Coast Guard launches Web-based, merchant mariner credential verification tool

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday the launch of a new, Web-based tool  to provide information on the validity of merchant mariner credentials.

The Merchant Mariner Credential Verification tool was created following Operation Big Tow, a marine safety operation focused on ensuring uninspected towing vessels are being operated by properly licensed individuals. The operation identified the need for an open and rapid means of verifying the validity of merchant mariner credentials.  The Merchant Mariner Credential Verification tool provides marine employers the means to ensure they are hiring mariners with valid credentials.  It also allows Port State Control officers in foreign ports a real-time capability to verify U.S. mariners' credentials.

“Since Operation Big Tow launched, the National Maritime Center has received many calls from marine employers wanting to verify the validity of their employees credentials or the credential of mariners they are considering hiring," said Capt. David Stalfort, the commanding officer of the National Maritime Center.  “Our goal with this tool is to offer better customer service to these employers.”

There are three ways to verify the validity of a MMC:  

• Credential type and serial number;
• Mariner Reference number; or
• Last name, date of birth and last four digits of the mariner's social security number.

For more information about the National Maritime Center's Mariner Licensing and Documentation program visit http://www.uscg.mil/nmc or the Homeport site at http://homeport.uscg.mil and then select Merchant Mariners.