Do you run a business off of a boat that you own? If so, you’ll need to get a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential. Every person who runs a commercial vessel in US waters must have this certification. This article will guide you through obtaining your US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. We’ll also tell you what supporting evidence is expected with your application.
Sooner or later, if you own a boat registered with the US Coast Guard, you’ll have to apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential. You can’t legally take your boat out on the open ocean without first obtaining your Merchant Mariner Credential. Learn here what you need to do to get your Merchant Mariner’s License. Remember that the application procedure might be complicated, so it’s smart to talk to a marine lawyer before you submit your application. Thus, this is what you must do:
Obtain a Copy of Your Merchant Mariner’s Qualification Certificate
Submitting an application for a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential necessitates gathering certain types of papers and information. You are required to show the Coast Guard your current commercial mariner’s qualification certificate. Still, in addition to that, you must also disclose to them how long you have had the certificate and for what kind of vessel it is valid. You need to be familiar with the name of that vessel and the date on which you obtained your paperwork, and any endorsements included on it.
If the document is not written in English, you will want an officially validated translation. If the validity of your already held credential has lapsed, you are required to submit a renewal application. Additionally, the Coast Guard would want to know whether you have ever misplaced a commercial mariner’s document or if you have ever had one revoked or suspended for any reason.
Fill out form CG-719B, Application for the USCG Merchant Mariner Credential.
This form must be printed out and then filled out (by hand) with the needed information. In order to apply for a commercial mariner credential, you need to be at least 18 years old. Even if you haven’t turned 18, you may still apply; however, a parent or guardian’s signature is required on the document.
Make sure to include all of the necessary supporting paperwork, such as a copy of your maritime service records, your CV, and confirmation that you are a citizen of the United States or that you legally live there. You will need to provide some fundamental identifying information about yourself and your educational background to complete the form, such as the name of the school(s) you attended, the year(s) in which you graduated, and your grade point average.
Submit Your Application and Supporting Documents to the Nearest Regional Examination Center
The next step is to send your application and any supporting documentation to the Regional Examination Center closest to you. This information may be found on the United States Coast Guard website. When obtaining your qualifications as a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential, you will want to get started on the process as soon as possible. People who delay and put off applying for credentials are one of the primary reasons they do not get the credentials for which they are eligible.
When dealing with any aspect of the government, expect everything to take far more time than you first anticipated. After submitting your application, you will have to wait for a long time before you are given a date for the exam, according to uscgboating.org. After you have finished the exam, you will have to wait for your test results to be processed before you can ultimately take the oath of office.
Take and Pass the Coast Guard Written Examination
Before continuing with the application procedure, you will first need to demonstrate that you are qualified by passing the written test administered by the Coast Guard. This will test your fundamental understanding of navigation, radio systems, and safety regulations, which are all essential areas of expertise for seafarers. The examination is simple, consisting of just fifty questions, and it is administered every other week at various places around the United States. When you register, you will be provided with a study guide; nonetheless, it is in your best interest to prepare for this in advance. The examination covers fundamental aspects of seamanship, including navigational principles and vessel safety laws.
Receive Your USCG Merchant Mariner Credential from the Coast Guard National Maritime Center
You must visit the Coast Guard National Maritime Center to get the certification. Once you have obtained the necessary credentials, you can apply for a mariner’s license at any of the Regional Examination Centers. After successfully completing your examinations, you will be able to send your application to the Office of Licensing of the Coast Guard in Washington, District of Columbia. There, they will evaluate your application and then grant your license. To serve on a ship, you must have a history free of any criminal convictions and maintain a level of physical fitness that is enough for the position.
As a USCG-certified individual, your maritime documents are the most important thing you’ll need to carry with you at sea. If your document has been lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to the Maritime Documentation Center at 1-800-535-8570. They will then help you to obtain a new one, which will be valid for five years.