USEFUL INFORMATION:

Verification of Sea Service: There are several options to verify sea service: You may use the Sea Service Forms (enclosed with this package); a letter from your employer on company letter head; a letter from the vessels owner (signature of owner must be notarized), Certificates of Discharge, and for Military service, a transcript of Sea Service.

Certification of time on your own vessel: You must provide proof of ownership for your vessels for the entire time you claim service. You may only self certify service on vessels under 200 gross tons.

Citizenship: All licenses require the applicant to be a U.S. citizen except, an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV} license limited to undocumented vessels less than 5 net tons,. Non-citizens who possess an alien registration card or visa and hold social security cards authorizing employment can apply for an OUPV license.

S.T.C.W Certificate: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers of 1978 (STCW) is an international convention under which signatory countries mandate standards for the training, qualification and certification of mariners. The STCW outlines requirements for personnel serving on vessels that operate seaward of the U.S. boundary line. STCW certificates must be carried by mariners who sail on vessels operating seaward of the boundary line as specified in Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations Part 7

Physical exams: All applicants for original or renewal licenses or documents must undergo a physical examination. (Except original 0.5. Wiper, Steward's Dept. F.H. documents) The results of this exam should be recorded on the Coast Guard Form CC-7 19K and shall attest to the applicant's vision acuity, hearing, color sense and general physical condition. All sections of the form must be completed and the form must accompany your application package. Also, if you wear glasses or contacts, ensure your physician checks and records both your uncorrected and corrected vision on the form. IMPORTANT: The physical exam must be conducted within one year of the submittal of the application.

Drug test: All mariners who apply for licenses or MMD must provide proof of a drug test. A Drug test must be conducted within six months of the submittal date of your application. Results of the test must be included with your application. All drug tests must be conducted in accordance with "Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs" 49 CFR 40 and done by laboratories certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. "Dangerous Drug" under the Department of Transportation Rules include: Marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines. Ensure the test is limited soley to these five drugs, commonly called the NIDA 5 Panel". All qualifying random and periodic drug testing programs must also meet these requirements.