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TWIC - December 1st Application Rejections

USCG rejecting incomplete MMC renewal, original, or upgrade applications starting Dec 1. Fix TWIC issues and apply with MM-SEAS easily.

3 mins read・Nov 28, 2024
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Did you get an email or letter from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) saying your application was rejected? Starting December 1, 2024, the USCG will begin strictly rejecting incomplete applications for original, renewal, and upgrade credentials, including those for OUPV renewal, Six-Pack licenses, and 100-Ton licenses.

You can read the USCG’s official notification regarding application rejections here.

If your application is rejected, you’ll need to resubmit your entire package after addressing the issue. One of the most common reasons for rejection is problems with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) requirement. This blog post will guide you through resolving TWIC-related issues and avoiding future rejections.

Why Applications Get Rejected Over TWIC

All applications must meet the TWIC requirement. To do so, your application must include one of the following:

  • A copy of your TWIC card (photo or scan)
  • A copy of your TWIC application receipt showing the UE ID number assigned to you
  • For renewals or upgrades: A TWIC exemption statement (you can generate this inside your free MM-SEAS account)

Even if you’ve submitted one of these, your application could still be rejected if:

  1. Your Occupation Was Not Listed as Mariner
    When applying for a TWIC, if you didn’t list your occupation as "Mariner," the USCG won’t be able to locate your TWIC information in their database.
  2. Your TIM ID# is Missing
    If the TWIC office cannot associate your record with your application, you’ll need to update your details and resubmit your application.

How to Fix a TWIC Rejection

Step 1: Verify Your TWIC Information

If your TWIC was rejected, call the TWIC office to update your occupation and obtain your TIM ID#:

  1. Dial 1-855-347-8371.
  2. Press 2 for TWIC.
  3. Press 2 for all other inquiries.
  4. State: “I am [your name], and I need to update my occupation code to 'Merchant Mariner.'”
  5. Ask for your TIM ID#.

Step 2: Update Your Application Package

Once you have your TIM ID#:

  • Write your TIM ID# on the copy of your TWIC card or application receipt.
  • Include this updated document in your application package.

Step 3: Resubmit Your Entire Application

The USCG does not retain rejected applications or partial updates. You’ll need to resend your entire application package, including the updated TWIC information and all required documents.

Avoiding TWIC Rejections

Meeting the TWIC requirement can be confusing, but at MM-SEAS, we simplify the process for you. Here’s how we help:

  1. TWIC Exemption Statements
    If you qualify for a TWIC exemption, you can easily generate and sign your exemption statement inside your MM-SEAS account.
  2. Document Review
    We review your TWIC documentation to ensure it meets USCG standards, helping you avoid common errors like missing UE IDs or TIM IDs.
  3. Support Throughout the Process
    Unsure about your TWIC or how to update it? We’re here to assist every step of the way.

Why Choose MM-SEAS?

Submitting a complete, error-free application the first time saves you time, money, and stress. At MM-SEAS, we specialize in helping mariners meet all USCG license requirements for original, renewal, and upgrade applications.

Getting Started

  1. Create a free account at MM-SEAS.
  2. Upload your information and documents.
  3. Click “Submit Application” to have our team process your application.

Pricing:

  • $399 for a Stress-Free MMC. We pay the Coast Guard's fees at submission and charge your card.

Additional Resources

Need help with other rejection reasons? Check out these blog posts:

Don’t let TWIC-related issues delay your Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) application. Whether you’re applying for your first license, completing an OUPV renewal, or upgrading your private boat captain’s license, MM-SEAS is here to simplify the process and ensure success.

Start your Stress-Free MMC by visiting MM-SEAS. Let us handle the details so you can get back on the water faster!

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

No matter if it is your first MMC, your second Upgrade or your fifth Renewal USCG Licensing is easy with MM-SEAS.
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Stress-Free MMC $399 per application, real human review by our US credentialing experts, and an MM-SEAS Navita Navigator to walk you through submitting. No computer? We submit it for you.

About the author

Nate Gilman
Nate Gilman
President, MM-SEAS
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Nate Gilman is President and Co-Founder of MM-SEAS. He hawsepiped from the deck to a 3rd Mate Unlimited license with full STCW compliance over more than 15 years at sea, and is a veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps. He works directly with the National Maritime Center, USCG-approved training schools, and vessel operators on credentialing policy, and writes on sea service documentation, evaluation standards, and how mariners move up the license ladder.

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