Written by
Nick Blenkey
As soon as folded, the brand new MMC has the appear and feel of a passport. [Image: NMC]
The U.S. Coast Guard will launch a brand new service provider mariner credential (MMC) on March 1, 2024. The company is changing the MMC passport-style booklet (“Pink Ebook”) with a brand new, certificates measurement, one web page credential. The brand new credential can be issued to all mariners after the implementation date.
That is the primary complete revision of the service provider mariner credential since 2015 and the Coast Guard says that it’s strategically designed to boost each the standard of service and safety throughout the Marine Transportation System (MTS).
Because the unique supply of U.S. mariner credentials, the Coast Guard will proceed to grant these credentials to mariners who meet the required {qualifications} and suitability standards, enabling them to serve on U.S. flagged vessels.
MMCs are required for U.S. mariners who serve on commercially operated vessels similar to passenger boats, tug and barges, offshore provide vessels, and deep draft ocean going cargo vessels all through the U.S. and internationally.
The Coast Guard says that the present passport fashion credential printers on the Nationwide Maritime Heart (NMC) are outdated and due for alternative, prompting the necessity for a extra dependable and trendy answer. Because of this, NMC will now situation the brand new credential on 8.5 inch x 11 inch waterproof artificial paper, sourced from the Authorities Printing Workplace (GPO). This up to date credential incorporates improved security measures together with anti-copy measures, micro-printing, foiling, and complex patterns.
Current passport fashion credentials is not going to get replaced instantly, and mariners will obtain their new credential through the subsequent utility course of with the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is planning a long-term credentialing answer within the type of an digital credential or E-credential. E-credentials will comprise all required data and security measures to satisfy home and worldwide necessities. As well as, the Coast Guard plans to offer printing choices for mariners to acquire paper or different non-electronic variations.
A Marine Security Info Bulletin (MSIB 01-24) and a Federal Register Discover (2024-03568) can be found on the brand new credential.
- The Nationwide Maritime Heart says that the brand new one-page, entrance & again format MMC could also be displayed flat or folded. Whereas folding is elective, as soon as folded, the brand new MMC has the appear and feel of a passport. Extra particulars HERE.
