 10.225(c) for taking the oath before an authorized official or notary is a redundant part of the original MMC application process. By signing the Application for Merchant Mariner Credential (Form CG-719B), the applicant attests to “solemnly swear or affirm” to abide by the requirements of the oath. This legally binds a mariner, so no additional requirement before an authorized official is necessary.
When filling out the CG-719B, in Section IV, Part 5, of the form, applicants need to sign and date where Signature of Applicant is indicated. However, the signature of individual authorized to administer the oath is no longer required.
For more information, the final rule is available on the Federal Register or by searching on www.regulations.gov under Docket Number USCG-2021-0834.
Sincerely,
Bradley W. Clare
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Commanding Officer