A critical printing error on U.S. Coast Guard medical certificates is causing confusion, but the Coast Guard has confirmed these credentials remain valid for work.
While the agency has so far only confirmed the issue for medical certificates issued between July 25, 2025, and Sept. 3, 2025, all mariners are strongly encouraged to review their current medical certificate to ensure they were not affected.
The problem is a single, misplaced line. On certificates for mariners without any medical limitations, a line was printed in the wrong area, stating:
*Limitations/Restrictions Y
This misprint incorrectly implies the mariner has limitations that must be reviewed by employers or inspectors. The certificate is supposed to clearly state in a separate section:
*No Limitations/Restrictions Y
For the Professional Mariner: Your Certificate is Valid
The most important takeaway is that your current medical certificate is valid if you are impacted by this. Though the certificate says that you have limitations and restrictions due to their printing error, you do not and you are fully cleared for work. This printing error does not change your medical status.
The National Maritime Center (NMC) is automatically issuing corrected certificates and mailing them to all mariners confirmed to be affected within the official timeframe.
Your Action Plan:
- Verify Your Certificate: Check your certificate for the specific error, regardless of the issue date. It is wise to confirm your own credential is correct, even if it's outside the dates announced by the Coast Guard.
- Be Prepared to Explain: If questioned by an employer or inspector, you can confidently explain this is a known USCG printing error and that your certificate is valid.
For Marine Employers and Hiring Managers
Be aware that you may encounter certificates with this specific misprint, particularly from mariners who were issued credentials between late July and early September 2025. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, these certificates are to be considered valid. Do not deny work to a mariner based on this known printing error. The mariner is not at fault, and their credential remains active.
Corrected certificates are being mailed by the NMC.
For official verification or questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, via Live Chat, e-mail ([email protected]), or phone (1-888-IASKNMC).
