Although attempts by mariners to operate vessels using invalid MMCs are a rare occurrence, it does happen, and the Coast Guard and the maritime industry have an online MMC verification tool to alert them to the few cases that surface each year. Upon entry of mariner identification details by a marine employer or other party, the MMC verification tool provides immediate information regarding whether the subject mariner has a valid MMC and medical certificate. This post provides a summary of a 2017 case that led to data quality improvements in the MMC verification tool and how current and prospective employers can report credential discrepancies.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 3/7/2019: Investigation leads to mariner conviction and prompts Coast Guard data quality improvements