You may be asking yourself…”Why pay MCC to do the same evaluation that the USCG is going to do?”….When you put it like that it really doesn’t make sense. But, make no mistake; it is not the same service. The evaluation services that MCC provide are similar only in the fact that we use the same guidelines and regulations to perform our evaluations, but the similarity stops there!

First, let us take a look at the evaluation process the USCG uses today. To start with you will need to read up on the most current regulations and guide lines to figure out if you are initially qualified to apply for the document you are seeking. With all the endorsements, assessments, and required training, this can take quite a bit of time, and you haven’t stared the actual process of applying yet. At this point and it happens all too often, many mariners receive the wrong information. They then give up, thinking that they are not qualified for the document they would like to apply for. If you are one of the lucky ones who are able to decipher the regulations accurately, you will then need to put together what most mariners refer to as a “packet” or “package”. This is your application, along with all the necessary paperwork, training records, assessments, etc. Don’t forget if you fill out any portion incorrectly, you may not be issued the document you intended to receive, or your application may be rejected. With the current set-up at the USCG, they no longer perform evaluations, they accept your “packet”, and forward it to the National Maritime Center (NMC) in West Virginia, where it is the evaluated. If you forget any of the required documents you will receive a letter stating the errors in which case you will have limited time to get the required documents to the NMC. That is if you aren’t missing too much. They have the option of rejecting your application, in which case you start the process all over again. Due to increased loads on the NMC and a shortage of qualified personnel, mariners are seeing their applications being rejected initially for very small errors. Mariners are also finding themselves being issued documents with severe restrictions, due to errors in their application, and misinterpretation of regulations prior to applying for their document.

Just think for a moment… How much money do you make a day? How much money will you make if you obtain the document that you want to apply for? (The average pay increase per day for a raise in grade (depending on the raise) is approximately $50 to $75) Now imagine your application is delayed for one week….now imagine a delay of two weeks….how about a month? The average turn-around time for applications is currently 4 to 6 weeks (as reported by local mariners and the NMC). This can add up to hundreds if not thousands of dollars in lost wages. If you are expecting a pay increase of just $50 and your application is delayed 4 weeks you are looking at lost wages totaling $1400, and that doesn’t include overtime or other pay you may receive. You can see how this lost time adds up quickly. If you were to be issued the wrong document or have restrictions placed on your document, the cost can be even greater, and the effects, disastrous!

Don’t let this happen to you!!!

Maritime Career Consultants can take you through the entire process, without having to wonder if you will be the one losing valuable time and money. You need only supply the required documentation (don’t worry; we will let you know what is required). After MCC receives your paperwork, our client manager will review your case, and assign one of its experienced consultants to oversee every aspect of your case. You can choose to meet with your consultant by phone or face to face, whatever is more convenient for your schedule. MCC will perform a comprehensive evaluation, using the most up to date guidelines and regulations in order to confirm your qualifications. This will ensure that you are qualified for the document you are trying to apply for. If your packet is missing anything at this point you will be notified immediately. MCC can assist you in obtaining any documentation you may be missing. After your evaluation MCC will prepare you application in the most professional manner possible. Your package will be assembled in the appropriate manner, with all of the required paperwork. You have the option of then having your package mailed to you, or delivered face to face by your consultant. When you receive your packet it will be delivered with a report of its contents as well as an overview of what you are applying for. If there are any special regulations affecting the issue of your document the actual regulations will be listed in your report as well. This will allow you to answer any questions the NMC may have for you. As well as give you a reference to help ensure you receive the document you are qualified for. Another option available to you, is to have MCC  submit your package to the USCG for you! That’s right; you can choose to have MCC do it all! With the new Merchant Mariner Credential (See "The New MMC") MCC can submit you package for you! Unless you require examinations, you won’t have to set foot in a Regional Exam Center. To many mariners with full schedules this is the preferred way to go. So when we say “Sit back and relax”, we mean exactly that!

Maritime Career Consultants understands that each mariner’s background and circumstances are very unique. It is for that reason that we personalize each and every service we offer to suit your individual needs and career goals. Our services are offered as a complete package. Or you may choose to utilize only the specific services you require. Your consultant will assist you in determining what services can help you reach your goals, and will usually give you several options. Here is just a small list of the individual, personalized services MCC can provide that deal with preparing and evaluating your package….

   Ø      Regulations Research to inform  you of the requirements for specific documentation

   Ø      Evaluations for a single rating on an MMD or license

   Ø      Statement Preparation

   Ø    Application Preparation

   Ø Assistance with obtaining physicals and drug screens

   Ø Passport Photos and Finger Printing

   Ø Application Submission

   Ø  …..and the list goes on!!

You can see that Maritime Career Consultants has your career needs covered from every angle. At this point people usually say, “That’s great, but there’s no way I can afford service like that!” The fact is that just isn’t true! Maritime Career Consultants was formed by a group of highly experienced mariners that understand the needs and the budget of hard working mariners.  We have plans and services that will help anyone make the most of their career in the maritime industry. Just remember, MCC developed these services to help the mariner, not to break the mariner.  For most mariners, a complete evaluation and application package costs less than a single days pay. Not to mention the reduced stress and peace of mind that comes free of charge. You won’t find service of this quality anywhere else, guaranteed!