USCG informs about lapse in appropriations and mariner credentials

Mainly, seafarers should consider the following:

• Merchant Mariner Credentials, National Endorsements only, and Medical Certificates that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended as valid until April 30, 2019. Seafarers ought to print the attached letter and carry it with their credential.
• Additional Information letters, sent to mariners that expire in December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended to April 30, 2019.
• Approval to Test letters and mariner training course certificates that expire in the months of December 2018, January 2019, or February 2019 are extended until April 30, 2019.
• For mariners whose 90-day testing cycles were interrupted by Regional Exam Center closures, starting on December 26, 2018, the days the RECs were closed will not count against the 90-day period. REC appointment calendars will be re-opened immediately once appropriations are restored.