Delivering a long-awaited solution for mariners and employers, the U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center (NMC) has launched two new web-based, self-service tools for credential verification and application status checks. The announcement, dated July 24, 2025, comes as welcome news after the permanent shutdown of the USCG Homeport portal in April left the industry without a digital means to verify credentials.
This development directly addresses the significant operational challenges created by the decommissioning of previous online services. The new tools restore vital functionality, moving the industry away from the temporary, less efficient methods of phone calls and direct emails that have been in place for the last few months.
Both tools are available on the NMC website, and the data is updated on weekdays by 8:00 a.m. EST.
To use the tools you must enter a mariners Last Name and Mariner Reference Number. The results are automatically emailed to the email address provided.
- Mariner Credential Application Status: This tool provides mariners with status updates on their MMC applications via e-mail.
- Mariner Credential Verification: This tool allows employers and other stakeholders to verify a mariner’s credentials and medical certificate.
This is a significant step forward from the "temporary setback" the industry faced earlier this year.
The previous system's cancellation forced employers into a manual verification process with the NMC, which was limited to five mariners at a time and subject to delays. These new self-service tools are a step in the right direction to alleviate the administrative burden on mariners, employers, and the NMC alike.
For mariners, this means a faster, more transparent process for tracking their application progress, allowing them to get to work more quickly. For employers, it restores the ability to conduct swift and efficient crewing and ensure regulatory compliance, keeping vessels operating without delay.
While these tools mark a major improvement, the NMC Customer Service Center is available for questions or assistance. The center can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, via Live Chat on the NMC website, by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
The launch of these tools reaffirms the USCG's commitment to modernizing the mariner credentialing system. By providing a reliable digital solution, the NMC is enhancing maritime safety and security and offering the convenience and efficiency that the modern maritime industry requires.
