# Medical Certs for MMC **URL:** \ **Category:** Professional Mariner Forum\ **Created:** [February 5, 2014, 1:17pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044 "2014-02-05T13:17:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![wafinator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c2a13f/32.png) [@wafinator](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/wafinator)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2014, 12:29pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/22 "2014-02-27T12:29:08Z")
Just received my Medical Certificate today (2/27) despite it being “Approved to Print” since 12/20/13… It expires [U][B]next week[/B][/U]. Apparently, they ignored a previous application submission over the summer which included a recent 719K physical, and instead went with one that I attached to an application from 2 years ago. Brilliant. ---
**Author:** ![z-drive](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c37758/32.png) [@z-drive](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/z-drive)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2014, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/23 "2014-02-27T13:01:16Z")
Mine was in the works a few months ago when I got my vpdsd but haven’t seen it yet? dafuq? ---
**Author:** ![chefedemaquina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b782af/32.png) [@chefedemaquina](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/chefedemaquina)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2014, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/24 "2014-02-27T14:23:50Z")
Got mine last week, expires when my license expires in 8/15 ---
**Author:** ![Flyer69](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/flyer69/32/6000_2.png) [@Flyer69](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Flyer69)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2014, 2:34pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/25 "2014-02-27T14:34:01Z")
> [@"mtskier"](#): > > Just got mine, it expires in Aug this year, and apparently will need to be renewed EVERY year due to my tinnitus waiver. So I fully expect this to become a cluster as I submit renewals. How early do you submit in order to hold a valid med cert? A month, three? That just means its due that much sooner the next year. Is it really too much to ask for good governmental processes…yep… It’s like " license creep" but way worse! If you submit early, the new renewal date is based on the date of the physical exam at the doctors office, not the date that the NMC finally gets around to reviewing and approving your submission. Or not approving it, as the case may be. Just took them 71 days to review my waiver for obstructive sleep apnea. ---
**Author:** ![z-drive](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c37758/32.png) [@z-drive](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/z-drive)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 5:59am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/26 "2014-02-28T05:59:36Z")
here’s the stupidest part of the whole thing…how does this make any sense what so ever??? > The Coast Guard is changing the validity period of a medical certificate issued to a mariner who is serving as a first-class pilot from 1 year, as proposed in the SNPRM, to a maximum period of 2 years. The Coast Guard is making this change in response to comments from the public, MEDMAC, and MERPAC. The comments raised concerns that the Coast Guard would not be able conduct medical evaluations and issue medical endorsements in a reasonable amount of time with a 1-year validity period. Aligning the validity period of a medical certificate issued to a first-class pilot with the validity period of STCW medical certificates will help to minimize the numbers of mariners who will require more frequent medical evaluation. This change should decrease the workload on the medical evaluation staff and help to reduce the possibility of unreasonable time delays. The requirement for pilots to obtain annual physical examinations remains unchanged. So whats this…I have to get a physical, but NOT submit it for a certificate I’ll be holding that will be valid most of the time, but not all the time? Such nonsense, initially I thought we’d be lucky enough to catch a break and only need to send one in every other year. ---
**Author:** ![Bayrunner](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/bayrunner/32/966_2.png) [@Bayrunner](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Bayrunner)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/27 "2014-02-28T13:01:04Z")
> [@"wafinator"](#): > > Just received my Medical Certificate today (2/27) despite it being “Approved to Print” since 12/20/13… It expires next week. Apparently, they ignored a previous application submission over the summer which included a recent 719K physical, and instead went with one that I attached to an application from 2 years ago. Brilliant. Mine expired last month! ---
**Author:** ![wafinator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c2a13f/32.png) [@wafinator](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/wafinator)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 3:32pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/28 "2014-02-28T15:32:26Z")
> [@"Bayrunner"](#): > > Mine expired last month! If you call and make a fuss they’ll slap an extra year on it. I should be getting a new one next week. ---
