OBTAINING YOUR MERCHANT MARINER'S DOCUMENT (MMD)
As regulated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), all mariners sailing on MSC vessels are required to hold a Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) with the appropriate endorsement or license for the position in which they are sailing. In order to obtain your MMD for the first time, there are several steps that you will need to take. Please follow these as outlined below.

• Request and complete the Application for License as an Officer, Staff Officer or Operator and for Merchant Mariner’s Document (CG-719B). You can obtain this form from MSC, a USCG Regional Examination Center (REC), or download it at www.uscg.mil/stcw/download-docs/cg719b.pdf.
• The cost to obtain an entry-level MMD is $140.00. This is not reimbursable by MSC.
• If you have seagoing experience, also submit verification of sea service with the MMD package to receive higher endorsements on your MMD. If possible, try to obtain a copy of your sea service transcripts from your CO prior to active-duty departure.
• Send the MMD package to one of the RECs (click here for locations) or submit it in person. You will be required to physically visit the REC at least once to have your fingerprints taken as well as to take the Oath.
• Merchant Mariner’s Documents are valid for five years from date of issuance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/new-begin.htm

One of the numbers you will need to submit with a completed application is your selective service number. You can obtain that number by visiting https://www4.sss.gov/regver/verification1.asp.

The Coast Guard launched a website to provide merchant mariners with real-time information on the status of pending mariner credential applications. Merchant mariners can check the status of application packages throughout the verification and approval process by logging onto http://homeport.uscg.mil/, clicking on the Merchant Mariners tab and then clicking on Merchant Mariner Application Status.