Question 62 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (12 months):** The regulations governing the renewal of U.S. Coast Guard credentials (such as Merchant Mariner Credentials, or MMC) permit the mariner to renew the credential for up to **12 months** after its expiration date without having to meet the requirements for an original (or complete) examination. If the mariner applies for renewal within this 12-month grace period, they generally only need to satisfy requirements such as sea service, physical exam, drug testing, and any necessary training/refresher courses, but they are exempted from retaking the full written examination. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) 1 month:** While important regulatory deadlines exist, 1 month is too short for the standard grace period allotted for renewal without retaking the complete examination. The regulations provide a full year. * **B) 6 months:** Although 6 months is a commonly used period for extensions or specific interim actions, it is half the time allotted for the renewal grace period before the complete examination is required. * **D) 24 months:** 24 months (two years) is longer than the current regulatory grace period for renewal without a complete examination. If a credential has been expired for more than 12 months, the mariner is required to meet the requirements for an initial credential, which typically includes retaking the complete exam, unless specific exceptions apply.