Choosing a Coast Guard–Approved School
What “approved” means, how to compare programs, and timing your start date.
Merchant Mariner Credential
How to Become a Merchant Mariner
Obtain Merchant Mariner Credential
Merchant mariners have exciting jobs that allow them to see and sail the world. But before they can get to the fun stuff, there’s some paperwork to do.
It’s required for all merchant mariners to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Other documents you’ll need to start sailing include:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Passport.
It’s recommended to start your MMC application at least 90 days before you intend to start sailing, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time for the process.
What is a Merchant Mariner Credential?
A Merchant Mariner Credential is a form of identification issued through the U.S. Coast Guard, which is required for U.S. merchant mariners. It looks like a passport book and will include a photo of you, other identifying information, and the proof that you’re physically fit to sail.
MMCs also include a list of all your endorsements as a sailor. Endorsements are the proof that you’ve completed the training and are qualified for specific skills or jobs.
Why do I need a Merchant Mariner Credential?
Your MMC is what lets shipping companies, the government, and other organizations know what you’re qualified to do on a ship.
Once you’re issued an MMC, you’ll be given a unique MMC number, similar to a driver’s license number or passport number. This number identifies you as a sailor and allows organizations to keep track of your current qualifications.
How do I get my Merchant Mariner Credential?
Before you can apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential, you must:
- Have evidence of obtaining or applying for a TWIC (a photocopy or application receipt)
- Pass a physical exam by a licensed medical practitioner
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- Entry-level sailors must fill out Form CG/719K/E
- Entry-level sailors who want to qualify for lookout duties must fill out Form CG/719K
- Pass a drug test
Once these initial requirements are fulfilled, you will have to:
- Fill out the Application for Merchant Mariner Credential (Form CG-719B)
- Take the Merchant Mariner Oath in front of a certified notary
- Report any history of convictions, other than minor traffic violations (Form CG-719C)
- Pay the $140 fee2
Fees should be paid directly to the USCG online. All other information must be sent to the U.S. Coast Guard either:
- Via email, to MMCApplications@uscg.mil (Coast Guard preferred method)
- Documents must be sent in Adobe PDF format
- Subject line should be: Last Name, First Name, Mariner Reference Number (or last digits of your SSN)
- In-person at a Regional Examination Center
Once the USCG receives your application, they will review and verify the information. You should receive email updates as the process moves along, and the Merchant Mariner Credential will be mailed to you directly.
This process can take several weeks or even months, but you can monitor your application progress online.
Frequently Asking Questions
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
It can be several weeks or several months between applying for and receiving your MMC. It’s recommended to start the application process at least 90 days before you want to be at sea.
Resources
- Merchant Mariner Credential. (n.d.) United States Coast Guard. Accessed November 2024.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Fees. (2024, April 23). National Maritime Center. Accessed November 2024.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Merchant Mariner Credentials. (2020, August 20). National Maritime Center. Accessed November 2024.
- Merchant Licensed Mariner Credentials. (n.d.) Maritime Licensing Agency. Accessed November 2024.
- Medina, M. (2024, April 26). New Policy Extends Grace Period for Renewing MMCs. Seafarers International Union. Accessed November 2024.
Ready to Start?
Keep your progress in one place—Passport, TWIC, MMC steps, training shortlist, and applications.
Simple, clear, and ready when you are.
From the Logbook
Short, practical reads that help you move to the next step.
TWIC: What to Expect at Enrollment
IDs to bring, the in-person visit, and how to track your card.
Start Here: Becoming a Merchant Mariner
A quick overview of the steps from documents to training to your first job.