Yes. The Coast Guard looks at your documented Sea Days within the last 5 years based on when the application is submitted.
For example: Let's say you had 355 sea days when your MMC expired, and they all happened in the previous 2 years. During the grace period, (6 years from when your license expired) you spend time on a small boat and acquire 10 more Sea Days. Now when you submit your renewal application, you will have 365 Sea Days in the last five years.
Important Note: Once your MMC reaches the expiration date, you are no longer allowed to work under its endorsements. The 6 year grace period simply allows you to renew your credentials, rather than reapplying. Submitting your Captains License renewal application early is the best way to avoid any work interruptions.
Your best option is to submit your renewal application early to avoid any interruptions at work.
Read our guide: What to Do When My USCG License is Expiring Soon to stay ahead of things.
Do I need 360 days to renew my MMC license?
No. If you have less than 360 days in the last 5 years, renewing your USCG National endorsements is as simple as an open book take home test for each endorsement!
Check out this post to get more details if you have fewer than 360 days at the time for renewal:
What do I need to renew my USCG Captains License with less than 360 days
We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!
MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Expert Access inside of the site.
No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application you can do it yourself, or you can hand the whole thing to us. A Stress-Free MMC is $399. Two MM-SEAS licensing experts check every page, we pay your Coast Guard fees at submission and charge your card so you never touch pay.gov, and we stay on it with the National Maritime Center until your credential is issued.
MM-SEAS Expert Access is $99 a year. It is your personal guidance counselor for USCG licensing: what training you need next, which sea time counts, and how to reach the credential you want, by phone, email, chat or a 1 on 1 video call. Expert Access members also get $50 off a Stress-Free MMC.
Need to renew, upgrade or get your first USCG license? We're here to help.
About the author
Nate has over 15 years of professional maritime experience and has hawsepiped his way to a 3rd Mate Unlimited Endorsement with full STCW compliance. He is proud veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps.
