This update supersedes the information in Update #1 dated October 9, 2025.

The National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) remain closed. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are cancelled. To mitigate the impact caused by the government shutdown, the NMC has implemented the following measures:

• E-mail submission of applications and supporting documentation remains active. Processing will resume once appropriations are restored.
• Merchant Mariner Credentials (National Endorsements only) and Medical Certificates (National and Pilot expiration dates only) that expire in October 2025 remain valid until December 31, 2025.
• Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must carry the expired credential AND a copy of the attached letter while sailing under the authority of those credentials. The NMC will not issue separate or replacement MMCs or Medical Certificates reflecting the extension.
• Additional information letters, approval to test letters, and mariner training course completion certificates that expire in October 2025 are extended until December 31, 2025. The NMC will not issue updated letters reflecting the extension.
• Qualified Assessor and Designated Examiner certification letters and course approvals that expire October 31, 2025, are extended until February 28, 2026. The NMC will not issue updated certificates/letters reflecting the extension.

Mariner Examinations

• Mariners who began but did not complete all modules of an examination prior to
  October 1, 2025, may resume testing without penalty once the NMC reopens. Testing
  should be completed within 60 days of reopening. Contact the NMC regarding waivers
  due to sea service.
• 90-day retest periods are paused beginning on October 1, 2025, and will restart upon
  reopening. Contact the NMC regarding waivers due to sea service.
• For questions regarding credentialing issues related to National Defense, marine employers
  are advised to contact our Customer Service Center.

To read the full update and past updates please visit: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/

Source: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/announcements/2025/lapse_in_appropriations_and_government_shutdown_update_2_101525.pdf?ver=ZTFrn0MFl_r0LoHOxo95Iw%3d%3d