1. Merchant Mariner Licensing & Documentation
Boston REC

2. 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

3. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
15 April 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Top 10 Medical Conditions
Requiring supporting information from your
Medical Practitioner (guidance in NVIC 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

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

12. Contact Information
National Maritime Center:
1-(888)-IASKNMC
1-(888)
Transportation Security Administration (For TWIC):
TWIC
Boston REC

13. Homeport (for application status):
Contact Information
Regional Examination Center Boston:
Submissions:
Phone: (617)
Fax: (617)
Homeport (for application status):
Boston REC