Many mariners waited for weeks to hear when the U.S. Coast Guard would restart normal credentialing activity after the federal government shutdown. Now the update has finally arrived. The National Maritime Center (NMC) and the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) have entered the early stages of restoring services, and the plan looks structured, careful, and focused on the mariners hit hardest by the closure. At SeaEmploy.com we reviewed the official notice released on 13 November 2025, and here is what you need to know right now.
What is actually reopening
The government restored funding, so the NMC immediately began bringing services back online. However, the Coast Guard made it clear that the reopening will not happen all at once. Instead, they will use a phased approach so they can reduce the backlog and help mariners who had their exams canceled during the shutdown.
The most important news is this:
• Examinations will resume.
• Email submission remains open.
• Walk-in and counter services at RECs stay suspended until 21 November 2025.
This means you can take an exam soon, but you still cannot walk into an REC counter and file documents in person. The Coast Guard wants REC staff to focus on rescheduling examinations and screening applications, which piled up during the furlough.For official confirmation, mariners can always check the NMC website
How the exam rescheduling will work
Many mariners felt stressed after losing exam dates during the shutdown. Now the Coast Guard explains how they plan to fix that. During the first five business days of the reopening period, RECs will focus fully on rescheduling the canceled exams.
The earliest exam dates available for most RECs begin on 18 November 2025. Mariners who lost their exam slots do not need to guess—they will be contacted by their REC so they can arrange a new appointment.
The Coast Guard wants to help the people who were directly affected before taking new exam requests. This should reduce confusion and also clear the queue faster. After this initial catch-up period, RECs will start offering regular exam scheduling again.
If you need to ask a question or submit documentation, you should continue using email or the online chat system.
NMC online chat
Email: IASKNMC@uscg.mil
Phone: 1-888-IASKNMC
When RECs return to normal operations
According to the official notice, RECs expect to return to more routine operations on 24 November 2025. At that point, all mariners should be able to schedule exams again. However, the Coast Guard cautions that some RECs might still experience slower service because of staffing shortages that existed even before the shutdown.
So while exams will run, and applications will be processed, some locations may still have limited capacity. This is important for anyone planning to test soon—especially if you work on a tight joining schedule.
SeaEmploy.com will also continue to monitor these developments and publish updates for mariners preparing for renewals or upgrades.
What mariners should do now
Because the shutdown caused delays, many mariners now want to submit applications or schedule exams as fast as possible. Here is the simplest way to move forward without wasting time.
Step 1: Submit everything by email
Email submission stayed active throughout the shutdown, and it continues to work now. If you need to renew, upgrade, or apply for a new credential, email remains the fastest and safest method. Make sure your scanned documents are clean, readable, and labeled clearly.
Step 2: Watch your email for rescheduling instructions
If your exam was canceled during the shutdown, your REC will contact you. Do not try to walk in—counter service is still closed until 21 November. Just monitor your messages and respond quickly once they reach out.
Step 3: Prepare for possible slowdowns
Some RECs will take longer to return to normal because their staff levels remain below full capacity. This means you should stay flexible if your preferred exam center receives a high number of requests.
Step 4: Check official updates regularly
Many rumors circulate during shutdown events, and mariners often get stressed. You can avoid confusion by following only trusted sources.
Official NMC site
USCG general updates
What this means for mariners preparing for 2026
This reopening comes at a critical time. Many mariners have contracts planned for early 2026 and need their exams or documents completed before joining. The phased reopening gives the Coast Guard time to clear the backlog, but it also shows the need for early planning.
Anyone upgrading to Mate, Master, Engineer, or renewing high-level endorsements should start preparing immediately. Delays may still happen because of staffing shortages.
However, with exams available again and document processing active, mariners can finally move forward with their career plans.
