The following press release was issued by the National Maritime Center July 29.
Due to staffing shortages at Regional Examination Center (REC) Anchorage, AK, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has implemented the following temporary measures:
* Mariner Examinations: REC Anchorage will continue to provide mariner testing via scheduled examination appointments only. Examination appointments are available Monday to Thursday 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. AKDT. Examination appointments are not available on Fridays and all federal holidays.
* Counter Service: REC Anchorage has temporarily discontinued all scheduled counter service appointments and is unable to accommodate walk-in visits. Only applicants with scheduled examination appointments will be permitted to enter the REC at this time.
* Application Submission: Mariners are currently unable to submit their applications in person at REC Anchorage. Merchant mariner credential applications should be directly and medical certificate applications should be . Only applicants seeking First Class Pilot routes within the REC Anchorage area of responsibility should mail or e-mail their application to the REC.
We anticipate that the temporary measures at REC Anchorage may last for several months while the NMC seeks to fill current vacancies.
For more information regarding the current status of REC Anchorage or how and where to submit credential applications, visit the NMC website. If you have questions or require assistance, contact the NMC Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT, by using Live Chat, by , or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Sincerely,
Patrick A. Drayer
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection