Coast Guard Launches New Mariner Credentialing Portal

Continuing the U.S. Coast Guard’s post-Homeport online reboot, the agency has launched a new online system that allows mariners to submit and track credential applications faster and more securely.

The Coast Guard has named the system the Application Submission and Additional Information Portal, or ASAP for short. The portal—available at www.nmc-asap.appsplatformportals.us—is where mariners can submit applications for Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates, upload documents and monitor application status. According to the Coast Guard’s announcement, ASAPis “now the primary way to submit applications to the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center.”

The portal is streamlined, with a focus on simple navigation and easy document uploading. At the top of the portal is a link to a live chat feature with the National Maritime Center. The National Maritime Center has also posted a tutorial video on YouTube aimed at introducing mariners to the new system. That video is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRIv8IQ_l5g.

Questions may be directed to the National Maritime Center’s customer service center, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern. Use the online chat, email iasknmc@uscg.mil or call 1-888-427-5662.