As of December 8, 2021 you can call me Captain!
It began back in August of 2021 when I came across an ad in our marina’s monthly newsletter. A local maritime training school was offering “in-person” US Coast Guard Captains License training (OUPV/6 Pack) during the pandemic. I have always toyed with the idea of getting my Captains License for no real reason other then the experience of obtaining the credential and maybe picking up some paid work sailing now that I’m retired. Sue was very supportive and encouraged me to enroll in the class. As the class was in Alameda (15 min from our marina) and would be held over 3 weekends (Fri-Sun) with nightly homework, we decided I would stay aboard Narnia during the class. I suspect Sue was looking forward to having her weekends free of me for a bit. I had been retired for about 4 months while she still telecommuted from home supporting my degenerate retiree lifestyle.
There was only 1 other student enrolled in the class, a young former police officer who was planning to run fishing charters in Alaska. We were in a classroom that usually held 30 students and indoor mask mandates were in force in Alameda, but our instructor, Captain Dan Leininger, conducted the class with professionalism, humor and with personal connections. Needless to say, we both aced all of the exams, but that was not the end of the trail.
Taking the class was only one of several steps (and costs) required to obtain the Captains license. I have outlined my path below. From start to finish the process took about 4 1/2 months (not counting the years of sea time) and cost just under $1,500. I think it was worth it.
Costs
- Class with Exam: $950
- CPR/First Aid Cert: $102.49
- TWIC Card: $125.25
- Notary/Oath: $20
- Physical/Drug Test: $120
- Government Fees: $145
- Total Cost: $1,462.74
Steps to Apply for an Original Merchant Mariner Credential (from the USCG Website)
- Along with my notes on each step
Step 1. Determine the Officer and/or Ratings that you wish to obtain by visiting the NMC’s Checklist Page.
- I was going for my OUPV inland so I chose this checklist. It list Sea Time requirements, exam requirements as well as additional requirements such as 1st Aid certifications.
- I took my examinations as part of the TRMI OUPV training course. The 80 hour course was taught over 3 weekends (Fri-Sun) by Dan Leininger. There was only 1 other student in the class (there are usually up to 30) so Dan was able to provide very personalized instruction. The other student was getting his OUPV to operate a fishing charter business in Alaska. Dan knows his stuff and did an excellent job preparing us. Cost: $950
- Of special note here is that I was required to complete USCG approved First Aid and CPR courses. Many of the local Red Cross / Heart Association courses do not meet the USCG requirement. You need to make sure that the certification issued specifically lists compliance with USCG regs. I called CPR Class Today and they were familiar with the USCG requirements. I went to an all-day / in-person course (there was only 1 other student in the class, getting certified for her nursing credential) and left with my certifications. Cost: $102.49
Step 2. Obtain a Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential. Be sure to list your occupation as a Merchant Mariner. Make photocopy of TWIC or copy of the TWIC application receipt.
- This is for the government background check. Although I had already completed government background checks when I obtained my TSA Pre Check and Global Entry travel credentials, those checks could not be re-used for the TWIC Interestingly the TSA had an office located inside of the local Staples Office Supply store. I filled out the forms online, walked in without an appointment, had my interview, fingerprints and photo, then a couple of weeks later my TWIC card arrived in the mail. Cost: $125.25
Step 3. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential
- Just be sure to read each box and make sure your name is on the bottom of each page. Since I was going for my OUPV, I chose Officer / Original in Section II for Rating.
- Also be aware that you are required to swear an oath in front of an individual certified to administer the oath. I used the Oath form provided by the USCG and had it administered/signed by a Notary at the local UPS store. Cost $20
Step 4. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement.
- Luckily I didn’t need this one 🙂
Step 5. Fill out a CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate or CG-719K/E Application for Medical Certificate for Entry Level Ratings.
- For this requirement, I went with a physician in Oakland, CA was recommended by my training school. It really helps to have a physician that is familiar with the USCG requirements and form (it’s similar, but not the same as the DOT exam)
- Dr. John Konstantin accepted me as a same day walk-in. His office was very familiar with the requirements and had me in, examined, and paperwork completed in about 30 minutes. He also completed the Drug Testing requirement (see Step 7) Cost for both was $120.
Step 6. (OPTIONAL) 3rd Party Release: Can be listed on Page 5 of the CG-719B, Page 10 of the CG-719K, Page 5 of the CG-719K/E and/or on an alternate form.
- Not required in my case
Step 7. Obtain Drug Testing using a CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form or options listed on Page 2.
- Once again I used Dr. John Konstantin to complete this requirement. Results of the test were emailed to me (and filed with the USCG) in about 3 days. Cost included in Physical.
Step 8. Pay user fees at https://www.pay.gov (preferred payment method). Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.
- Fairly easy to navigate. Make sure you choose merchant mariner user fees and save a copy of the receipts. Cost: $145
Step 9. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.
- There are many rules and caveats to what can be counted for a day sea service. It’s basically 4or more hours underway during a 24 hour period while acting as captain or crew counts as a day. If you are not the owner of the boat, you need to have the owner of the boat certify your time.
- For my particular credential I was required to document 360 days of Sea Service (since my 16th birthday). 90 days of which had to be within the last 3 years. Since I have owned boats most of my adult life this was easy. I just had to prove ownership of each of my boats, estimate my operational time, and location of operation.
- I should note that some of my off-shore sailing time (21 day Tahiti to Hawaii crossing) was aboard a boat where the owner is now deceased, as such I could not obtain his signature and claim those hours so I will need to get more time outside the bay to make up the time and upgrade my credential.
Step 10. (IF APPLICABLE) Obtain relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and/or Assessment(s). Make photo copies of all course completion certificates and/or completed assessments.
- As I said earlier in this post (step1), I took an 80 hour class over 3 weekends that ended with 4 examinations. I passed and was issued the appropriate certificate. As mentioned before, Dan Leininger provided excellent instruction and preparation for the exams.
- Rules of the Road (Right of ways, light displays, sound signals, etc) . This is a closed book exam with score of 90% is required to pass.
- Navigation General (How to read buoys, light lists, tides, weather forecasting, etc)
- Plotting/Charting (How to get safely from point A to B)
- Deck General/Deck Safety (boat operations, fire fighting, safety devices, etc)
Step 11. Submit all of your forms, photo copies, and supporting documentation to a Regional Exam Center. You must apply at an REC (emailing your application is the preferred method). Missing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected.
- I combined all of my forms and documents into a PDF and emailed it to the REC on November 2, 2021. They acknowledged receipt and assigned my case number and application ID. I then waited patiently as the packet worked its way through the process. They send email updates after each step. You can also check online at https://homeport.uscg.mil/mmcstatus , you will need the numbers from the email.
- Note that your Medical Credential is issued independently of your MMC credential. You will receive separate communication as each track progresses. Medical was issued November 17, 2021 (15 days) and was delivered us US Post. The MMC/Captains License was issued December 8, 2021 (36 days), also delivered by US Post.
Step 12. (OPTIONAL) If you wish to receive your credential via a method that can be tracked and will reach you in a few days, consider using an expedited mailing option.
- I didn’t use this option
