Entry level applications and entry level renewals are just $10 plus the USCG fees
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Entry Level Mariner Application Support
No. You do not but there are numerous vessels that you are required to hold an MMC to work on them. We always recommend finding out what is required to work on the vessels you would like to work on and then only get the minimum requirements you need to start working. Maritime employers and unions will help you with the training and guidance to grow your USCG license if they need you to have one.
A basic MMC from the Coast Guard comes with three entry level endorsements on it automatically. You are issued Ordinary Seaman (OS), Wiper, and Food Handler endorsements on your Merchant Mariner Credential. These three entry level endorsements allow you to work on commercial vessels in the deck department, the engine department, and the stewards department.
MM-SEAS USCG Licensing Software is designed to walk you through the steps to get your entry level MMC.
You will need to provide documentation of being a US Citizen or alien admitted for permanent residence in the US, you need to be at least 16 years old (with parental/guardian consent if under 18), you will need to pass a drug test within the last 6 months before submitting your application, you must hold or be approved for a Medical Certificate (CG-719K or CG-719KE), you need to take the Merchant Mariners Oath in front of a Notary, obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) card, and then pay the USCG evaluation and issuance fees which add up to $140.
You can do this entire process on your own or you can use MM-SEAS USCG Licensing software to guide you through the process for free and when you're ready to submit we will just charge you $10 plus the USCG evaluation and issuance fees no matter if its your first credential or you are renewing your current MMC.
The most expensive part of getting an MMC is the USCG evaluation and issuance fees of $140. The second most expensive part is the USCG medical certificate exam which must be completed on the CG-719K or CG-719KE forms. The cost for a USCG physical varies depending on where you are in the country from $75 to $135. Do not let them make you see a specialist if your medical history doesn't warrant it as any Physicians Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or Doctor in the US can do the entire USCG exam without any special equipment. The special tests and equipment are only needed if you have checked yes to any of the preexisting conditions or the medical professional finds something they need to investigate further.
A Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) will cost you $125.25. A USCG DOT 5-Panel drug test varies depending on where you are in the country from $75 to $105. You can typically get an Oath notarized for around $15.
The total cost for an entry level merchant mariner credential is around $500. You also need to take into account the wages you will lose as each of these things will take at least half a day which means you are going to lose two full days of work.
Yes, but the best part about holding a USCG license is that you are always qualified to work as a Wiper or in the Stewards department as well as working as an Ordinary Seaman. If you are working as a Ordinary Seaman you will most likely be helping with general maintenance and upkeep of the ship, cleaning, and taking care of cargo.
As you gain more sea service you will quickly be able to qualify for able seaman and eventually the wheelhouse if that is your goal.
Wiper's work with the engine department on vessels that have engine rooms you are able to get into. Wiper is where you start when you are beginning to work as an engineer on commercial vessels. Your daily tasks will involve cleaning, wiping up oil, and small maintenance jobs around the ship.
As you gain more sea service you will quickly be able to qualify for a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) endorsement and eventually Chief Engineer if that is your goal.
The entire MM-SEAS USCG Licensing Software team are hawsepipers who did not have anyone to help us with our paperwork when we started out. We all personally understand that getting an MMC is a big investment and want to help anyone who wants to break into the industry and progress in their careers.
We all wished someone was there to help us out and $10 is what we all agreed we could afford when we were starting out.
This special pricing is for mariners who are obtaining or renewing entry level endorsements of Ordinary Seaman, Wiper and Food Handler. If you are getting your first MMC it will be a flat fee of $150 and if you are renewing your current MMC it will be a flat fee of $105. You do not need to do anything special other than let us know when you are submitting that you only want the entry level endorsements.
As you progress in your career and apply for higher licenses, you can continue to use MM-SEAS for free, and then $349 per application which includes the pay.gov fees.