Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Denial

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) requires all Merchant Mariners to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).  To promote safety at sea, the U.S.C.G. can deny a Merchant Mariner Credential for various reasons.

The United States Code of Federal Regulations 46 C.F.R. Subchapter B, Part 10 are the regulations that apply to Merchant Mariner Credentials.  Generally, applicants must pass a physical and a drug test and provide their criminal and driving histories. The purpose of this information gathering is to make sure that those individuals who hold MMCs are competent, do not pose a threat to national security, and that the applicant is a safe and suitable person.

So long as you pass the physical, drug test and have a clean criminal and driving record, the MMC application should not pose a concern.  If, however, you have issues in any of these areas, you may be denied an MMC – at least initially. The good news is that you have two opportunities to overturn the denial through the reconsideration and appeal process, as described below.

If you applied for and were denied an MMC, you can file a request for reconsideration with the National Maritime Center (NMC).  If your request for reconsideration with the NMC is denied, you can then file a formal appeal with the U.S.C.G. headquarters in Washington, D.C.

If you have issues obtaining an MMC, contact the Merchant Mariner Credential denial lawyers at the National Security Law Firm today.  We represent clients in the MMC denial process nationwide. If your MMC is denied you should immediately contact an experienced Merchant Mariner Credential denial lawyer to review your case.

If you applied for and were denied an MMC, you can file a request for reconsideration with the National Maritime Center (NMC).  If your request for reconsideration with the NMC is denied, you can then file a formal appeal with the U.S.C.G. headquarters in Washington, D.C.

If you have issues obtaining an MMC, contact the Merchant Mariner Credential denial lawyers at the National Security Law Firm today.  We represent clients in the MMC denial process nationwide. If your MMC is denied you should immediately contact an experienced Merchant Mariner Credential denial lawyer to review your case.

A. Request for Reconsideration of a MMC Denial

You have 30 days from the date of the decision letter to request reconsideration of the adverse determination from the National Maritime Center (NMC).  The decision letter may be a Medical of Safety & Suitability denial letter, an Awaiting Information letter, Approval to Test letter, or any other determination regarding your application. Your request for reconsideration must be in writing and must address why the determination was incorrect. It should also include supporting documentation and a copy of the denial letter. It should persuasively and accurately explain why you want the NMC to reconsider the decision made.

The NMC processes reconsideration requests on a first come, first served basis.  The amount of time your reconsideration request will take will depend on the complexity of the issues raised.  Generally, reconsideration requests take four to six weeks to process. The NMC will mail you their decision.

B. Formal Appeal of a MMC Denial

You must request reconsideration, as explained above, before requesting a formal appeal.  If your request for reconsideration is denied for any reason, you can then request an appeal under Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations section 1.03-40.  You have 30 days from the date of the date on the reconsideration letter to file an appeal.

Requests for appeal must be made in writing to the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, located in Washington, D.C., and must include a copy of the Reconsideration Denial letter. Again, supporting information and documentation and a persuasive explanation of why you disagree with the determination should be included. The U.S.C.G. will mail you their decision.

Nationwide Merchant Mariner Credential Denial Lawyer

If you were denied a MMC, you should consult with a Merchant Mariner Credential denial lawyer to review your case.  We will evaluate your denial and draft a persuasive, detailed request for reconsideration and/or formal appeal on your behalf.

The Merchant Mariner Credential denial lawyers at the National Security Law Firm are experienced in dealing with legal issues such as MMC denial before the NMC and the USCG.  We represent clients in the MMC denial reconsideration and appeal process throughout the United States.