The Coast Guard is replacing the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) passport-style booklet (“Red Book”) with a new credential. The new credential is effective on March 1, 2024, and will be issued to mariners after that date.
The age of the Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) printers for the passport-style credential combined with their significant use has necessitated a need to issue a new MMC. To move to a more reliable and modern printing process, the new credential is formatted on 8.5” x 11” water resistant synthetic paper containing several security features including anti-copy, micro-printing, foiling, and intricate patterns. The new credential is produced on readily available commercial printers significantly reducing printing and maintenance costs.
A sample credential is available on the NMC website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/ .
The new MMC will be issued to mariners during their next application and existing passport-style credentials will remain valid until expiration which is up to 5 years from the issue date. The Coast Guard is planning for a long-term credentialing solution in the form of an electronic credential, or E-credential. E-credentials will contain all required information and security features to meet domestic and international requirements. In addition, the Coast Guard will provide printing options for mariners to obtain paper or other non-electronic versions.
If mariners have any questions regarding the new credential, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
For more information on this notice or policy related questions, please contact the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC) at MMCpolicy@uscg.mil.
Additional Info
Attachment : MSIB-01-24_New_Merchant_Mariner_Credential.pdf