Merchant Mariner Licensing & Documentation Boston REC

NMC & RECs Boston REC National Maritime Center (NMC): Martinsburg, WV Regional Exam Centers (REC): 17 locations Mission: To issue Merchant Mariner Credentials to only competent, qualified persons in a professional and timely manner, in compliance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 46 Parts 1 to 40). Boston REC

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) 15 April 2009- Required for all mariners holding Coast Guard issued credentials No original application will be accepted at REC without TWIC or proof of TWIC submission Register your occupation as a “Merchant Mariner” Renewal of TWIC is not required in some cases Renewing your credential and the TWIC isn’t required for your job? Mark the “TWIC Exemption” box on your 719B instead of renewing the TWIC Boston REC

Basic Application Documents Application Form *NEW FORM! TWIC or exemption statement Drug Test (within 6 months) Sea Service (if required)*NEW FORM! Course certificates (optional) Fees ($145 for original officer license; $95 for renewal) Physical *NEW FORMS! (within 1 year) or hold a valid Medical Certificate Boston REC

Renewal of MMC Boston REC For National (domestic ratings), there are four professional qualification options for renewal: 360 days of creditable sea service during the last five years Passing an open book renewal exercise Completion of an approved refresher course (lower level only) Employment as a qualified instructor or in a position closely related to the operation, construction, or repair of vessels Boston REC

Sea Service- What is creditable service? Renewal of MMC Sea Service- What is creditable service? Creditable service is service in position obtained under the authority of a credential and within any restrictions placed on the credential. Service that is not creditable is deemed as “outside of the scope” and will not be accepted for credentialing. Boston REC

Top Reasons for Delays at REC Local level- 60 days to resolve: Incomplete application packet- missing one or more required forms Fees- incorrect or missing; paid on pay.gov and did not provide receipt Uncorrected Vision missing from physical- required for ALL applicants Missing required signature(s) on application or medical forms Drug test issues- missing, too old, not completed at an approved lab, not signed by a certified MRO Boston REC

Top Reasons for Delays (1 of 2) At NMC (West Virginia)- 90 days to resolve: SEA SERVICE ISSUES Sea service- incomplete forms or letters, too little service submitted, non-creditable service Lack of recency- 90 days in the last 3 years for original officer applicants Proof of ownership for vessels- if you are the owner of the vessels on which you served, you must provide proof of ownership (title, registration, etc.) Missing Information Boston REC

Top Reasons for Delays (2 of 2) At NMC (West Virginia)- 90 days to resolve: OTHER ISSUES Missing First Aid/CPR- for original officer applicants Missing or expired course certificates Endorsement specific training: Transfers for Tankerman Renewal (2 in 5 years) STCW Assessments Proof of ongoing participation in training and drills for Towing Officer Renewal Towing Officer’s Assessment Record (TOAR) for Mates (Pilot) of Towing Vessels Missing Information Boston REC

Top 10 Medical Conditions Requiring supporting information from your Medical Practitioner (guidance in NVIC 04-08 Enclosure 3): Cardiovascular Conditions Diabetes Psychiatric Disorders Sleep Disorders Chronic Use of Impairing Medications Impaired Hearing Alcohol/Drug Abuse Seizures Vision Requirements Pulmonary Conditions Boston REC

For questions about specific issues or current applications, please consider visiting the REC staff after the presentation. Boston REC

Contact Information National Maritime Center: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ 1-(888)-IASKNMC 1-(888)-427-5662 Transportation Security Administration (For TWIC): https://universalenroll.dhs.gov 1-866-347-TWIC 1-866-347-8942 Boston REC

Homeport (for application status): Contact Information Regional Examination Center Boston: Email Submissions: rec-bos-appsubmission@uscg.mil Phone: (617) 223-3040 Fax: (617) 223-3034 Homeport (for application status): http://homeport.uscg.mil/mmcstatus Boston REC