First New MMC Honors Longtime Ingram Captain

The first of this month, the U.S. Coast Guard began issuing a new merchant mariner credential (MMC). Gone is the passport-style booklet, fondly referred to as the “red book.” Mariners serving on U.S.-flagged vessels will now receive a new certificate-style, one-page credential when they renew their MMC.

The Coast Guard’s old passport-style printers came online about a decade ago, and in recent years had become increasingly problematic. Parts were prone to break, and replacement components had to be sourced—sometimes even fabricated—from Germany.

“The new printers are just basic laser printers, so we will no longer have to worry about hard-to-find parts,” said Capt. Bradley Clare, commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC).

The new credentials will be printed on 8.5-inch by 11-inch waterproof synthetic paper from the Government Printing Office. The new paper offers enhanced security features like anti-copy measures, microprinting, foiling and intricate patterns, like those found in some paper currency and modern U.S. Passports.

No More Stickers

Clare said the NMC will also no longer issue stickers for mariners who achieve new endorsements. Instead, mariners will simply receive an updated credential each time they add a new endorsement.

The new credential is designed to be folded in half horizontally, then again vertically, to make it into a 5.5-inch by 4.25-inch booklet.

“Or mariners can keep it flat in a folder,” Clare said. “It’s completely up to them.”

Clare announced the MMC redesign in New Orleans December 12, 2023, during a luncheon meeting of the Marine Compliance Alliance. While there, Clare recognized Capt. Terry Dietz, captain aboard Ingram Barge Company’s mv. Mary K. Cavarra, as the eventual recipient of the first redesigned merchant mariner credential.

“We wanted to identify, not just a captain who was up for credential renewal, but one who has really demonstrated excellence and professionalism over the course of a long career,” Clare said. “Capt. Dietz exemplifies that perfectly.”

Clare and Rear Adm. David Barata, commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, presented Dietz, along with his wife, Susan, a certificate at the Marine Compliance Alliance meeting, recognizing him for his 45 years in the towing industry, including close to 34 years in the wheelhouse.

Dietz got his start with Mid South Towing in April 1979. He worked there for nearly 29 years, earning his first MMC in 1990.

“I have all my previous tickets back to that very first one,” Dietz said.

Dietz started with Ingram in 2008. Over the years, he’s worked all over, from the Ohio and Illinois rivers to the Upper and Lower Mississippi. He’s also spent some time on the Cumberland River. Looking back over his career, Dietz takes pride in the people he’s worked with and the companies he’s worked for.

“I’ve worked with some very good people in my career, and I’ve been very fortunate,” he said. “I feel like I’ve worked for the two best companies in the industry, Mid South and Ingram.”

Dietz said he’s never had an issue renewing his MMC. For that, in part, he thanked Ingram, which has personnel who help mariners stay on top of renewals.

“They’re very proactive,” Dietz said.

Both receiving the first new credential and being recognized at the Marine Compliance Alliance meeting last year were special, Dietz said.

“I was totally shocked about everything,” he said. “I’m at the latter part of my career. This has been an honor for me and for Ingram Barge Company.”

According to the National Maritime Center, the Coast Guard’s long-term plans include moving to an electronic credential that will contain all the information and security features to meet both domestic and international standards. That transition, Clare said, is still years away.

For now, mariners should direct questions regarding the new format of the printed MMC to the National Maritime Center by emailing iasknmc@uscg.mil or by calling 1-888-427-5662.

Caption for top photo: From left, Capt. Bradley Clare, Susan Dietz, Capt. Terry Dietz and Rear Adm. David Barata. Capt. Dietz was honored at the December meeting of the Marine Compliance Alliance. (Photo by Frank McCormack)