Andrea Carr, 500 Sails program coordinator, gives a presentation on the merchant mariner credential application process at the 500 Sails Cultural Maritime Training Center on Aug. 23.
AT an orientation Wednesday at the 500 Sails Cultural Maritime Training Center, around a dozen people learned how 500 Sails plans to assist community members with obtaining their merchant mariner credential, or MMC.
An MMC is a required document issued by the United States Coast Guard that allows mariners to work aboard ships.
Andrea Carr, program coordinator, presented an overview of the steps needed to obtain a merchant mariner credential.
She said the process can be “long” and “requires a lot of planning ahead.”
Carr said applicants need to first obtain a Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential, which in turn has its own application process. One needs to fill out a CG-719b application for a merchant mariner credential and a CG-719K or CG-719K/E application for medical certificate. One must also obtain a drug test using a CG-719P drug test form; pay fees; document sea service; among other things.
Carr estimates that the total application process will cost around $400-$500.
Later this month, she said 500 Sails will host a workshop during which staff will help interested parties fill out required documents. Carr invites interested parties to follow 500 Sails on social media for the official announcement of the workshop date.
According to 500 Sails Facebook page, the organization is also preparing to launch a Beach Canoe Pilot project. The pay range will be between $7.50 and $24, depending on the credentials a qualified applicant holds. An MMC is one such credential that can warrant higher pay.
500 Sails can be reached at its Lower Base facility at (670) 323-7245 or by email, info@500sails.org/.
