Beginning 9/14/26, mariners must submit applications electronically through a new portal, Navita™, designed to simplify the application process and help mariners submit complete applications. A system user guide can be found on NMC’s website.

Both the previous Application Submission and Additional Information Portal (ASAP) and the IASKNMC@uscg.mil email address have been discontinued and are no longer available. Mariners and other stakeholders must submit inquiries to the NMC directly through Navita™in order to provide a centralized method for submitting and managing inquiries and to ensure correspondence is associated with the appropriate applicant or application.

Although paper applications will still be accepted, the Coast Guard intends to phase out this submission method within the next 12 months. Mariners are strongly encouraged to submit credentialA Credential includes any of the following: Merchant Mariner… More applications via Navita™ to ensure they receive timely, first-in, first-out processing and status of their application. Paper applications, whether submitted by mail or in-person, will take significantly longer to process. 

REC personnel will continue to review application documents presented during an appointment for completeness.

In order to access Navita™, users must obtain a login.gov account.  Login.gov is a safe way to sign in to many US government websites (IRS, VA, SSA) using just one account. It helps protect personal information by requiring extra steps to confirm the identity of the user. To create such an account, as well as to see an overview of Navitas, follow this link..

See Bulletin 9/11/26