Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Guide

Earning Your Merchant Mariner Credential & Starting the Application Process

For a detailed checklist about the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) application process, visit the USG’s official MMC page.

(1) GET A TRANSPORTATION WORKERS IDENTIFICATION CARD (TWIC)

WEBSITE

Visit the TSA website to find your nearest enrollment center, click here.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday thru Friday

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

COST: $125.00

VALID FOR: 5 YRS

WHAT IS A TWIC™ ?

A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC™) is a biometric credential that ensures only vetted workers are eligible to gain unescorted access to secure areas of a Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)-regulated port or vessel.

WHO NEEDS A TWIC™ ?

Coast Guard-credentialed merchant mariners, port facility employees, longshore workers, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)

SHOULD I PRE-ENROLL?

It is not required to pre-enroll, but it would save you time.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO ENROLL?

List A – One document

  • Unexpired US passport book or passport card
  • Unexpired Merchant Mariner Document (MMD)

List B – Two documents (one of which being a government-issued ID)

  • Unexpired driver’s license
  • Original or certified copy of birth certificate)
  • US Military ID card or US Retired Military ID
  • Expired US passport (within 12 months of expiration)
  • US Social Security card
  • US military discharge paper (DD-214)

(2) GET MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL (MMC)

Maritime Institute’s credentialing services are available to assist you in filling out the paperwork to apply to the Coast Guard for the MMC.

The Merchant Mariner Credential or MMC is a credential issued by the United States Coast Guard in accordance with the STCW guidelines to the United States Seafarers to show evidence of a mariner’s qualifications.

MERCHANT MARINER’S PACKAGE:

  • Merchant Mariners Oath (Notarized)
  • Certifications
  • Letters of Recommendation (License Applicants only)

MILITARY ONLY:

  • Sea Service Letter
  • Page 4/Qualifications (OOD or EOOW)
  • Page 5/Letter (History of Assignments)
  • Drug Letter
  • Evaluations/FITREPS
  • DD-214