Ultimate USCG License Renewal Checklist | MM-SEAS
9 Step Life-Changing USCG License Renewal Guide

You do not have to do any of this alone. A Stress-Free MMC is $399. You add your documents, the software builds your application, two licensing experts check every page against the Coast Guard's requirements, we pay your Coast Guard fees, and we submit for you. We stay on it with the National Maritime Center until your credential is in your hand. If you would rather do it yourself, here is every step.

It’s time to gather your Sea Service Letters and let’s fulfill the Sea Service Requirements for your Coast Guard License renewal. Go track down every CG-719S (Small Vessel Sea Service form), Sea Service Letter on Company Letterhead, Certificate of Discharge and Active Duty/ Reserve documents (USCG TOSS, Army TOSS, NOAA TOSS, USCG AOPS) of sea service you have earned.

Once you’ve gathered all of your sea service documents, start by counting up your sea days in the previous five years of your USCG MMC renewal application date. This number is what will drive Step 2!

If you know that you are not going to have 360 days in the last 5 years or it’s just a pain in the rear to track it all down, don't stress out. You can easily renew without it!

Or skip this step. Add your sea service to MM-SEAS and the software totals your days, flags what is missing and keeps every document in one place. With a Stress-Free MMC at $399 we go further and build the whole application for you. Start for free.

If you are the owner of a vessel on which you are claiming service, you can easily create and sign perfect CG-719S forms inside of MM-SEAS.

All you need to do is follow the steps and make sure you record every day that you were underway for over four hours on your vessel. MM-SEAS will guide you through creating and signing a perfect small vessel sea service form(CG-719S) that is ready to submit to the USCG with your application.

MM-SEAS User Tip: MM-SEAS gets rid of the typical math errors that happen with CG-719S forms and makes sure every box the Coast Guard needs is filled in.

If you are the owner of a vessel on which you are claiming service, you must submit one of the following proof of ownership documents for that vessel.

Acceptable proof of ownership may include: Title, Registration (state registered vessels), Certificate of Documentation (U.S. Coast Guard registered vessels), Proof of insurance (which clearly identifies the vessel) or a Bill(s) of sale.

MM-SEAS User Tip: Make sure your name is on the proof of ownership and the vessel ID you use on your CG-719S matches your proof of ownership document. If it doesn’t the USCG will not accept any of your sea time for that vessel.

Training and tests for merchant mariner credential renewal all depend on which USCG Licenses you hold and how many sea days you have in the last 5 years.

Do not work this out by hand. Add your sea service and MM-SEAS tells you exactly which training and tests your renewal needs, endorsement by endorsement. Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons an application comes back. Start for free.

Everyone who holds a Merchant Mariner Credential will have a domestic endorsement such as Master, Mate, OUPV, 1AE, Chief Engineer and/or DDE.

You can find these on your MMC booklet below the statement “is entitled under Title 46 (Shipping) U.S. Code to serve in the capacity or capacities specified (National Only), subject to any limitations indicated”.

MM-SEAS User Tip: If you are using MM-SEAS they will be listed under “Domestic Training” on the Renewal Checklist.

You do not need to take any license exam for your domestic USCG License renewal.

Just turn in your sea service making sure it’s signed everywhere it needs to be, the math adds up and it’s easy to read for the USCG Evaluators.

MM-SEAS User Tip: Make sure your name is on the proof of ownership and the vessel ID you use on your CG-719S matches your proof of ownership document. If it doesn't the USCG will not accept your sea service.

You will need to take an open book take home test.

This will be emailed to you after your application is approved for all domestic licenses that you hold. If you currently possess a Master 200 GRT Near Coastal and an Able Seaman Special, you will take an open book test for each of them. Remember, you have been sailing and got your original domestic license so the open book test should be a breeze!

You may use any reference material to complete the renewal examination. Google, the library, any book, literally any resource. The only rule is that you may receive no help from any other person.

A grade of 90% is required to pass each module of the open book license examination.

For Officer Endorsements, you have a total of 90 days from the date they email the test. You get three attempts (it's an open book so you have to try to fail) and if you don’t pass after your third attempt you pay the $45 examination fee again and you get three more attempts.

