Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)?

46 CFR 15.403

Who needs to have a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)?

• All vessels that are required to operate with a licensed Master, regardless of size.
• All licensed mariners (Mates) employed aboard United States (U.S.) merchant vessels.
• All mariners employed aboard vessels greater than 100 Gross Register Tons (DomesticTonnage).

Do I Need a TWIC to get a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)?

• Yes. An Original Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) will require a mariner to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also known as TWIC. See TWIC Career Track Flyer.

Who issues a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)?

• A Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) is issued by the United States Coast Guard, and it is required documentation for all crew members of U.S. ships with a Gross Register Tonnage of over 100 ton.

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and Employment?

• An MMC is not a guarantee of finding work, but rather a certification allowing you to work in the shipboard merchant marine industry.
• MMCs allow you to work in the deck, engineering, or steward’s department of a ship. 

Are there jobs that do not require a Merchant Mariner Credential(MMC)?

• Remember the regulatory benchmark for an MMC is on U.S. ships with a Gross Register Tonnage of over 100 Gross Register Tons.
• Therefore, vessels less than a 100 Gross Resister Tons may hire a mariner without an MMC.
• Consider shipboard entry-level positions on small passenger vessels operating on domestic waters. Examples are: Charter Vessels, Diving Support Vessels, Sightseeing

Need additional course or career information.

Contact:Career Coach - Chuck Spence

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 206.788.0491