How the Government Shutdown Affects Mariners and USCG Credentialing

Overview

During the October 2025 federal government shutdown, the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) and Regional Examination Centers (RECs) are closed. All walk-in services, examinations, and appointments are suspended. Credential expirations and testing deadlines are automatically extended for the duration of the shutdown, and email submissions remain open for applications and supporting documentation.

The ongoing lapse in federal appropriations has officially resulted in a government shutdown, and for the maritime industry, the effects are already being felt.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) are currently closed, and all walk-in services, examinations, and REC appointments are suspended until funding is restored.

While this creates real challenges for mariners and companies, the NMC has taken several mitigation steps to reduce disruptions:

• Email Submissions Remain Open: Mariners and companies can still email applications and supporting documentation during the shutdown. Processing will resume once appropriations are restored.

• Credential & Approval Extensions: Any approval to test letters, drug test letters, training course certificates, and additional information letters set to expire on or after October 1, 2025, will be automatically extended. The extension period will match the length of the shutdown.

• Paused Testing Timelines: Mariners who began but did not complete their exams prior to October 1 will be able to resume without penalty once the NMC reopens. The 90-day retest periods have also been paused and will restart upon reopening.

What This Means for Our Industry

For vessel operators, training providers, and individual mariners, the shutdown may delay credentialing, testing, and approvals, potentially affecting operations and scheduling. TBS Safety is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as the shutdown evolves.

Our team understands how critical credential timelines are—especially during busy seasons. If your company has mariners awaiting testing or renewals, now is the time to review your current compliance timelines and documentation to plan accordingly.

TBS Safety will continue to support our clients through this period. If you have questions about how this affects your safety management system, training schedules, or upcoming audits, reach out to our team. We’re here to help keep your operation steady.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shutdown and Maritime Credentials

Are USCG Regional Examination Centers open during the shutdown?
No. All RECs are closed and walk-in services are suspended until federal funding is restored. Examinations and appointments scheduled during this period are canceled.

What happens to my mariner credential if it expires during the shutdown?
If your approval to test letters, drug test letters, training course certificates, or additional information letters expire on or after October 1, 2025, they will be automatically extended. The extension period will equal the length of the shutdown.

Can I still submit my application or documentation?
Yes. Mariners and companies can still submit applications and supporting documentation by email. While processing will not occur during the shutdown, applications will be in the queue and reviewed when appropriations resume.

What happens to my USCG examination timeline?
If you began but did not complete your examination before October 1, you will be able to resume testing without penalty once the NMC reopens. The 90-day retest periods are paused and will restart when operations resume.

Where can I get the latest updates?
Monitor the National Maritime Center website for official operating status. You can also email IASKNMC@uscg.mil or call 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) for questions.

Why This Matters for Maritime Companies

The shutdown’s impact on credentialing, testing, and approvals can cause operational delays especially for companies managing Subchapter M compliance, training schedules, and audits. Proactive planning is key.

Contact TBS Safety to review your credential timelines and ensure your crews remain compliant during the shutdown period.