The following press release was issued on October 9 by the National Maritime Center. American Maritime Officers members and applicants who have emergency credentialing issues should contact AMO Vice President for Government Relations Christian Spain or AMO Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Alaina Basciano.
Lapse in Appropriations and Government Shutdown UPDATE #1: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions
The National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) remain closed. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are cancelled. To mitigate the impact caused by the government shutdown, the NMC has implemented the following measures:
* E-mail submission of applications and supporting documentation remains active. Processing will resume once appropriations are restored.
* Additional information letters sent to mariners, training providers, designated examiners, and qualified assessors that expire on or after October 1, 2025, will be extended from the date funding is restored for a period equal to the duration of the shutdown.
* Approval to test letters, drug test letters, and mariner training course certificates that expire on or after October 1, 2025, will be extended from the date funding is restored for a period equal to the duration of the shutdown.
* Mariner Examinations:
– Mariners who began but did not complete all modules of an examination prior to October 1, 2025, may resume testing without penalty once the NMC reopens. Testing should be completed within 60 days of reopening. Contact the NMC regarding waivers due to sea service.
– 90-day retest periods are paused beginning on October 1, 2025, and will restart upon reopening. Contact the NMC regarding waivers due to sea service.
For updates on NMC and REC operating status, please monitor the NMC website. For questions, contact our Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by , or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
The NMC understands the shutdown will affect our industry customers and stakeholders, and we apologize for any potential inconvenience.
Sincerely,
Patrick A. Drayer
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspections