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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR Part 10 (May 15, 2025)
This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.
Title 46 —Shipping
Chapter I —Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
Subchapter B —Merchant Marine Officers and Seamen
Part 10 Merchant Mariner Credential
Subpart A General
§ 10.101 Purpose.
§ 10.103 Incorporation by reference.
§ 10.105 Paperwork approval. [Reserved]
§ 10.107 Definitions in subchapter B.
§ 10.109 Classification of endorsements.
Subpart B General Requirements for All Merchant Mariner Credentials
§ 10.201 General characteristics of the Merchant Mariner Credential.
§ 10.203 Requirement to hold a TWIC and a Merchant Mariner Credential.
§ 10.205 Validity of a Merchant Mariner Credential.
§ 10.207 Identification number.
§ 10.209 General application procedures.
§ 10.211 Criminal record review.
§ 10.213 National Driver Register.
§ 10.214 Security Check.
§ 10.217 Merchant Mariner Credential application and examination locations.
§ 10.219 Fees.
§ 10.221 Citizenship.
§ 10.223 Modification or removal of limitations or scope.
§ 10.225 Requirements for original Merchant Mariner Credentials.
§ 10.227 Requirements for renewal.
§ 10.229 Replacement of lost Merchant Mariner Credentials.
§ 10.231 Requirements for raises of grade or new endorsements.
§ 10.232 Sea service.
§ 10.233 Obligations of the holder of a Merchant Mariner Credential.
§ 10.235 Suspension or revocation of Merchant Mariner Credentials.
§ 10.237 Right of appeal.
§ 10.239 Quick reference table for MMC requirements.
Subpart C Medical Certification
§ 10.301 General requirements.
§ 10.302 Medical and physical requirements.
§ 10.303 Medical waivers, limitations, and restrictions.
46 CFR Part 10 (May 15, 2025) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR Part 10 (May 15, 2025)
§ 10.304 General medical exam.
§ 10.305 Vision requirements.
§ 10.306 Hearing requirements.
Subpart D Training Courses and Programs
§ 10.401 Applicability.
§ 10.402 Approval of training courses.
§ 10.403 General standards.
§ 10.404 Substitution of training for required service, use of training-record books (TRBs), and
use of towing officer assessment records (TOARs).
§ 10.405 Qualification as Qualified Assessor and Designated Examiner.
§ 10.406 Approved courses.
§ 10.407 Approval of training programs.
§ 10.408 Coast Guard-accepted training other than approved courses and programs.
§ 10.409 Coast Guard-accepted Quality Standard System (QSS) organizations.
§ 10.410 Quality Standard System (QSS) requirements.
§ 10.411 Simulator performance standards.
§ 10.412 Distance and e-learning.
PART 10—MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL
Authority: 14 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 2104, 2110; 46 U.S.C. chapter 71; 46 U.S.C.
chapter 73; 46 U.S.C. chapter 75; 46 U.S.C. 7701, 8903, 8904, and 70105; Executive Order 10173; DHS Delegation
No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.
Source: USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A—General
§ 10.101 Purpose.
The regulations in this part provide:
(a) A means of determining and verifying the qualifications an applicant must possess to be eligible for
certification to serve on merchant vessels;
(b) A means of determining that an applicant is competent to serve under the authority of their Merchant
Mariner Credential (MMC);
(c) A means of confirming that an applicant does not pose a threat to national security through the
requirement to hold a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC); and
(d) A means of determining whether the applicant for an MMC is a safe and suitable person.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77882, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2021-0097,
89 FR 93054, Nov. 25, 2024]
46 CFR 10.101(d) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.103
§ 10.103 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal
Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference material (IBR) is
available for inspection at the Coast Guard and the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). Contact Coast Guard at: Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC), U.S. Coast Guard,
Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; phone: 202-372-1492;
website: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/. For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email
fr.inspection@nara.gov. The material may be obtained from:
(b) International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, England; phone +44
(0)20 7735 7611; website: www.imo.org.
(1) The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers,
1978, as amended, 2011 (the STCW Convention or the STCW), incorporation by reference approved
for §§ 10.107, 10.109, 10.201, and 10.410.
(2) The Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code, as amended, 2011 (the STCW Code),
incorporation by reference approved for §§ 10.107, 10.109, 10.201, 10.404, 10.411, and 10.412.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49224, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2013-0671,
78 FR 60145, Sept. 30, 2013; USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77882, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2016-0315, 81 FR 43955, July 6, 2016;
USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93054, Nov. 25, 2024]
§ 10.105 Paperwork approval. [Reserved]
§ 10.107 Definitions in subchapter B.
(a) With respect to part 16 of this subchapter only, if the definitions in paragraph (b) of this section differ from
those set forth in § 16.105, the definition set forth in § 16.105 applies.
(b) As used in this subchapter, the following terms apply only to merchant marine personnel credentialing and
the manning of vessels subject to the manning provisions in the navigation and shipping laws of the
United States:
Able Seafarer-Deck means a rating qualified in accordance with the provisions of Regulation II/5 of the STCW
Convention.
Able Seafarer-Engine means a rating qualified in accordance with the provisions of Regulation III/5 of the STCW
Convention.
Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels means a credentialed mariner in training to perform bridge watchkeeping
duties onboard a towing vessel, who must be under the direct supervision and in the continuous presence
of a Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels.
Approved means approved by the Coast Guard.
Approved training means training that is approved by the Coast Guard or meets the requirements of § 10.408.
Articulated tug barge or ATB means any tug-barge combination which, through the use of an articulated or
“hinged” connection system between the tug and barge, allows independent movement in the critical area
of fore and aft pitch.
46 CFR 10.107 “Articulated tug barge or ATB” (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.107 “Assistance towing”
Assistance towing means towing a disabled vessel for consideration.
Assistant Engineer , for national endorsements, means a qualified officer in the engine department other than
the Chief Engineer.
Authorized official includes, but is not limited to, a Federal, State or local law enforcement officer.
Ballast Control Operator or BCO means an officer restricted to service on mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs)
whose duties involve the operation of the complex ballast system found on many MODUs. When assigned
to a MODU, a Ballast Control Operator is equivalent to a Mate on a conventional vessel.
Barge means a non-self-propelled vessel as defined in 46 U.S.C. 102.
Barge Supervisor or BS means an officer restricted to service on MODUs whose duties involve support to the
Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) in marine-related matters including, but not limited to, maintaining
watertight integrity, inspecting and maintaining mooring and towing components, and maintaining
emergency and other marine-related equipment. A Barge Supervisor, when assigned to a MODU, is
equivalent to a Mate on a conventional vessel.
Boatswain means the leading seafarer and immediate supervisor of deck crew who supervises the maintenance
of deck gear.
Boundary line marks the dividing point between internal and offshore waters for the purposes of several U.S.
statutes and, with exceptions, generally follows the trend of the seaward, highwater shorelines. See part 7
of this chapter.
Cargo engineer means a person holding an officer endorsement on a dangerous-liquid tankship or a liquefiedgas tankship whose primary responsibility is maintaining the cargo system and cargo-handling
equipment.
Ceremonial license means a document that reflects a mariner's existing national officer endorsement and is
suitable for framing, but is not valid for use as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
Chemical tanker means a tank vessel that is certificated to carry or carries chemicals in bulk as cargo or cargo
residue. For the purposes of qualifying for an STCW endorsement for advanced chemical tanker cargo
operations, this includes tank barges.
Chief Engineer means the senior engineer responsible for the mechanical propulsion and the operation and
maintenance of the mechanical and electrical installations of the vessel.
Chief Mate means the deck officer next in rank to the Master and upon whom the command of the vessel will
fall in the event of incapacity of the Master.
Coast Guard-accepted means—
(1) That the Coast Guard has officially acknowledged in writing that the material or process at issue
meets the applicable requirements;
(2) That the Coast Guard has issued an official policy statement listing or describing the material or
process as meeting the applicable requirements; or
(3) That an entity acting on behalf of the Coast Guard under a Memorandum of Agreement has
determined that the material or process meets the applicable requirements.
Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization means an entity that has been approved by the Coast Guard to accept
and monitor training on behalf of the Coast Guard.
46 CFR 10.107 “Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization” (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.107 “Coastwise seagoing vessel”
Coastwise seagoing vessel means a vessel that is authorized by its Certificate of Inspection to proceed beyond
the Boundary Line established in part 7 of this chapter.
Coastwise voyage is a domestic voyage and means a voyage in which a vessel proceeds—
(1) From one port or place in the United States to another port or place in the United States;
(2) From a port or place in a United States possession to another port or place in the same possession,
and passes outside the line dividing inland waters from the high seas; or
(3) From a port or place in the United States or its possessions and passes outside the line dividing
inland waters from the high seas and navigates on the high seas, and then returns to the same port
or place.
Communicable disease means any disease capable of being transmitted from one person to another directly, by
contact with excreta or other discharges from the body; or indirectly, via substances or inanimate objects
contaminated with excreta or other discharges from an infected person. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12113, the
Department of Health and Human Services periodically publishes in the FEDERAL REGISTER a list of
infectious and communicable diseases that are transmissible through the food supply, and that list
provides examples of communicable diseases for purposes of § 10.304.
Conviction means that the applicant for a Merchant Mariner Credential has been found guilty, by judgment or
plea by a court of record of the United States, the District of Columbia, any State, territory, or possession
of the United States, a foreign country, or any military court, of a criminal felony or misdemeanor or of an
offense described in section 205 of the National Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended (49 U.S.C.
30304). If an applicant pleads guilty or no contest, is granted deferred adjudication, or is required by the
court to attend classes, make contributions of time or money, receive treatment, submit to any manner of
probation or supervision, or forgo appeal of a trial court's conviction, then the Coast Guard will consider
the applicant to have received a conviction. A later expungement of the conviction will not negate a
conviction unless the Coast Guard is satisfied that the expungement is based upon a showing that the
court's earlier conviction was in error.
Credential means any or all of the following:
(1) Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD).
(2) Merchant Mariner's License.
(3) STCW endorsement.
(4) Certificate of Registry (COR).
(5) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
Criminal record review means the process or action taken by the Coast Guard to determine whether an applicant
for, or holder of, a credential is a safe and suitable person to be issued such a credential or to be
employed on a vessel under the authority of such a credential.
Dangerous drug means a narcotic drug, a controlled substance, or a controlled-substance analogue (as defined
in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802)).
Dangerous liquid or DL means a liquid listed in 46 CFR 153.40 of this chapter that is not a liquefied gas as
defined in this part. Liquid cargoes in bulk listed in table 2 to part 153 of this chapter are not dangerousliquid cargoes when carried by non-oceangoing barges.
46 CFR 10.107 “Dangerous liquid or DL” (enhanced display)
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Day
46 CFR 10.107 “Day”
means, for the purpose of complying with the service requirements of this subchapter, 8 hours of
watchstanding or day-working not to include overtime. On vessels authorized by 46 U.S.C. 8104 and §
15.705 of this subchapter, to operate a two-watch system, a 12-hour working day may be creditable as
11⁄2 days of service. On vessels of less than 100 GRT, a day is considered as 8 hours unless the Coast
Guard determines that the vessel's operating schedule makes this criteria inappropriate; in no case will
this period be less than 4 hours. When computing service on MODUs for any endorsement, a day of
MODU service must be a minimum of 4 hours, and no additional credit is received for periods served over
8 hours. For cadet service on a training ship furnished by the Maritime Administration under 46 CFR
310.4, a day may be creditable as 11⁄2 days of service.
Deck crew (excluding individuals serving under their officer endorsement) means, as used in 46 U.S.C. 8702,
only the following members of the deck department: Able Seafarers, Boatswains, and Ordinary Seafarers.
Deck department means the department aboard a ship responsible for navigation, cargo, command, and control
functions.
Designated areas means those areas within pilotage waters for which First-Class Pilot endorsements are issued
under part 11, subpart G, of this chapter, by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI). The areas for
which First-Class Pilot endorsements are issued within a particular Marine Inspection Zone and the
specific requirements to obtain them may be obtained from the OCMI concerned.
Designated Duty Engineer or DDE means a qualified engineer, who may be the sole engineer on vessels with a
periodically unmanned engine room.
Designated Examiner or DE means a person who has been trained or instructed in techniques of training or
assessment on towing vessels and is otherwise qualified to evaluate whether an applicant has achieved
the level of proficiency required to hold a towing vessel endorsement on an MMC. This person must be
approved by the Coast Guard.
Designated Medical Examiner means a licensed physician, licensed physician's assistant, or licensed nurse
practitioner who has been trained and approved to conduct medical and physical examinations of
merchant mariners on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard and may be delegated limited authority to grant
waivers and approve physical/medical suitability for service.
Directly supervised/direct supervision (only when referring to issues related to tank vessel endorsements) means
being in the direct line of sight of the person-in-charge or maintaining direct, two-way communications by
a convenient, reliable means, such as a predetermined working frequency over a handheld radio.
Disabled vessel means a vessel that needs assistance, whether docked, moored, anchored, aground, adrift, or
underway. This does not mean a barge or any other vessel not regularly operated under its own power.
Document of Continuity means a document issued by the Coast Guard to seafarers who are unwilling or
otherwise unable to meet the requirements of § 10.227, for the sole purpose of maintaining an
individual's eligibility for renewal of an endorsement.
Domestic voyage means a voyage from one United States port to another United States port, without entering
waters under the jurisdiction of another country unless the United States has entered into a treaty or an
agreement with that country respecting mutual recognition of national mariner qualifications. This
includes a voyage to nowhere that returns to the originating port.
Drug test means a chemical test of an individual's urine for evidence of dangerous drug use.
46 CFR 10.107 “Drug test” (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.107 “Dual-mode integrated tug barge”
Dual-mode integrated tug barge means an integrated tug barge (ITB) involving an articulated (flexible) coupling
system where the towing unit rolls and heaves (articulates) about a horizontal pivot point. Dual mode
units resemble a conventional tug and are capable of towing in other configurations (astern or alongside).
Electro-technical Officer or ETO means an officer qualified in accordance with the provisions of Regulation III/6
of the STCW Convention.
Electro-technical Rating or ETR means a rating qualified in accordance with the provisions of Regulation III/7 of
the STCW Convention.
Employment assigned to means the total period of time a person is assigned to work on MODUs, including time
spent ashore as part of normal crew rotation.
Endorsement is a statement of a mariner's qualifications and, for the purposes of this chapter, includes only
those endorsements listed in § 10.109.
Engine department means the department aboard a ship responsible for the main propulsion and auxiliary
systems, and other mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and refrigeration systems, including deck machinery
and cargo-handling equipment.
Entry-level mariner means a mariner holding no rating other than Ordinary Seafarer, Wiper, Steward's Department,
or Steward's Department Food Handler (F.H.).
Evaluation means processing an application, from the point of receipt to approval or denial of the application,
including review of all documents and records submitted with an application as well as those obtained
from public records and databases.
Fails a chemical test for dangerous drugs means that the result of a chemical test conducted under 49 CFR part
40 was reported as “positive” by a Medical Review Officer because the chemical test indicated the
presence of a dangerous drug at a level equal to or exceeding the levels established in 49 CFR part 40.
First Assistant Engineer means the engineer officer next in rank to the Chief Engineer and upon whom the
responsibility for the mechanical propulsion and the operation and maintenance of the mechanical and
electrical installations of the vessel will fall in the event of the incapacity of the Chief Engineer.
Great Lakes , for the purpose of calculating service requirements for an endorsement, means the Great Lakes
and their connecting and tributary waters, including the Calumet River as far as the Thomas J. O'Brien
Lock and Controlling Works (between miles 326 and 327), the Chicago River as far as the east side of the
Ashland Avenue Bridge (between miles 321 and 322), and the Saint Lawrence River as far east as the
lower exit of Saint Lambert Lock. For purposes of requiring MMCs with rating endorsements, the
connecting and tributary waters are not part of the Great Lakes.
Gross register tons or GRT means the gross ton measurement of the vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 145,
Regulatory Measurement.
Gross tonnage or GT means the gross tonnage measurement of the vessel under 46 U.S.C. chapter 143,
Convention Measurement.
Harbor assist means the use of a towing vessel during maneuvers to dock, undock, moor, or unmoor a vessel, or
to escort a vessel with limited maneuverability.
High-Speed Craft Type Rating (HSC) means an endorsement for specific duty on a particular type and model of
high-speed craft (compliant with the High-Speed Craft Code).
46 CFR 10.107 “High-Speed Craft Type Rating (HSC)” (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.107 “Horsepower or HP”
Horsepower or HP means, for the purpose of this subchapter, the total maximum continuous shaft horsepower
of the entire vessel's main propulsion machinery as determined by the manufacturer. This term is used
when describing a vessel's propulsion power and also when placing limitations on an engineer officer
license or endorsement. One horsepower equals 0.75 kW.
ILO
means the International Labour Organization.
IMO means the International Maritime Organization.
Increase in scope means additional authority added to an existing credential, such as adding a new route or
increasing the authorized horsepower or tonnage.
Inland waters means the navigable waters of the United States shoreward of the Boundary Lines as described in
part 7 of this chapter, excluding the Great Lakes, and, for towing vessels, excluding the Western Rivers.
Integrated tug barge or ITB means any tug barge combination which, through the use of special design features
or a specially designed connection system, has increased seakeeping capabilities relative to a tug and
barge in the conventional pushing mode. An ITB can be divided into either a dual-mode ITB or a pushmode ITB. The definitions for those categories can be found elsewhere in this section.
