You don't need a Coast Guard MMC Oath Anymore!

The United States Coast Guard has removed the merchant mariner oath requirement, effective December 17, 2024. This new oath policy change is great news and removes one of the most frustrating parts on the path to getting a merchant mariner credential no matter if you're seeking a 100-ton Captain's License, OUPV, or entry-level roles.

Who does this apply to?

If you're just beginning your journey toward a career at sea, you might have heard about a required "mariner's oath"  from your USCG Approved Course instructor as a necessary part of the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) application process. But here's the great news: that requirement is now obsolete! The U.S. Coast Guard has officially eliminated the need for a merchant mariner oath, saving new mariners like you both time and money.

The Coast Guard determined that requiring an oath before an authorized official was a redundant step in the original Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) application process. Mariners already sign the Application for Merchant Mariner Credential (Form CG-719B), where an individual attests to "solemnly swear or affirm" to abide by the requirements of the oath, which legally binds them. Therefore, the Coast Guard has decided that no additional requirement before an authorized official is necessary.

How did it used to work?

Previously, aspiring mariners were often instructed to take an oath in front of a notary public or a Coast Guard official. This process not only added an unnecessary layer of complexity to the application but also incurred fees and scheduling hassles. You might have been told to find a notary, take time off work, and pay anywhere from $2 to $25 for this step.

But here's the crucial update: the Coast Guard recognized that this oath was redundant. When you submit your Application for Merchant Mariner Credential (Form CG-719B), you already "solemnly swear or affirm" to abide by all legal requirements. This signed attestation is a legally binding commitment, making the separate Merchant Mariner Oath before an authorized official completely unnecessary.

What does this mean for me?

So, what does this mean for you? It means you can skip that step entirely! You no longer need to search for a notary public or plan a trip to a Coast Guard office just for the oath. This is a huge win, especially for new mariners eager to start their careers as quickly and efficiently as possible. Whether you're aiming for a 100-ton Master's license, an OUPV, or an entry-level position, this change benefits everyone seeking a new credential.

The Coast Guard's decision to eliminate this step is a direct response to streamlining the application process and making it more accessible for everyone. Our MM-SEAS team is grateful to the Coast Guard for making another positive step towards modernizing their processes and removing barriers for mariners to join the workforce.

This is a significant update, particularly for those who have recently started the process. If you've been told you need to take an oath, you can now confidently disregard that information. You can now channel that time and those funds towards your training, equipment, or other aspects of your maritime journey that are truly necessary.

How does MM-SEAS help me get my MMC?

We at mmseas.com are here to support you every step of the way. We want to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information so that you can pursue your maritime dreams without unnecessary hurdles.

Do you have questions about the MMC application process? Create a free account and reach out to our team via the Blue “i” buttons inside of the site MM-SEAS.

As fellow captains and deckhands, we understand that getting your USCG License can be a complex and frustrating experience. We built MM-SEAS software to make USCG Licensing simple so that documenting sea time, understanding license requirements, and keeping track of expirations becomes easy through interactive checklists.

When you are ready to apply, the software creates perfect USCG applications and deals with the USCG for you for a flat fee of $349 which includes all of the federal fees.