Operating a commercial vessel carrying passengers or cargo requires a professional credential from the United States government. This certification, commonly known as a Captain’s License, is officially issued by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and is titled the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Obtaining this document involves meeting eligibility criteria, documenting experience, and demonstrating professional knowledge. This guide outlines the specific requirements and steps necessary to acquire this federal credential.
Understanding the Different Credentials
The USCG offers two primary entry-level credentials for carrying paying passengers: the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) and the Master License. The choice depends on the intended operation, specifically the number of passengers and the vessel’s regulatory status. The OUPV, often called the “Six-Pack” license, is the foundational credential for carrying up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels. This license is the minimum requirement for operating small charter fishing boats or similar services.
The Master License is required for operating inspected vessels, which are certified by the Coast Guard to carry more than six passengers, such as ferries or larger tour boats. A Master License is issued at various tonnage levels, including 25, 50, or 100 Gross Tons (GT). The maximum tonnage is determined by the applicant’s sea service experience on vessels of a corresponding size. Master credentials also authorize the carriage of six or fewer passengers on uninspected vessels, covering the authority of the OUPV. Both credentials can be endorsed for specific operating routes, such as Inland (lakes and rivers) or Near Coastal (up to 100 nautical miles offshore).
Meeting the Legal and Medical Requirements
Applicants must satisfy basic suitability and physical requirements mandated by federal law. All applicants for a Merchant Mariner Credential must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien. The minimum age requirement for most credentials is 18 years old.
A mandatory physical examination is required to confirm the mariner meets the medical and physical standards necessary to perform duties safely, including adequate hearing and vision. This evaluation must be documented on the USCG Form CG-719K by a licensed medical professional. Applicants must also obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card, which involves a federal background check. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of having passed a drug test within the last six months.
Documenting Qualifying Sea Service
Accumulating and accurately documenting the required sea service time is the most time-intensive component of the application process. A qualifying “day of service” is defined as any day the applicant served on a vessel for at least four hours. The total time required varies significantly between the OUPV and Master credentials.
An OUPV license requires a minimum of 360 total days of experience on the water. For a Master 100 GT Near Coastal license, the requirement increases to 720 total days of sea service. At least 90 days of service must have occurred within the three years immediately preceding the date of application.
This experience is documented primarily through the USCG Small Vessel Sea Service Form (CG-719S). A separate CG-719S form must be completed for each vessel or for periods of service on a single vessel spanning more than five years. The form requires detailed information, including the vessel’s name, gross tonnage, and the waters where the experience was acquired.
The applicant signs a section of the form, and a separate section must be completed and signed by the vessel’s owner, operator, or master to attest to the claimed service. If the applicant is the vessel owner, they may attest to their own service but must provide proof of ownership.
Completing Required Training and Examinations
Demonstrating competency in navigation, seamanship, and safety through testing satisfies the professional knowledge requirement. Applicants have two methods for satisfying the examination requirement for an original deck license. The first path is to self-study the required material and then pass the official examination administered by a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC).
The alternative, and most common route, is to enroll in a USCG-approved training course offered by a private maritime school. Successful completion of an approved course, which typically lasts several weeks, waives the requirement to take the official USCG examination.
The examinations cover four main subject areas foundational to safe vessel operation:
- Rules of the Road, which tests knowledge of collision prevention regulations.
- Deck General and Safety, covering topics like fire fighting, pollution control, and vessel stability.
- Navigation General, which addresses charts, aids to navigation, and weather.
- Navigation Problems, which requires practical plotting skills to determine course and position.
The training courses incorporate comprehensive instruction and testing on all these subjects, resulting in a course completion certificate that serves as direct evidence of professional qualification.
Submitting the Final Application Package
The final stage involves assembling and submitting a complete application package to the USCG National Maritime Center (NMC) through a Regional Exam Center (REC). A complete submission is required to avoid delays. The application package centers on the Application for Merchant Mariner Credential (Form CG-719B), which is the official request for the credential.
This form must be submitted along with supporting documents that prove all prerequisites have been met. The package includes the completed sea service forms (CG-719S) or employer letters, a valid TWIC card photocopy, and evidence of a recent negative drug test. The medical evaluation form (CG-719K) must be on file before the credential is issued.
Finally, the applicant must include the certificate of completion from an approved training course or the official exam results from the REC. The entire package, along with the payment of required fees, is typically submitted electronically to the NMC, which evaluates the application for suitability and professional qualifications.
Maintaining and Upgrading Your Credential
The Merchant Mariner Credential is valid for five years and must be renewed to maintain its authority. Renewal requires the mariner to demonstrate continued professional competence and fitness. This is accomplished either by documenting at least 360 days of sea service during the past five years or by completing an approved refresher training course.
The mariner must also satisfy legal and medical prerequisites for renewal, including a new medical certificate and a negative drug test. Upgrading the credential, such as raising the tonnage limit or moving from an OUPV to a Master License, requires accumulating additional sea service time on larger vessels, along with any necessary additional testing or training.