**Author:** ![Flyer69](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/flyer69/32/6000_2.png) [@Flyer69](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Flyer69)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2014, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/29 "2014-02-28T19:58:42Z")
> [@"wafinator"](#): > > If you call and make a fuss they’ll slap an extra year on it. I should be getting a new one next week. [http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/pdfs/short\_duration\_med\_certs\_bulletin.pdf](http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/announcements/pdfs/short_duration_med_certs_bulletin.pdf) Short Duration Medical Certificates for Mariners with STCW Endorsements In an effort to rapidly provide medical certificates for mariners sailing internationally, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has recently discovered that some mariners have been issued medical certificates which will expire between January and September 2014. To resolve this issue, the NMC is taking the following action:  In order to mitigate additional obligations for those mariners impacted, the NMC will be issuing a new medical certificate with STCW expiration in 2015. This only applies to mariners whose Merchant Mariner Credential containing STCW endorsements was originally issued during the period of January to September 2012.  Mariners who have medical waivers that have an annual submission requirement will still receive a time-limited medical certificate that corresponds with the appropriate required submission dates. The NMC wishes to thank those mariners impacted for their patience while their medical certificates are corrected and sent to them. Please call 1-800-IASKNMC (1-800-437-5662) or email [IASKNMC@uscg.mil](mailto:IASKNMC@uscg.mil) for further information. Sincerely, /J.P. Novotny/ Jeffrey P. Novotny Captain, U. S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer ---
**Author:** ![exsubguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5a626/32.png) [@exsubguy](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/exsubguy)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 3:30pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/30 "2014-03-04T15:30:31Z")
So I’m not currently sailing, but the NMC was nice enough to send me a medical cert. FYI it has an expiration date same as my license in 2017 ---
**Author:** ![seadog6608](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cdc98d/32.png) [@seadog6608](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/seadog6608)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 6:55pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/31 "2014-03-05T18:55:26Z")
I was wondering where mine was so I called REC Toledo. They mailed it out 21 Feb. Now its in the hands of the USPO. Wish me luck! ---
**Author:** ![texas.sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e19adc/32.png) [@texas.sailor](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/texas.sailor)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2014, 1:30pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/32 "2014-03-09T13:30:29Z")
I got my first one three weeks ago and a second identical one showed up in the mail last week. I wouldn’t be surprised if a third showed up in the future ---
**Author:** ![seadog6608](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cdc98d/32.png) [@seadog6608](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/seadog6608)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2014, 7:41pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/33 "2014-03-10T19:41:48Z")
I got mine Saturday 8 Mar 2014. The STCW expiration date and my Pilotage expiration date were 7 Mar 2014. I called NMC and the nice lady actually admitted that they made a misprint and the dates should read 2015. A new one will be forthcoming by 1 April. Will miracles never cease? ---
**Author:** ![wiseguy65](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bc8723/32.png) [@wiseguy65](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/wiseguy65)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 10:51am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/34 "2014-03-13T10:51:17Z")
I happened to check the status of mine via NMC and was informed it was “issued” on the 10th. Shock and surprised when the mail ran today there it was. I’ll give um an attaboy for that one! ---
**Author:** ![PaddyWest2012](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/paddywest2012/32/2405_2.png) [@PaddyWest2012](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/PaddyWest2012)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 10:53am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/35 "2014-03-13T10:53:57Z")
Just got my fancy medical card this week, expires in two months. Genius! ---
**Author:** ![tugsailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a9adbd/32.png) [@tugsailor](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/tugsailor)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 6:23pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/36 "2014-03-13T18:23:49Z")
I have been waiting six weeks for my VSO endorsement. Its awaiting review. No sign of any medical certificate. ---
**Author:** ![Radiocheck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c67d28/32.png) [@Radiocheck](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Radiocheck)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 9:10pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/37 "2014-03-13T21:10:16Z")
Short Duration Medical Certificates for Mariners with STCW Endorsements In an effort to rapidly provide medical certificates for mariners sailing internationally, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has recently discovered that some mariners have been issued medical certificates which will expire between January and September 2014. To resolve this issue, the NMC is taking the following action:  In order to mitigate additional obligations for those mariners impacted, the NMC will be issuing a new medical certificate with STCW expiration in 2015. This only applies to mariners whose Merchant Mariner Credential containing STCW endorsements was originally issued during the period of January to September 2012.  Mariners who have medical waivers that have an annual submission requirement will still receive a time-limited medical certificate that corresponds with the appropriate required submission dates. The NMC wishes to thank those mariners impacted for their patience while their medical certificates are corrected and sent to them. Please call 1-800-IASKNMC (1-800-437-5662) or email [IASKNMC@uscg.mil](mailto:IASKNMC@uscg.mil) for further information. Sincerely, /J.P. Novotny/ Jeffrey P. Novotny Captain, U. S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer I am in the situation described by the first check box. I contacted the USCG after receiving a med cert that expired in less than a month. They told me there will be a new cert sent. I haven’t seen it yet but I’m printing and carrying the e-mail just in case. ---
