NMC To Launch New Application Portal

The National Maritime Center (NMC), a division of the U.S. Coast Guard dedicated to mariner credentialing, recently announced that it will launch a new application portal, the Application Submission and Additional Information Portal (ASAP) as well as a new website. Both will be available to access on January 26.

Starting January 26, users will be able to submit merchant mariner credential (MMC) applications and medical certificate (MC) applications and upload documents for existing MMC and MC applications. The new website will offer a smoother layout so users can easily navigate the interface. The site will also include resources on how to apply, additional credentialing information and support tools.

According to the NMC, the changes are designed to simplify the application process, reduce wait times and give applicants more control over their documents.

While the U.S. Coast Guard is currently developing its Navita system for mariner credentialing, the new NMC portal and website is an independent initiative designed to better the Coast Guard’s customer service until the Navita system is ready to launch.

The NMC system will be temporarily unavailable starting January 23 as the site goes through changes. A video tutorial will be made available to guide mariners through the updated system when it is live on January 26.

The option to fax and email applications will be severely limited once the new portal and website are launched. Fax and email submission options will eventually be phased out.

The NMC Customer Service Center is available for questions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Questions can also be emailed to IASKNMC@uscg.mil or submitted by phone at 1-800-427-5662.