CG-719B - Avoiding December 1st Application Rejections

Did you receive an email or letter from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notifying you that your application was rejected? If so, you’re not alone—and the process is about to get even stricter.

Starting December 1, 2024, the USCG will reject applications for original, renewal, and upgrade credentials if they are incomplete. This includes applications for your OUPV renewal, Six-Pack license, or 100-Ton license. You can read the USCG’s official notification regarding application rejections here.

When an application is rejected, mariners must resubmit the entire application package after correcting the issue. Common rejection reasons include:

• Issues with or missing TWIC
• Errors on the CG-719B (application form)
• Missing drug test results
• Unpaid evaluation fees
• Issues with the CG-719C (conviction statement)

This blog post focuses on how to resolve problems with your CG-719B application form—one of the most common reasons for rejection.

Common Reasons for CG-719B Rejections

The USCG expects the CG-719B application form to be error-free. Common mistakes include:

1. Failure to Sign Page 4
   Missing signatures are a leading cause of rejection. Double-check that you’ve signed every required section.
2. Unclear License Request in Section II
   If the USCG doesn’t understand the credential or endorsement you’re requesting, your application will be rejected.
3. Missed National Driver Registry Box
   Forgetting to check the box on page 4 is a small mistake with big consequences.
4. Incorrect or Missing Oath
   Your application will be rejected if your oath is missing or incorrectly formatted.
5. Using an Outdated Form
   While forms expiring in 2021 or 2026 are still valid, submitting older versions could result in rejection.
6. Missing Affidavit for Duplicate Credentials
   If you’re applying for a duplicate credential, you must include a completed affidavit of loss.

If you’ve made any of these errors, the USCG will reject your entire application. You’ll need to correct the mistakes, complete a new CG-719B form, and resubmit your entire application package.

How to Fix Your CG-719B Application

Start Fresh

We recommend downloading and completing a fresh CG-719B form. You can find the latest version of the CG-719B here.

Address Section II Carefully

Section II is where you request an original, renewal, or upgrade. This section often trips up mariners. If the USCG doesn’t clearly understand your request—whether it’s for a private boat captain’s license, OUPV renewal, or 100-Ton license upgrade—your application will be rejected.

Update the Oath

If your form was notarized and rejected, you’ll need to have the corrected form notarized again. Alternatively, you can use a standalone oath form. Learn more about oath requirements here.

Resubmit the Entire Application

The USCG does not retain any part of a rejected application, so you’ll need to resend the entire package. This includes all updated forms, supporting documents, and applicable fees.

Avoiding Future Rejections

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To fix any of these items, you will need to fill out your CG-719B with the mistakes corrected. Most mistakes will be pretty straightforward to correct. 

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We recommend starting with a fresh form so that you can sign and date it again. You can find the newest version of the CG-719B form here. If your form has been notarized, this will complicate the process. While it might be frustrating, we recommend getting your new form notarized again, rather than making edits to an already existing form. Or, you can have your oath notarized using this form, so that the oath serves as a stand-alone document. Learn more about what you need for the oath here. 

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The biggest place where we see mariners get stuck is at Section II. This is where you make your request for the original, renewal, or upgrade that you wish to be evaluated for. If the USCG didn’t understand what you requested, they will not accept your application. 

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Once you have updated your CG-719B, you will need to re-send your entire application to the USCG. They will not accept only your updated CG-719B form, because when they reject your application, they don’t keep any of the paperwork on file. 

For a seamless experience, consider using MM-SEAS. Our service is designed to help mariners submit error-free applications for original, renewal, or upgrade credentials. Here’s how it works:

1. Create a free account at MM-SEAS.
2. Upload your documents and information.
3. Click “Submit Application” for our team to review and process your submission.

Our service ensures that your CG-719B form is perfectly filled out. You’ll receive the form ready to sign, and we’ll handle the rest.

Pricing:

• $349 per application (includes pay.gov fees)
• $249 if you’ve already paid your fees and uploaded the receipt

Additional Resources

Need help with other rejection reasons? Check out these guides:

• Application Rejected Due to TWIC Issues
• Application Rejected Due to Missing Conviction Statement
• Application Rejected because of Missing Evaluation Fee
• Application Rejected because of Drug Test Issue

For mariners applying for a Merchant Mariner Credential, it’s more important than ever to get it right the first time. Don’t let mistakes on your CG-719B derail your career. Use MM-SEAS to ensure your application is submitted perfectly.

Looking for more tips on avoiding USCG license renewal headaches? Check out our comprehensive guide: Ultimate USCG License Renewal Checklist.

MM-SEAS is here to help you navigate the complexities of uscg license requirements, track your MMC status, and get your credentials approved without hassle. Let us make your next application painless and stress-free!

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