The following press release was issued December 20 by the National Maritime Center.
Requirement to Submit Merchant Mariner Credential User Fees via the Pay.gov Website
The Coast Guard has issued a final rule updating the accepted required payment method for mariner credentialing fees. Effective January 19, 2025, the National Maritime Center (NMC) and Regional Examination Centers (RECs) will only accept user fee payments made using the USCG Merchant Mariner User Fee Payment Page on Pay.gov. Pay.gov is a secure service provided by the United States Department of the Treasury. Acceptable payment methods within Pay.gov include credit card, debit card, and bank account routing number.
Please note that after January 19, 2025, the NMC and RECs may no longer accept any other form of payment including cash, check, money order, or credit card, regardless of whether they are provided in person or via mail. All payments, other than Pay.gov, will be returned to the applicant and the applicant will be required to submit a new fee payment using Pay.gov.
Once you have paid your fees using Pay.gov, please ensure you print or save your receipt and attach the receipt to your application prior to submitting the application to NMC.
Active-Duty members of the Uniformed Services may be eligible for fee waivers. See CG-MMC Policy Letter 3-24.
Please visit the NMC website, or contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by , or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Sincerely,
Bradley W. Clare
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Commanding Officer