Requirements for Mariners Between 16 and 18 Years of Age

What does the USCG National Maritime Center need from mariners under 18?

Underage mariners, between the age of 16 and 18, need to be aware of an additional requirement when seeking a merchant mariner credential. When young mariners prepare their merchant mariner application for an endorsement or a medical certificate, their parent/ guardian must provide a notarized statement of consent. The applicant must also check the block “consent” on page 4 of the CG-719B form in Section IV under number 3. 

The Coast Guard will not issue a merchant mariner credential to an applicant under 16 years of age.

What Coast Guard forms require notarized consent?

The requirement for a notarized statement of consent is found in Section I of CG-719K and CG-719K/E, and in Section IV of CG-719B.

Who are these young mariners?

This applies to anyone between 16 and 18 seeking their first merchant mariner credential. They could be working on a family boat or preparing for a career in the maritime industry.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) oversees training and education programs for young mariners related to entering the maritime industry. These programs focus on developing mariners in grades K-12. Students involved in these maritime programs gain an understanding of their maritime industry through curriculum and practical skill development.

Ideally, young mariners complete their maritime program with a merchant mariner credential and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), prepared for success in the maritime workforce. 

MM-SEAS software is designed to support mariners over the age of 18, but please reach out to our team if you are under 18 and would like more resources such as a parental consent memo template. 

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