The NMC evaluates and issues credentials in compliance with the statutes and regulations that govern the Merchant Mariner Credentialing (MMC) program.
💡 TIP! Although everyone calls the final document a "captain's license," the NMC refers to it as a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC).
Once you have passed our final proctored exam and received your MLS Certificate of Completion, you must submit an application package to the NMC.
The MMC application package and the Medical Certificate (CG-719K) must be submitted to the National Maritime Center via the Application Submission and Additional Information Portal (ASAP). MMC and Medical Certificates are processed separately; there are two separate options within the portal that match the corresponding portion of the process you are working on.
⚠️ WARNING: Sending information via e-mail or fax will lead to a rejection of your application request. The National Maritime Center is no longer accepting these two forms for application submission.
If your application still needs to be completed, you may receive an Awaiting Information (AI) email and/or letter from the NMC requesting more information.
Fees are usually required for MMC transactions, and our application fees article has information on submitting payments, general questions, and refunds.
Most applications are generally evaluated for Safety & Suitability, Medical Certificate, and Professional Qualification (Sea Service) items.
After your application has been evaluated and approved, you will receive an email and/or letter notification indicating that your license is on its way!
You can find all the license application forms and the license checklist through our Help Center's articles here.
The expiration date is located at the top right corner of the form. This date indicates how long the forms are valid.
📖 Read about the Captain's Application Process: Status of CG-719 Series Forms.
🥳 Congratulations! Once you pass our proctored exam, you will receive our certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard.
Submit the original certificate, application package, and applicable fees to the National Maritime Center within one year. They will send you your original license upon their approval of your package.
Character Reference Letters are NO longer required. This was an old requirement that the Coast Guard had gotten rid of.
Most applicants submit independently, but these types of services are available (generally for those with unique situations).
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