U.S. Coast Guard Grants Extension To Mariner Credentials

The U.S. Coast Guard announced that mariners whose credentials expire between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 will receive an extension due to the current lapse in appropriations. 

The Coast Guard is currently unable to process mariner credentials in time to ensure renewed credentials before their document expires. Under the authority of 46 United States Code 7507, the Coast Guard will grant extensions for national endorsements until Dec. 31, 2013. Any mariner affected should visit the National Maritime Center’s website www.uscg.mil/nmc to print the letter granting this extension.

Mariners should also keep the  letter with their credentials and have it available for Coast Guard or any other official who may ask to examine them. The Coast Guard will issue a new credential for mariners for those that might sail on international routes. Those mariners whose credential expires between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30, 2013, and scheduled to sail internationally should contact the National Maritime Center.