For Rating Endorsements, you have 1 year from the date they email the test. You get three attempts (it's an open book so you have to try to fail) and if you don't pass this exam all that happens is that you will be required to reapply and retake the USCG renewal tests.

MM-SEAS User Tip: When you use MM-SEAS to submit your renewal, our team takes care of getting your open book take home test emailed directly to you.

If you also hold any STCW, Radar, Master of Towing and Mate (Pilot) of Towing endorsements your sea service for renew needs to verify to the USCG that your “service includes ongoing participation in training and drills relevant to Basic Training” for STCW as well as Master of Towing and Mate (Pilot) of Towing.

You also need to get credit if you “carried out Bridge Watch duties in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes” if you hold a Radar Endorsement.

Certificate of Discharge and Active Duty Seatime (TOSS or AOPS)

• Holds STCW, Master of Towing or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Endorsements: No Action is Needed

• Holds Radar Observer: Must be serving as a Master, Mate or AB

Sea Service Letter on Company Letterhead

• Holds STCW, Master of Towing or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Endorsements: Must state verbarium, “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.”

• Holds Radar Observer: Must be serving as a Master, Mate, Operator or AB and must state verbarium, “YOUR NAME carried out Bridge Watch duties in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes.”

If you are missing these exact statements on your sea service letter you have two options. Either have the company create a new sea service letter with the right verbiage or you can have them create a separate memo with exact dates listed on your sea service letter that has the correct verbiage.

If you do not have this exact verbiage your sea time is not counted towards renewal of your STCW, Master of Towing, Mate (Pilot) of Towing or Radar Observer endorsements.

CG719S (Small Vessel Sea Service Form)

• Holds STCW, Master of Towing or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Endorsements: On a separate memo with exact dates listed on CG719S that must state verbarium, “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.”

• Holds Radar Observer: Must be serving as a Master, Mate, Operator or AB and on a separate memo with exact dates listed on CG719S that must state verbarium, “YOUR NAME carried out Bridge Watch duties in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes.”

If you have 360 or more STCW qualifying sea days in the previous five years of your renewal application:

You will need to only take an STCW Basic Training Revalidation course to renew all of your STCW endorsements.

If you have less than 360 STCW qualifying sea days in the previous five years of your renewal application:

You will need to take an STCW Basic Training Refresher course to renew most of your STCW endorsements. If you also hold STCW Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC) you will need to take a Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC) Refresher course as well. If you also hold STCW Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) you will need to take a Fast Rescue Boat (PSC) Refresher course as well.

MM-SEAS User Tip: MM-SEAS will automatically let you know what STCW courses you need to renew your STCW. This is based on how many sea days you have entered into the software.

If you have 360 or more STCW qualifying sea days in the previous five years of your renewal application:

You will need to take an STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation course to renew your STCW Advanced Fire Fighting endorsement.

If you have less than 360 STCW qualifying sea days in the previous five years of your renewal application:

You will need to take an STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher or Original course to renew your STCW Advanced Fire Fighting endorsement.

MM-SEAS User Tip: If you hold STCW Advanced Fire Fighting MM-SEAS will automatically let you know what STCW Advanced Fire Fighting course you need to renew your STCW. This is based on how many sea days you have entered into the software.

If you have 360 or more Radar qualifying sea days in the previous five years of your renewal application:

You do not need to take any courses to renew your Radar Observer endorsement.

If you have less than 360 Radar qualifying sea days in the previous five years of your renewal application:

You will need to take an original, refresher, or recertification Radar Observer course or have taught an original, refresher, or recertification Radar Observer course twice in the last 5 years

If you have 360 days of creditable sea time for Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing with the exact Training and Drills verbiage on your documentation of sea service:

You do not need to take any course or a new TOAR to renew your Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing endorsement.

If you have less than 360 days of creditable sea time for Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing OR you are missing the exact Training and Drills verbiage on your documentation of sea service:

You will need to either have a Designated Examiner from this list sign off on Part D of the TOAR for the route you are renewing or take an USCG approved TOAR Renewal/ Original Course.

If you have been holding a valid Tankerman PIC and have 90 sea days onboard tank vessels performing duties associated with Tankerman PIC for the type of cargo you are endorsed for and you provide documentation of Two transfers of that type of cargo within the previous five years of your renewal application:

You do not need to take any courses to renew your Tankerman PIC endorsement.

If you do not meet the sea service and practical experience renewal requirements within the previous five years of your renewal application:

You will need to take a USCG approved Tankerman Course for the type of cargo you are approved for. If you hold Tankerman PIC for both DL and LG you would need to take a course for each type of cargo.

If you have been holding a valid Tankerman PIC (Barge) and you provide documentation of Two transfers for the type of cargo you are endorsed for within the previous five years of your renewal application:

You do not need to take any courses to renew your Tankerman PIC (Barge) endorsement.

If you do not meet the sea service and practical experience renewal requirements within the previous five years of your renewal application:

You will need to take a USCG approved Tankerman Course for the type of cargo you are approved for. If you hold Tankerman PIC (Barge) for both DL and LG you would need to take a course for each type of cargo.

If you have been holding a valid Tankerman Assistant / Engineer and have 90 sea days onboard tank vessels performing duties associated with Tankerman Assistant / Engineer for the type of cargo you are endorsed for within the previous five years of your renewal application:

You do not need to take any courses to renew your Tankerman Assistant / Engineer endorsement.

If you do not meet the sea service and practical experience renewal requirements within the previous five years of your renewal application:

You will need to take a USCG approved Tankerman Course for the type of cargo you are approved for. If you hold Tankerman Assistant / Engineer for both DL and LG you would need to take a course for each type of cargo.

No photocopier needed. Photograph your MMC pages with your phone and add them to MM-SEAS. The software builds your application from them, tracks your expiration dates and tells you when it is time to renew again. Start for free.

Photocopy all attachments on front and back of what you are renewing. This can be your uncancelled MMD, MMC, license, STCW endorsement, Certificate of Registry (COR), or Document of Continuity.

We write this one for you. MM-SEAS generates your TWIC exemption memo inside the software. One less thing to chase, and you keep the $125.25 a TWIC would have cost you. Start for free.

If you do need a TWIC card for work then you should renew it online.

Do not let this one expire on you. Add your drug test paperwork to MM-SEAS and the software warns you before the 185 days run out. A test that ages out after you submit means starting that piece over. Start for free.

For all renewal applications, you’ll need evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs. You may also use a letter from a marine employer attesting to participation in a random drug testing program, or a letter attesting to pre-employment drug test from your employer instead of a drug test. There are a few exceptions to this requirement including increasing in scope, asking for a duplicate, or applying for an STCW only endorsement.

There are three options to meet this requirement, so schedule your drug test accordingly. You only need to fulfill one of the options and it must be dated within 185 of your application being submitted.

• Option One: Provide the results of a DOT 5 Panel Urine Test for Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine, and Amphetamines. Make your life easier by bringing the CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form with you to the clinic with a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) approved through AAMRO or MROCC. ​​Make sure your test states Negative and is signed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO). The USCG will not accept a Positive Result, a Negative - Dilute or a Drug Test Document that is not Signed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO)

• Option Two: Provide a letter on marine employer stationary or on command letterhead attesting to participation in random drug testing program. You must include the exact text from the Overview of Drug Test Requirements Option Two on the USCG website in your letter.  Drug testing letters from a Union will not be accepted by the NMC. If you are part of a Drug Testing Consortium they can provide you a Drug Test Letter. You will need to reach out to your Drug Testing Consortium and ask for a Drug Test Letter to use on your upcoming USCG License Application.

• Option Three: Provide a letter on marine employer stationary attesting to pre-employment drug testing. You must include the exact text from the Overview of Drug Test Requirements Option Three on the USCG website in your letter.

MM-SEAS User Tip: Coast Guard fees are one of the most common places a renewal goes wrong. If MM-SEAS is submitting for you, we work out what you owe, pay the Coast Guard at submission, and charge your card the exact amount, so there is nothing for you to calculate.

Doing it yourself? You pay your Coast Guard fees yourself on pay.gov before you submit, so have a card ready. Paying the wrong amount is one of the most common reasons a renewal stalls.

Keep the pay.gov receipt, it goes in with your application. You can store it in your Renewal Checklist in MM-SEAS so it does not go missing.

Here is how to work out what you owe. Use the fee table in 46 CFR 10.219 to calculate what your renewal costs before you go in.

You do not have to fill this form out. MM-SEAS builds your CG-719B from the profile you have already filled in, and lists every endorsement you hold so none of them get dropped in the renewal. A Stress-Free MMC is $399. Start for free.

It’s strongly recommended that you ask for every single endorsement that you want to be renewed. If you do not put it in writing as part of your renewal application, the USCG commonly omits endorsements you previously held and are qualified to renew.

First, fill out the CG-719B form.

Help with Description of Endorsements Desired Box in Section II - We know the Description of Endorsements Desired Box on the form is small and you might not have room to fit all of your requested endorsements with every single endorsement you want upgraded, added or an increase in scope in the box. If you can’t fit everything in the box, attach a memo to the form and outline why you are qualified.

If you are just renewing all of your endorsements the USCG prefers that you write, “Renewal of all current credentials” in the Description of Endorsements Desired Box in Section II. We recommend attaching a memo with all endorsements you want renewed as well.

MM-SEAS User Tip: In MM-SEAS this step is one button. Click Submit for Expert Review and our team takes it from there. All that is left for you is a short video call with your Navita Navigator, or nothing at all if you would rather we submit it for you.

Our team opens your application and compares every document against the Coast Guard's requirements for the endorsements you asked for. Sea service gets recalculated and checked against your renewal window. We look at signatures, legibility, the endorsement list on your CG-719B, your drug test documentation, and your TWIC or exemption memo. If something is missing or will not hold up, we tell you exactly what to fix and we help you fix it.

When it is right, we pay your Coast Guard fees and get your application ready for the Coast Guard, in the order the NMC evaluators prefer. Then an MM-SEAS Navita Navigator walks you through submitting it in Navita, the Coast Guard's new submission portal, on a short video call. No computer, or not up for a video call? Our team gets it submitted to the Coast Guard for you anyway. If the National Maritime Center comes back with a question, we work it with them so you do not have to. You never touch pay.gov, and you never wait on hold.

A Stress-Free MMC is $399. Start for free and watch your whole application build itself before you pay anything.

These eight steps may seem a little daunting and we agree.

This is why my team and I built MM-SEAS (www.mmseas.com) Software. If you want to do it yourself, get expert help, or hand it off start to finish, we have a solution to get your USCG License done right.

If you're renewing a specific license, we’ve got you covered with tailored guides for every type: OUPV Six-Pack License Renewal, 25 Ton License Renewal, 50 Ton License Renewal, and 100 Ton Captain License Renewal.

MM-SEAS FREE gives you everything you need to complete your renewal or upgrade application on your own including free lifetime access to step-by-step USCG licensing guidance and electronic sea service form generation.

MM-SEAS Expert Access is for mariners who want personal support, expert advice and prioritized help from captains, engineers and credentialing experts who do this every day, when getting their first, renewing or upgrading their Merchant Mariner Credential.

When you are ready to submit, you can have MM-SEAS do it. The software builds your application, two licensing experts check every page, we make sure it is submitted to the Coast Guard, and we work any issues with them on your behalf. A Stress-Free MMC is $399.

Visit the MM-SEAS team on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for more tips on license renewals and upgrades.

No hard feelings. If MM-SEAS is not the right fit for you, here is the short version. Create an account in Navita, the National Maritime Center's online system, and submit your completed, signed application with every document from the steps above. Have everything ready as a PDF before you start. Electronic signatures are fine as long as they can be verified and the PDF is not locked afterward. Rather not do Navita alone? With a Stress-Free MMC, an MM-SEAS Navita Navigator walks you through it on a short video call.

Name each file so an evaluator can tell what it is at a glance: last name, first name, MMC reference number, document type. Your Coast Guard fees are paid on pay.gov, not inside Navita. Work out what you owe from the fee table in 46 CFR 10.219, pay before you submit, and keep the emailed receipt to include with your application. If you get stuck, the National Maritime Center's customer service center is at 1-888-427-5662, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern.

That is genuinely all of it. And if you get halfway through and decide you would rather hand it off, a Stress-Free MMC is $399 and we pick it up from wherever you left off.