When the federal government shutdown began on September 30, 2025, most U.S. mariners didn’t expect it to immediately affect their careers. Yet within hours, the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) suspended nearly all public services.
That means walk-in visits, license exams, and credentialing appointments are off the table until further notice. For mariners waiting to renew credentials or take upgrade exams, the shutdown has created new uncertainty — and potential delays that could stretch for weeks.
As detailed in an official notice signed by Captain Patrick A. Drayer, Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections, NMC and RECs will stay closed until Congress restores federal funding. But there’s some good news: email submissions remain open, allowing mariners to send applications or documents that will be processed once the government reopens.
Below, SeaEmploy.com explains what’s happening, why it matters, and how to move forward — step by step.
What’s Happening and Why
The closure stems from the lapse in appropriations—essentially, Congress has not yet approved the federal budget for the 2026 fiscal year. When funding stops, agencies must suspend operations under the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits them from spending money not appropriated by law.
While essential national defense services continue, most civilian support operations — including merchant mariner credentialing — are classified as non-essential. That’s why the NMC and RECs have locked their doors for now.
Until Congress passes a new funding bill, no in-person testing or licensing will occur. However, the Coast Guard continues to maintain a small support staff for critical defense needs and customer service assistance via email, phone, and chat.
What Services Remain Available
Even during the shutdown, the NMC has confirmed several key services remain active:
- The Customer Service Center is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (EST).
- Mariners can contact them by email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil, via the online chat system, or by phone at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
- The NMC website will continue posting operational updates.
- Email submissions remain open — you can still send your completed forms, documents, or applications to IASKNMC@uscg.mil, where they will queue for processing once the shutdown ends.
This means while no new credentials are being issued, mariners can at least submit ahead to secure their place in line when normal operations resume.
The Impact on Mariners
Exams and Appointments on Hold
If you had an exam or appointment scheduled after September 30, it’s canceled. The NMC and RECs will reschedule once funding returns, likely prioritizing those who had earlier appointments first.
Renewals and Upgrades Delayed
Mariners awaiting renewals or upgrades to higher endorsements will face delays. Credential processing cannot be finalized until federal staff return to work.
Credentials Nearing Expiration
If your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or Medical Certificate expires soon, keep calm but act strategically. The Coast Guard has, in past shutdowns, issued temporary extensions once operations resumed. While no extensions have been announced yet for 2025, they’re highly likely if delays persist.
Industry Consequences
The impact doesn’t stop with individuals. Shipping companies, crewing agencies, and maritime recruiters — including those featured on SeaEmploy.com — are now dealing with hiring slowdowns and crewing bottlenecks.
This means delays in onboarding, contract verification, and even compliance checks for STCW and USCG documentation.
Step-by-Step: How to Proceed During the Shutdown
You can’t control the budget, but you can control your readiness. Here’s what every mariner should do right now:
Step 1: Stay Updated
Check the NMC website daily for official updates about reopening dates or extensions. Follow Coast Guard social channels or subscribe to Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) for real-time alerts.
Step 2: Submit by Email
Since email submissions remain open, this is your chance to get ahead.
- Send your completed application packages to IASKNMC@uscg.mil.
- Include all supporting forms (CG-719B, CG-719K, sea service letters, certificates, etc.).
- Once the shutdown ends, the NMC will begin processing queued submissions in order received.
This step could save you several weeks of waiting once the centers reopen.
Step 3: Verify and Organize Documents
Go through your paperwork carefully. Check expiration dates on certificates, confirm signatures on sea service letters, and ensure your physical exams are within the valid period.
This downtime is ideal for completing any missing training (such as STCW refreshers or Basic Safety revalidation).
Step 4: Communicate with Your Employer
Inform your company, union, or manning agency of your situation. Many employers are adjusting embarkation schedules for mariners affected by credential delays. Proactive communication helps avoid last-minute contract issues.
Step 5: Keep Proof of Submission
If you email your documents during the shutdown, save your sent confirmation and any automatic replies. Once operations resume, those timestamps will help establish your place in the queue.
Step 6: Monitor for Temporary Extensions
If the shutdown continues for several weeks, the Coast Guard may issue a temporary extension policy for expiring credentials. These are usually published as Marine Safety Information Bulletins on the Coast Guard site.
Keep checking the MSIB page to stay informed.
After the Shutdown: What to Expect
When funding is restored, the NMC will start processing the backlog. Priority will likely go to mariners who:
- Submitted documents during the shutdown, or
- Had canceled REC appointments.
Processing times will be longer than normal for several weeks. The best preparation now is to have your full documentation ready and submitted so you’re at the front of the line.
