The Coast Guard said mariners whose credentials expire between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 will receive an extension because of a lapse in appropriations during the government shutdown.
The Coast Guard announced it is unable to process all mariner credentials in time to ensure that all mariners receive their renewed credentials before their current documents expire.
Under the authority of 46 United States Code 7507, the Coast Guard will be granting extensions to national endorsements until Dec. 31. Affected mariners are asked to visit the National Maritime Center’s website to print the letter granting the extension and obtain updates. Mariners are instructed to retain the letter with their credentials and have it available for the Coast Guard or other officials who may ask to examine them.
The Coast Guard will issue a new credential to mariners who must renew their credential and are likely to sail on international routes. Mariners whose credential expires between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 and are likely to sail internationally are asked to contact the National Maritime Center.
Mariners and industry stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the NMC website for updates.
