Tired of sifting through CFRs and NMC checklists wondering if you have enough sea time or completed the necessary requirements for an upgrade? Have you experienced delays or even have a license expire due to an issue with a previous application?
Diamond Marine Services offers a unique service with former National Maritime Center evaluators on our credential consulting team.
Once you partner with our consulting team, Diamond Marine Services will:
- Ensure you apply for the highest possible credential
- Pre-fill any required forms so all you have to do is sign the application
- Collect, organize, and prepare all medical, drug test, sea service, and course completion certificates for submission
- Vet your application prior to submission to ensure all forms are properly filled out
- Pay any USCG evaluation and issuance fees (optional)
- Electronically file your application directly with the USCG
- Reduce hassle by handling communication with the NMC on your behalf
- Represent you through a formal appeal process, if necessary
Diamond Marine Services not only takes all the hassle out of applying for an original license, raise-in-grade, modification or renewal, we formally evaluate your application by a professional using the same process as the NMC. We submit your credential with the USCG and support you until it is issued.
How does this work?
We keep our costs low by handling the entire process electronically. From document collection to application submission, everything is done online. Paper applications submitted to our office are subject to extra charges. Throughout the process, our staff is available via email, phone or text to help you along the way. Most applications follow this basic system:
- Determine what tier your application falls into (see info below) and pay the corresponding consulting fee to Diamond Marine Services.
- Proceed to our START submission page to transmit all the required information for us to begin putting together your application.
- Receive a fully completed application for simple signature capture.
- Coordinate the payment of appropriate USCG fees with our staff.
- Work closely with our experienced evaluators to close any open items that may prevent submission.
- Diamond Marine Services staff then transmits your application to the USCG on your behalf and remains available for you until you are either approved to test, or if no test is required, until your credential is issued!
Check out some recent reviews of our credentialing service
Incredibly Helpful
Sam and Diamond Marine Services made a very daunting process very organized and seamless. From start to finish, Sam guided me through every part of the application process. The communication was excellent, as was any advice he gave regarding all the pieces/parts that make up the application. I can’t thank Diamond Marine Services enough. They truly provide a worthwhile service to anyone considering applying for their Captains License..
Capt Doug Romano
100 Ton Masters
Sam and the service provided were top notch. Had several calls with him to go through the entire application, all forms, etc., in great detail. The up to date knowledge he has of what the USCG is looking for alone is worth the money, let alone his help in getting the forms complete, accurate, and organized. If you’ve come this far a few hundred more to put yourself in the best position for a high first pass acceptance and issuance is worth it!
OUPV Near Coastal
Worth every penny. I’ve spent decades around the industry but this was my first time going for my MMC.. I was initially hesitant about the cost, but Diamond Marine did not disappoint. Sam was a complete professional, providing excellent customer service throughout the entire process. His proactive approach to helping me get my paperwork and requirements complete was very helpful. He quickly returned my calls and was always available to answer any questions I had. I always felt as a customer that I was a top priority, The strong working relationship he has with the Coast Guard paid off in that I was able to get my credential much quicker than I could’ve on my own. Thanks again Diamond Marine and thanks Sam for your diligent professionalism and service!
The only way to go
Without Sam, I would still be dealing with the Coast Gaurd. He guided me through the whole process and made sure my application was done correctly before he sent it out. He kept me in the loop the whole way with personal phone calls and updates. Thanks Sam, I will recommend everyone considering applying for their captains credentials
Great Service, Great People, Highly Recommended
I received more than I hoped for. Sam went far beyond my expectations. Diamond Marine communicated with USCG evaluators on my behalf and resolved issues quickly. I enjoyed the entire learning process aboard the vessels.
Check out our REVIEWS page for more!
How much does this cost?
The cost of our service depends on the application we are preparing on your behalf. The consulting fees are broken out into three tiers. At the bottom of this page, you can choose additional optional services.
Tier 1
- Original Entry Level MMC to include OS, Wiper, Steward’s Department and Food Handler
- Duplicate Credential
$150
Tier 2
- Original MMC with a rating such as AB, QMED, Lifeboatman, Tankerman
- Renewal of any credential with rating endorsements and/or officer endorsements
- Modification or Increase-In-Scope- Any rating or officer endorsement
$225
Tier 3
- Raise-In-Grade – Officer endorsements
- Original MMC – Officer endorsements
$300
Ready to submit your information?
If you’re ready to begin the process, the Start Here button will direct you to our submission form to provide us with all the information we need to get your application going!
What if I only need some guidance?
Are you are considering an upgrade or renewal and not quite sure if you have enough sea service? Do you want to upgrade your credential in the future and want some guidance as to what can you do to prepare or what you qualify for? If so, then you should check out our SEA SERVICE EVALUATION.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
PAY.GOV Processing
Enable our staff to process the appropriate USCG application & issuance fees on your behalf. The exact amount of the fee for your application will be coordinated with you prior to submission.
$20
Sea Service Evaluation
The Sea Service Evaluation allows you to submit sea service records as a first step to see what credential you qualify for. It may also be used to answer the question: “if I want to go for a higher license, how much time and on what tonnage does it have to be for me to qualify?”
NOTE: $100 CREDIT will be issued towards a future application!
$150
RUSH 48 – 2 Business Day turnaround
The RUSH fee guarantees a fully prepared application for USCG submission within 2 business days. Application submission is only possible if the mariner provides us with all required documentation and presumes the submitted information is in order.
$100
Records Request Service
This optional service enables the credential consulting team to request records of previously submitted certificates and applications from the National Maritime Center on your behalf
$50
Scanning & Handling Service
Paper application processing option for mariners that prefer to mail supporting documentation to our office