The following was issued by the National Maritime Center on August 28.
Exemption from Fees Associated with Merchant Mariner Credential Applications for Active Duty and Selected Reserve Members of the Uniformed Services
On August 6, 2024, the Coast Guard published a final rule titled Exemption for Active-Duty Uniformed Service Members from Merchant Mariner Credentialing Fees. The rule provides for an exemption from the fees associated with an application for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) for active duty and selected reserve members of the uniformed services (FR 63830 USCG-2021-0288).
The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC) Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy (CG-5P) has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 03-24, Exemption from Fees Associated with Merchant Mariner Credential Applications for Active Duty and Selected Reserve Members of the Uniformed Services. This policy letter implements and provides guidance on the final rule, including expanding the ways in which mariners may document their eligibility for an exemption from MMC fees.
The Final Rule and the policy letter are effective on November 4, 2024, at which time CG-MMC Policy Letter 02-20, which provides for a waiver of fees associated with applications for an MMC, is cancelled.
This policy letter is available at Merchant Mariner Credentialing Policy Letter web page.
Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at or (202) 372-2357 with any questions or feedback.
Sincerely,
Mayte Medina
Chief, Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing