MM-SEAS software
Get Expert Help
Resources
Renewing your USCG STCW? Discover how 360 days of sea service on small vessels can be leveraged for your certification renewal.
To renew your USCG License with STCW on it using just small vessel Small Vessel Sea Service time it's recommended that you get a memo from every vessel you have sea service for on their company letterhead that states.
"YOUR NAME served on VESSEL NAME from START DATE to END DATE. VESSEL NAME is required to conduct regular fire, emergency, and abandon ship drills. YOUR NAME’s service includes ongoing participation in training and drills relevant to Basic Training.”
That being said there are two paths you can take and the decision is up to you.No matter what you will need to take one of two courses, a Basic Training Revalidation Class (Usually 1 or 2 days) or Basic Training Refresher Class (Usually 5 days) to renew your STCW portion.
We recommend doing the Basic Training Revalidation Class (Usually 1 or 2 days) as it's cheaper and easier but it does require additional paperwork when using a CG719S as the form doesn't state that you were doing drills like a company sea service letter or Certificate of Discharge for larger vessels, To take a Basic Training Revalidation Class (Usually 1 or 2 days), you need a total of 360 sea days that have a memo stating the quote below backing up your CG719S's.
This means a memo from every vessel you have sea service for on their company letterhead that states.
"YOUR NAME served on VESSEL NAME from START DATE to END DATE. VESSEL NAME is required to conduct regular fire, emergency, and abandon ship drills. YOUR NAME’s service includes ongoing participation in training and drills relevant to Basic Training.”
If you can't get those memos then you need to take Basic Training Refresher Class (Usually 5 days) to renew your STCW portion. Plus an additional PSC course if you hold it.
If you don't want to renew your STCW then we can renew just your domestic endorsements but that is on a case by case basis and WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND RENEWING YOUR STCW IF YOU CAN
We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!
For a complete step-by-step guide to renewing your MMC, check out:
Start with the Ultimate USCG License Renewal Checklist for a complete overview.
MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Pro inside of the site.
No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application, you can choose to have the MM-SEAS staff create a perfect application, handle the USCG application fees and work with the USCG on your behalf to resolve any issues for a flat fee of $349 or you can choose to submit on your own.
Pro MM-SEAS members get access to unlimited live 1 on 1 calls with one of our USCG Licensing Specialists. We've found that answering questions live with screen sharing in a video call makes both of our lives easier. Pro MM-SEAS members can access these features inside of MM-SEAS under License Guidance.
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.