46 CFR 10.217: MMC application and examination locations
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section says where applicants may apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and where exams may be given. Applicants may apply at any Regional Examination Center or other Coast Guard-designated location. Coast Guard units abroad may conduct exams for ratings but not practical examinations.
Applies toApplicants for an MMC and the Coast Guard locations that accept applications and conduct exams.
What it says
Applicants for an MMC may apply to any Regional Examination Center (REC) or any other location designated by the Coast Guard.
46 CFR 10.217(a)“Applicants for an MMC may apply to any of the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) or any other location designated by the Coast Guard.”
Applicants may contact the National Maritime Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, by telephone at 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or by email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil.
46 CFR 10.217(a)“Applicants may contact the National Maritime Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, by telephone 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or by email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil.”
A list of locations approved for application submittal is available through the Coast Guard website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.
46 CFR 10.217(a)“A list of locations approved for application submittal is available through the Coast Guard website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.”
Coast Guard units abroad may conduct exams for ratings at locations other than the RECs, but they are not prepared to conduct practical examinations.
46 CFR 10.217(b)(1)“Coast Guard units abroad may conduct exams for ratings at locations other than the RECs, but are not prepared to conduct practical examinations.”
The Coast Guard may designate additional exam facilities or locations to provide services to MMC applicants.
46 CFR 10.217(b)(2)“The Coast Guard may designate additional exam facilities/locations to provide services to applicants for MMCs.”
Common questions
Where can I apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential?
You may apply at any Regional Examination Center or any other location the Coast Guard designates.
“Applicants for an MMC may apply to any of the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) or any other location designated by the Coast Guard.”
Can I take a practical exam at a Coast Guard unit abroad?
No. Coast Guard units abroad may conduct exams for ratings away from the RECs, but they are not prepared to conduct practical examinations.
“Coast Guard units abroad may conduct exams for ratings at locations other than the RECs, but are not prepared to conduct practical examinations.”
How do I contact the National Maritime Center?
You may write to 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, call 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or email IASKNMC@uscg.mil.
“Applicants may contact the National Maritime Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, by telephone 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or by email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil.”
The text of 46 CFR 10.217
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Merchant Mariner Credential application and examination locations
(a) Applicant Locations. Applicants for an MMC may apply to any of the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) or any other location designated by the Coast Guard. Applicants may contact the National Maritime Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, by telephone 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or by email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil. A list of locations approved for application submittal is available through the Coast Guard website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.
(b) Exam Locations. (1) Coast Guard units abroad may conduct exams for ratings at locations other than the RECs, but are not prepared to conduct practical examinations.
(2) The Coast Guard may designate additional exam facilities/locations to provide services to applicants for MMCs.
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.