Do you need to post your passport mmd?

[john]

Yes, Norleen L. Schumer of MaritimeLicensing.com sent us this from the USCG:

Important Information for Mariners about posting of the New Merchant Mariner
Credential on-board a vessel.

The Coast Guard recently released the new Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), a passport
style document that replaces legacy licenses and documents. There is a requirement, 46 USC
7110, that the license be displayed in a conspicuous place on the vessel on which he/she is
serving has not been changed by this new style credential. Those mariners previously required to
post a legacy license should now post their MMC in accordance with the guidance below.


Mariners should display the officer endorsement page of the credential. This is equivalent to the
previous officer license. The term “officer endorsement” is defined in 46 CFR 10.107 of the
final rule. The definition, in part, states, “The officer endorsement serves as the license and/or
certificate of registry pursuant to 46 USC subtitle II part E.” The final rule also discusses this
issue in section III, paragraph 15, sub-section A, “Comments from the Docket or Public
Meetings.” It specifically states, “Officer endorsements could be contained on opposing pages
and would not contain personal privacy information so that the credential could be opened to that
page for posting aboard vessels to satisfy the requirements of 46 USC 7710.”

Sincerely,
David C. Stalfort
Captain, U. S. Coast Guard

[mike173]

The Coast Guard really has no clue, do they? Ever been to a foreign port that requires the carrying of Seaman's documents or books while going ashore? I've been to quite a few. More than I can name. Guess that's another task for the Mate on watch. Open the license rack....close the license rack....open the license rack.

[Azimuth]

The last 2 COI's I've been thru the Inspectors made no mention of the fact that our licenses we NOT posted in a conspicuous place. They just asked to see all the documents and licenses of crew members listed on the station bill.

[Capt_Anonymous]

Yes, Norleen L. Schumer of MaritimeLicensing.com sent us this from the USCG:

Two words:

Uh huh.

[anchorman]

That's almost funny, to post an original document that the Coast Guard says is not any good without being accompanied by a TWIC. What do they say about posting the TWIC? Thought so.
I've always posted color copied only because Chouest puts glass display cases in the bridge for that purpose. I just think it looks good, but not practical for an original document. I could care less what the foreigners do in their ports, or expect me to carry while there.......you can get the hookers delivered.

[Stareed]

Anchorman,
Just make sure the ladies fill out a permit to work before it all gets started! Wouldn't want Roy to hit you on an audit!

[anchorman]

Anchorman,
Just make sure the ladies fill out a permit to work before it all gets started! Wouldn't want Roy to hit you on an audit!

I worry about *** as much as I worry about getting waffle feet for standing in the shower too long.

[Capt_Anonymous]

I worry about Roy as much as I worry about getting waffle feet for standing in the shower too long.

It's nice to know you wash up after.

[New3M]

the real question is how many people that have a new MMC are still going to post their old licenses in the rack? as long as they're not expired, nobody's going to know the difference....

[anchorman]

the real question is how many people that have a new MMC are still going to post their old licenses in the rack? as long as they're not expired, nobody's going to know the difference....

That would be fraud.

[New3M]

why? i just got a new mmc, but only because i got a pic endorsement. so, my license is still the same, even the expiration date, and the only difference is that i have a pic now, which would only be on my z-card under the old system anyway. so what's wrong with posting my full size license? obviously i would let the captain decide, but i don't see the problem with it.

[anchorman]

Whenever a new document is issued, it's to take the place of the old one. The old one becomes void. The license may be the same as well as the expiration, but the document number is not.
It's not like a driver's license where the number stays with you for the rest of your life.
The old number can not be used anymore. What's to keep someone from riding on your old document if it's still good, became lost, and the new one does not take precendence?

[dougpine]

Whenever a new document is issued, it's to take the place of the old one. The old one becomes void. The license may be the same as well as the expiration, but the document number is not.
It's not like a driver's license where the number stays with you for the rest of your life.
The old number can not be used anymore. What's to keep someone from riding on your old document if it's still good, became lost, and the new one does not take precendence?

This raises a good question for us DE and Assessor types. What number do we now use when we sign someone off on an assessment control sheet? The sheet calls for our license number. Do we still have one? I've emailed NMC asking what number to use (mariner number, reference number or whatever they're calling it now) but I haven't heard back.

[mike173]

I seriously doubt that ever crossed their minds. They're probably scrambling right now to write a new policy. Maybe they'll issue a special card with a DE number on it. Or maybe the DE number can be an endorsement on the MMC. Just submit a new application......

[New3M]

and wait 17 weeks for a response....

[anchorman]

This raises a good question for us DE and Assessor types. What number do we now use when we sign someone off on an assessment control sheet? The sheet calls for our license number. Do we still have one? I've emailed NMC asking what number to use (mariner number, reference number or whatever they're calling it now) but I haven't heard back.

Just put your MMC ref. number. As long as they have something to cross reference to check your credentials, that's all they really want.

[Capt. Phoenix]

Whenever a new document is issued, it's to take the place of the old one. The old one becomes void. The license may be the same as well as the expiration, but the document number is not.
It's not like a driver's license where the number stays with you for the rest of your life.
The old number can not be used anymore. What's to keep someone from riding on your old document if it's still good, became lost, and the new one does not take precendence?

I'm not so sure about that. I have looked up my info on homeport and it says VALID beside all my previous licenses and documents that have not reached their expiration date yet. I expect I could still use them if I wanted/needed to.

[Emills505]

the real question is how many people that have a new MMC are still going to post their old licenses in the rack? as long as they're not expired, nobody's going to know the difference....

I like this one, on my last ship, I looked at both boards, and of the six officers aboard, zero had any documents posted. I would actually go up their daily to see if my name changed

[anchorman]

I'm not so sure about that. I have looked up my info on homeport and it says VALID beside all my previous licenses and documents that have not reached their expiration date yet. I expect I could still use them if I wanted/needed to.

I hate to hear that you're not sure. I generally don't post anything unless I am. And, I hate to do other peoples' homework, but here you go......

§ 10.205 Validity of a merchant mariner credential.

(a) An MMC is valid for a term of five years from the date of issuance.

(b) All endorsements are valid until the expiration date of the MMC on which they appear.

(c) A mariner may not serve under the authority of an MMC past its expiration date. An expired MMC may be renewed during an administrative grace period of up to one year beyond its expiration date as per §10.227(f) of this part.

(d) When an MMC is renewed or re-issued before its expiration date in accordance with §10.227, the MMC that has been replaced becomes invalid.

(e) An MMC is not valid until signed by the applicant and a duly authorized Coast Guard official.

(f) A mariner's STCW endorsement is valid only when the related officer or rating endorsement is valid.

(g) A mariner's endorsements authorize the holder to serve in any capacity endorsed on the MMC, or in any lower capacity in the same department, or in any capacity covered by a general endorsement thereon.

(h) If a mariner chooses to renew his or her license, MMD, COR, or STCW endorsement and receive their first MMC, the Coast Guard may also renew all other credentials for which the mariner is qualified.

[Capt. Phoenix]

Then I guess homeport is wrong and those past documents are invalid. Though, the documents weren't renewed or reissued, they were upgraded. Maybe that is the technicality that makes it valid? I just know that according to the USCG's site those documents are still marked as Valid.