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  • Writer's pictureNate Gilman

Do I need a TWIC to renew my MMC?

Updated: Jun 28, 2022

No. You do not need a TWIC to renew your USCG License. But, if you need it for work, then you need one for work. If you don't need a TWIC for work then you should not waste your money on renewing!




How do I know if I need a TWIC?

If the vessel you are working on requires a Vessel Security Plan (VSP), you are required to have a TWIC. If the vessel is not required to have a VSP, than you do not need a TWIC to work on the vessel. You may still need a TWIC for other reasons.


Do I need a TWIC for my initial MMC?

A mariner applying for his/her initial MMC will need to enroll for a TWIC and pay the applicable fees at an enrollment center. This is necessary because the TWIC enrollment center is the only location where the Coast Guard can obtain biometric and personal information from the applicant, used by TSA to screen the mariner, and which the Coast Guard uses to issue the MMC.


Can I renew my MMC without a TWIC?

Absolutely! You do not need a TWIC to renew your MMC.

All you need is a TWIC exemption memo that states " I am claiming exemption from the requirement to hold a valid TWIC under Coast Guard Policy Letter 11-15. I certify that I do not need a TWIC.


I understand that a name-based safety and suitability check could significantly delay the processing of my Merchant Mariner Credential Application."


mmseas.com will create a perfect TWIC Exemption memo for you. Signing to your account and click on TWIC in the renewal checklist, then click the red "Generate TWIC Exemption" button.



We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!


We do prefer to answer questions live with screen sharing to make both of our lives easier.


We hold free live virtual master classes Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 - 5:30 pm PT inside of mmseas.com under License Guidance and then Daily Master Classes.


Pro MM-SEAS members get access to our daily live office hours Monday thru Friday from 5:00 - 5:30 pm PT. You also get access to unlimited live 1 on 1 calls with one of our USCG Licensing Specialists. Pro MM-SEAS members can access these features inside of mmseas.com under License Guidance.

Need to renew, upgrade or get your first USCG license?
We're here to help.

Always Free | $299 if you file with us

(Includes pay.gov fees)

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