Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When do I have to renew my USCG license and credentials?
All USCG licenses, merchant mariners documents (MMD) and certificates of registry (COR) are valid for five years from date of issue. You may renew your credentials up to 12 months prior to expiration.
2. What if I have more than one credential to renew?
You may renew all your credentials at the same time as long as at least one of the credentials is within 12 months of expiration. Mariners are encouraged to renew all credentials together to get then in sync regarding term of validity and expiration.
3. What is the “Grace Period”?
You may renew your credentials during the period of grace (Not more than 12 months beyond the expiration date). However, you may not operate under the authority of your credential during the “Grace Period”. You cannot work on you license or other credentials during the “Grace Period”.
4. What if my license and other credentials are expired and beyond the 12 month “Grace Period”?
If your license or credential has expired and it is past the grace period, you will need to meet the full requirements of the original credential other than sea service. You will have to take the full examination required for the credential or attend a course approved by the USCG for this purpose.
5. What is continuity renewal?
This is an option which allows you to renew your credential without meeting any of the renewal requirements, except for completing an application and paying the fees. You may not work on a credential renewed from continuity until the credential is renewed under the full requirements of the USCG regulations.
6. Where do I renew my license and credentials?
The USCG is in the process of centralizing licensing and renewal at the National Maritime Center (NMC) in West Virginia. Mariners will submit their application and documents to one of the 17 regional examination centers (REC) where it will be reviewed to ensure it is complete and ready for evaluation. The application package will then be sent to the NMC for evaluation, approval and issuance of license and credentials.
7. What are the new identification requirements?
Click Here: Acceptable Documents For Identification (PDF)
8. What is TWIC?
TWIC is a common identification credential for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of MTSA regulated facilities and vessels, and all mariners holding Coast Guard credentials. TSA will issue workers a tamper-resistant "smart card" containing the workers "biometric (fingerprint template)" to allow for a positive link between the card itself and the individual.
9. Who must get a TWIC?
An estimated two million individuals will be required to obtain a TWIC. This includes Coast Guard credentialed merchant mariners, port facility employees, long shoremen, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of the port.
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