Grossetti License Consulting Mark Grossetti A Premiere Maritime License Consultant Licensing Experience Since 1979

Decoding your USCG credential application status

USCG credential "states" are the specific steps an application must go through to become an issued product. Some states in the process are optional, as not every credential requested leads to a credential issued, while others are mandatory.

Requested (mandatory). When a merchant mariner delivers an application package to an REC, that submission is recorded in MMLD as an accepted application, with all associated credentials applied for automatically placed in the “requested” state. This step gives us a clearly marked starting point for measuring the process time.

Notification (optional). On occasion, some applications received at the REC are missing items that would unnecessarily prevent or delay the evaluation process. These items are referred to as “critical” items1 and must be addressed before the application package can come to West Virginia. So, for example, let’s say you are applying to renew your OUPV license and submit a complete application to the REC, with one exception—results of a physical examination. In this case, the REC will move your credential from the “requested” state to the “notification” state. At the same time, you are given a 60-day notification letter requesting the missing information. If you do not provide it, your application and its credentials would be automatically closed in the system and your application package would be returned to you.

In transit (mandatory). Once your application is deemed complete, the REC will create a packing list. Credentials that are in the "requested" state will automatically shift to "in transit." This accounts for the time it takes to mail an application from the REC to NMC. Currently we use commercial express services, and delivery time is approximately two business days.

Received/awaiting security (optional). The safety and security background check commences at the onset of the process while you are at the REC. The electronic fingerprints, identification, and citizenship documentation you provide is used to initiate this process. Typically, by the time the application arrives at NMC, the background check is complete and the application can move on. However, sometimes the results of the background check are not complete, and the credential applied for is moved to a holding state. These credential applications do not move forward until this step is complete. In the unlikely event of a denial due to criminal convictions, the credential is removed from the process and the appropriate written correspondence is communicated to the applicant. This affects less than three percent of all credentials requested nationwide.

Ready to be evaluated (mandatory). At this point your application submission is ready to be assigned to the professional qualifications evaluations branch (PQEB). Unless unique circumstances exist, these assignments are normally performed first-in, firstout.

Being evaluated—PQEB (mandatory). While your credential is in this state, a professional qualifications evaluator has your file on his/her desk and is calculating sea service and verifying that training and/or assessment requirements have been met.

Being evaluated—MEB (optional). Some applications contain physical examination reports that indicate the presence of a medical or physical condition that could potentially interfere with a mariner’s ability to safely perform his/her duties. These applications are forwarded to the medical evaluation branch (MEB). Much like with the safety and security background check process, in the unlikely event of a denial due to medical/physical reasons, the credential is removed from the process and the appropriate written correspondence is communicated to the applicant. This affects less than one percent of all credentials requested nationwide.

For review (mandatory). This state indicates that the credential is on the desk of an authorized approving official. These senior evaluators review the entire application submission and associated MMLD data entry for accuracy and completeness.

Awaiting info (optional). This identifies that something required for credential issuance is missing. You are given a 90-day awaiting information letter requesting the missing information. If you do not provide it, your application and its credentials would be automatically closed in the system and your application package would be returned to you. Providing the missing information within the 90-day period allows us to move the credential back to “being evaluated” and eventually on to issuance.

Approved to test (optional). Certain credentials require examinations. Provided that the application submission is satisfactorily complete in all aspects of documentation, sea service, and training, the approving official will move the credential to “approved to test.” At that time you would be given an approved to test letter, which is valid for one year from the date of the letter.

Approved to print (mandatory). You have completed the evaluation process, provided any additional items requested, and satisfactorily completed your examinations. Your file is then transferred to the credential production branch and awaits its turn to become a merchant mariner credential.

Printed (mandatory). A member of the NMC credential production team has produced your license, merchant mariner’s document, and/or STCW endorsement.

Issued (mandatory). Your credential has been mailed to you."

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E-mail: gro@cglicense.com

The above information regarding "states" is public information taken from the USCG magazine called "Proceedings" (Fall 2008 issue)