(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) is implementing an update to its policy regarding the use of customer-provided U.S. Postal Service (USPS) shipping labels for credential delivery.
Due to current application inventory levels and extended processing timelines, applications may not be completed for several months after submission. In accordance with USPS shipping policy, shipping labels that are more than 30 days old cannot be used. As a result, shipping labels may expire before they can be used.
Therefore, the NMC will apply the following procedures when processing and shipping credentials:
• USPS shipping labels older than 30 days will not be used.
• Credentials associated with expired labels will be shipped via USPS first-class mail.
• The NMC will not request replacement labels or delay issuance pending receipt of a new label.
Mariners are strongly encouraged not to submit USPS shipping labels with their applications and to consider current processing timelines when choosing an alternate shipping method. Mariners are also encouraged to monitor the NMC website for updates regarding processing times, Regional Examination Center (REC) operations, and policy adjustments as operations stabilize.
For questions, contact the Customer Service Center via the NMC online chat system, by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
– National Maritime Center
