THE OFFICE OF MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALING
(CG-MMC)
“Get the Right Credential, to the Right Mariner, at the Right Time”
The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC), as set forth in Title 46 of the U.S. Code, develops regulations and sets policies governing U.S. merchant mariner credentialing and maritime labor issues. The National Maritime Center (NMC) performs the statutory mission of credentialing qualified U.S. mariners who are compliant with domestic and international standards.
Our focus is on the Human Element dimension of the Marine Transportation System (MTS) which serves as the first of the four MTS dimensions: Mariners, Vessels, Waterways, and Ports.
As the sole mariner credentialing program for the nation, we are committed to developing laws, regulations, policy, and implementing strategies that seek to ensure that mariners meet the minimum medical, experience and knowledge requirements for their Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsements.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
- Develop and maintain standards, statutes, regulations, policy and guidance for the maritime industry regarding personnel qualifications, licensing, certification, manning and maritime labor issues.
- U.S. representation on the IMO Subcommittee on the Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) to accomplish U.S. objectives on issues relating to merchant marine personnel and manning which arise at IMO and other international forums.
- Coordinate the monitoring of U.S. implementation efforts with respect to the International Convention (and Code) on Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended.
- Coordinates Coast Guard efforts at the International Labour Organization (ILO) related to maritime labor issues and the implementation of ILO conventions.
- Supports the National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (NMERPAC) and the National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (NMEDMAC).
- The final appeal authority for matters concerning credentialing.