2025 Government Shutdown NoticeUpdated 14 days ago
Important Updates for Captain’s Licenses During the Shutdown
The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) remain closed due to the lapse in federal appropriations. This means:
No in-person exams
No appointments
No application processing
Below is important guidance for captains and mariners affected by this shutdown.
Can I still submit my captain's license application?
✅ Yes! If you are ready to submit your captain's license application, we strongly recommend submitting it now. Do not wait for the government to reopen.
You may continue to submit applications and supporting documentation by e-mail
Processing will resume once appropriations are restored
When will my application packet be processed?
Applications will be held during the shutdown. Once funding is fully restored, the NMC will resume processing all pending applications.
How does this impact my Course Completion Certificate?
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.
How does this impact my current captain's license that expires in October 2025?
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 actively working on expired credentials that meet this criteria must carry:
Their expired credential, and
A copy of the official Coast Guard Update #2 Extension Letter (download link below)
Can I get a replacement MMC or Medical Certificate during the shutdown?
No. The NMC will not issue separate or replacement MMCs or Medical Certificates reflecting the extension.
Can I still contact the National Maritime Center during this time?
Their Customer Service Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. You can contact them via the NMC online chat system, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Where can I read all the announcements and stay up to date?
To read the full National Maritime Center announcements, click on the following links:
- October 1, 2025: Lapse in Appropriations and Government Shutdown
- October 9, 2025: Lapse in Appropriations and Government Shutdown UPDATE #1: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions
- October 15, 2025: Lapse in Appropriations and Government Shutdown UPDATE #2: Mitigation Efforts – Extensions
- October 20, 2025: Lapse in Appropriations and Government Shutdown: STCW Mitigation Efforts – Dispensations
You can keep up-to-date on future announcements by going to the National Maritime Center's homepage and scrolling down to its announcements section.