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RESOURCES · PROFESSIONAL HELP

Need professional help with your credential?

When to handle your USCG application yourself, and when a credentialing consultant may save you time and money.

Captain Mike
By Captain Mike · 50 years at sea · former MITAGS faculty
Updated October 2026
The most useful advice is sometimes this

If your situation is complicated, get professional credentialing help before you spend money on courses. It can save months of frustration and thousands of dollars.

Some mariners can handle their entire USCG application themselves. Others have complicated sea service, medical, training, or endorsement histories where professional credentialing assistance may save considerable time.

You can probably do it yourself if…

Start with the free help: the NMC checklist for your endorsement and the NMC Customer Service Center.

Consider professional help if…

Confusing sea service

Many vessels, gaps, missing letters, or service that's hard to classify.

Several endorsements at once

Upgrades and new endorsements that interact with each other.

Military sea time

Converting Navy or Coast Guard service. Military to Mariner →

Foreign license history

Sea time or credentials earned under another flag.

Medical complications

Waivers, limitations, or a medical certificate that's been held up.

Renewal or continuity questions

An expiring credential, lapsed recency, or continuity decisions.

Not sure what you qualify for

You want to know which endorsement your record actually supports before paying for training.

Returned or delayed application

An awaiting-information letter or an evaluation you don't understand.

Free official help first

NMC Customer Service Center: 1-888-427-5662, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Eastern, plus a 24/7 chatbot. NMC contact page →
NMC checklists: Credential checklists →

Credentialing consultants

Independent consultants review applications, evaluate sea time, and guide renewals and upgrades for a fee. Listings are resources, not endorsements. Mariners Online receives nothing from any provider listed here.

Tacoma, Washington

Mariner Consulting Services LLC (MMLCS)

USCG licensing consultation, application and renewal/upgrade guidance, STCW endorsement help, medical renewal assistance, continuity services, and more.

More providers will be added as they're reviewed. Ask any consultant what they charge, what they'll review, and whether they've handled cases like yours.

Where this fits in your journey

What career interests me?What credential do I need?Does my sea time or military service count?What training do I need, and where?Do I need professional help?What exams must I pass?Study and exam prep
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