In a bulletin posted Jan. 24, 2019, the National Maritime Center issued updated guidance for merchant mariners impacted by the lapse in appropriation.

• Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (National Endorsements only) and Medical Certificates that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended as valid until April 30, 2019. Print the attached letter and carry it with your credential.

• Additional Information letters, sent to mariners that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended to April 30, 2019.

• Approval to Test letters and mariner training course certificates that expire in the months of December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended until April 30, 2019.

• For mariners whose 90-day testing cycles were interrupted by Regional Exam Center closures (starting on December 26, 2018), the days the RECs were closed will not count against the 90-day period. REC appointment calendars will be re-opened immediately once appropriations are restored.

If you have questions, visit the NMC website, or contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.