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Does the USCG accept entirely online CPR and First Aid training for Captains licenses?

Learn whether the USCG accepts entirely online CPR and First Aid training for obtaining a captain's license. Get the facts straight.

2 mins read・Apr 14, 2022
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No, The USCG National Maritime Center requires that some portion of your CPR and First Aid training is done in person.

CPR training on mannequin.

We recommend taking the First Aid, CPR, AED class from the Red Cross. This class is easy to find near you, and is accepted by the Coast Guard. You can find a class here: redcross.org/take-a-class

It's important to note that the USCG will not accept entirely online courses, including Red Cross online CPR renewal. You can read about other class options and more info about the USCG requirements. No matter which provider you choose, your First Aid/CPR card needs to be less than a year old (even if it's not expired). And you need to make sure some portion of your First Aid and CPR course is done in person. If your First Aid/CPR card from Red Cross says ONLINE it will not be accepted.

USCG license renewal assistance interface.

We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!

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About the author

Nate Gilman
Nate Gilman
Captain
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Nate has over 15 years of professional maritime experience and has hawsepiped his way to a 3rd Mate Unlimited Endorsement with full STCW compliance. He is proud veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps.

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