**Author:** ![PaddyWest2012](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/paddywest2012/32/2405_2.png) [@PaddyWest2012](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/PaddyWest2012)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 9:26pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/38 "2014-03-13T21:26:19Z")
[QUOTE=Radiocheck;132851]Short Duration Medical Certificates for Mariners with STCW Endorsements In an effort to rapidly provide medical certificates for mariners sailing internationally, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has recently discovered that some mariners have been issued medical certificates which will expire between January and September 2014. To resolve this issue, the NMC is taking the following action:  In order to mitigate additional obligations for those mariners impacted, the NMC will be issuing a new medical certificate with STCW expiration in 2015. This only applies to mariners whose Merchant Mariner Credential containing STCW endorsements was originally issued during the period of January to September 2012.  Mariners who have medical waivers that have an annual submission requirement will still receive a time-limited medical certificate that corresponds with the appropriate required submission dates. The NMC wishes to thank those mariners impacted for their patience while their medical certificates are corrected and sent to them. Please call 1-800-IASKNMC (1-800-437-5662) or email [IASKNMC@uscg.mil](mailto:IASKNMC@uscg.mil) for further information. Sincerely, /J.P. Novotny/ Jeffrey P. Novotny Captain, U. S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer I am in the situation described by the first check box. I contacted the USCG after receiving a med cert that expired in less than a month. They told me there will be a new cert sent. I haven’t seen it yet but I’m printing and carrying the e-mail just in case.[/QUOTE] Part of the problem for me is that I have a new license, an upgrade, coming soon. I had a much more recent physical done because of this upgrade application. As far as I can understand, I should have a new medical certificate issued with this license, which should expire in the spring or summer of 2016. God willing that is what the USCG will see fit to do, rather than issue me another one that expires in 2015 to supplement the one they already issued me that expires two months from now. We will see, I guess! I’ll let you guys know how it goes… ---
**Author:** ![highseasharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@highseasharry](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/highseasharry)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2014, 12:04am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/39 "2014-03-14T00:04:12Z")
Uncle Sam’s Confused Group ---
**Author:** ![sailorman1981](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@sailorman1981](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/sailorman1981)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2014, 8:00pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/40 "2014-03-14T20:00:34Z")
> [@"Radiocheck"](#): > > Short Duration Medical Certificates for Mariners with STCW Endorsements In an effort to rapidly provide medical certificates for mariners sailing internationally, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has recently discovered that some mariners have been issued medical certificates which will expire between January and September 2014. To resolve this issue, the NMC is taking the following action:  In order to mitigate additional obligations for those mariners impacted, the NMC will be issuing a new medical certificate with STCW expiration in 2015. This only applies to mariners whose Merchant Mariner Credential containing STCW endorsements was originally issued during the period of January to September 2012.  Mariners who have medical waivers that have an annual submission requirement will still receive a time-limited medical certificate that corresponds with the appropriate required submission dates. The NMC wishes to thank those mariners impacted for their patience while their medical certificates are corrected and sent to them. Please call 1-800-IASKNMC (1-800-437-5662) or email [IASKNMC@uscg.mil](mailto:IASKNMC@uscg.mil) for further information. Sincerely, /J.P. Novotny/ Jeffrey P. Novotny Captain, U. S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer I am in the situation described by the first check box. I contacted the USCG after receiving a med cert that expired in less than a month. They told me there will be a new cert sent. I haven’t seen it yet but I’m printing and carrying the e-mail just in case. Same thing here. I got home from Sea today and my wife handed me an expired medical cert. So, I’ll be waiting for new one to show up. ---
**Author:** ![mtskier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b77776/32.png) [@mtskier](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mtskier)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2014, 7:15am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044/41 "2014-03-15T07:15:02Z")
Called them about the renewal process as my cert expires this August and is the annual expiration model. I was told that I could send in a DOT/719 form from any physical for the year in question but that I should submit at least three months prior to the expiration in order to have any expectation of getting a new cert before the old one expires…wonderful… [Previous page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/medical-certs-for-mmc/12044.md?page=3)