The maritime industry requires two initial documents:
Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC)
Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
MMC requires an application to the National Maritime Center, along with the following submissions: Documentation of Citizenship or Nationality, TWIC Card, Completed Physical Exam, Completed Drug Test, Fees.
The Merchant Mariner Credential Acceptance Checklist lists the minimum materials to be submitted with an application. The completed application must now be submitted to the National Maritime Center directly via this email address: mmcapplications@uscg.mil.
Applications will no longer be accepted at the Regional Examination Centers, as had been the case for many years.
TWIC requires an application through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), followed by a personal interview which can be scheduled online. Citizenship Documentation, fingerprinting, and a fee are required to obtain a TWIC.