When Can I Start Using My New USCG License for Employment?

You can work domestically in the U.S. once your USCG MMC has been issued from the Coast Guard and can be viewed on the USCG credential verification tool. 

Although mariners are required to have their MMC in hand when working, the USCG has temporarily provided flexibility in meeting this requirement. On April 25, 2023, the Coast Guard published Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB 06-23.

MSIB 06-23 allows you to work domestically in the U.S. once your USCG MMC has been issued from the Coast Guard and can be viewed on the USCG credential verification tool.  

Verify your credential

It is recommended by the Coast Guard that the mariner, maritime employers, and Coast Guard Marine Inspectors use the USCG Merchant Mariner Credential verification tool in lieu of a physical USCG Merchant Mariner Credential.

This is only for domestic voyages. If you are going to be sailing on any international voyages, you will still need to physically possess a valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential.

USCG medical certificate

For USCG medical certificates, you still need to physically hold the valid medical certificate to work both domestically and internationally.

This allowance was originally provided when printer issues slowed down the issuance of USCG MMCs from the National Maritime Center, but it is still available and would benefit you! 

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We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!

MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Pro inside of the site.

No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application, you can choose to have the MM-SEAS staff create a perfect application, handle the USCG application fees and work with the USCG on your behalf to resolve any issues for a flat fee of $349 or you can choose to submit on your own.

Pro MM-SEAS members get access to unlimited live 1 on 1 calls with one of our USCG Licensing Specialists. We've found that answering questions live with screen sharing in a video call makes both of our lives easier. Pro MM-SEAS members can access these features inside of MM-SEAS under License Guidance.