Invalid credential means an MMC, MMD, License, STCW endorsement, or Certificate of Registry that has been
suspended or revoked, has expired, has been tampered with, has not been signed, or has been
superseded in accordance with § 10.205.
ISM means the International Safety Management Code.
Kilowatt or kW means 11⁄3 horsepower. This term is used when describing a vessel's propulsion power and also
when placing limitations on an engineer officer license or endorsement.
Large passenger vessel , for the purposes of subpart H of part 12, and part 15 (both of this subchapter), means
a vessel of more than 70,000 gross tons, as measured under 46 U.S.C. 14302 and documented under the
laws of the United States, with capacity for at least 2,000 passengers and a coastwise endorsement
under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121.
Lifeboat Operator means a mariner who is qualified to take charge of, lower, and operate survival craft and
related survival equipment on a vessel.
Lifeboat Operator-Limited means a mariner who is qualified to take charge of, lower, and operate liferafts, rescue
boats, and other survival equipment on vessels where lifeboats are not installed.
Liquefied gas or LG means a cargo that has a vapor pressure of 172 kPa (25 psia) or more at 37.8 °C (100 °F).
Liquefied gas tanker means a tank vessel that is certificated to carry or carries liquefied gases in bulk as cargo
or cargo residue. For the purposes of qualifying for an STCW endorsement for advanced liquefied gas
tanker cargo operations, this includes tank barges.
Liquid cargo in bulk means a liquid or liquefied gas listed in § 153.40 of this chapter and carried as a liquid cargo
or liquid-cargo residue in integral, fixed, or portable tanks, except a liquid cargo carried in a portable tank
actually loaded and discharged from a vessel with the contents intact.
Management level means the level of responsibility associated with—
(1) Serving as Master, Chief Mate, Chief Engineer Officer, or Second Engineer Officer onboard a seagoing
ship; and
(2) Ensuring that all functions within the designated area of responsibility are properly performed.
46 CFR 10.107 “Management level” (2) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.107 “Marine chemist”
Marine chemist means a person certificated by the National Fire Protection Association as a marine chemist.
Master means the officer having command of a vessel.
Mate means a qualified officer in the deck department other than the Master.
Medical Certificate means a certificate issued by the Coast Guard under subpart C of this part 10, that serves as
proof that the seafarer meets the medical and physical standards for merchant mariners.
Merchant Mariner Credential or MMC means a credential issued by the Coast Guard under this part 10. It
combines the individual Merchant Mariner's Document, License, and Certificate of Registry enumerated in
46 U.S.C. subtitle II part E as well as the STCW endorsement into a single credential that serves as the
mariner's qualification document, certificate of identification, and certificate of service.
MMC application means the application for the MMC, as well as the application for any endorsement on an
MMC.
Mobile offshore drilling unit or MODU means a vessel capable of engaging in drilling operations for the
exploration for or exploitation of subsea resources. MODU designs include the following:
(1) Bottom bearing units, which include—
(i)
Self-elevating (or jack-up) units with moveable, bottom bearing legs capable of raising the hull
above the surface of the sea; and
(ii) Submersible units of ship-shape, barge-type, or novel hull design, other than a self-elevating
unit, intended for operating while bottom bearing.
(2) Surface units with a ship-shape or barge-type displacement hull of single or multiple hull
construction intended for operating in a floating condition, including semi-submersibles and drill
ships.
Month means 30 days, for the purpose of complying with the service requirements of this subchapter.
National Driver Register or NDR means the nationwide repository of information on drivers maintained by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under 49 U.S.C. chapter 303.
National officer endorsement means an annotation on an MMC that allows a mariner to serve in the capacities
listed in § 10.109(a). The officer endorsement serves as the License and/or Certificate of Registry
pursuant to 46 U.S.C. subtitle II part E.
National rating endorsement means an annotation on an MMC that allows a mariner to serve in those capacities
set out in § 10.109(b) and (c). The rating endorsement serves as the Merchant Mariner's Document
pursuant to 46 U.S.C. subtitle II part E.
NDR-listed convictions means a conviction of any of the following motor vehicle-related offenses or comparable
offenses:
(1) Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or a controlled
substance; or
(2) A traffic violation arising in connection with a fatal traffic accident, reckless driving, or racing on the
highways.
46 CFR 10.107 “NDR-listed convictions” (2) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.107 “Near-coastal”
Near-coastal means ocean waters not more than 200 miles offshore from the United States and its
possessions, except for MMCs endorsed as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) for which
near-coastal is limited to waters not more than 100 miles offshore from the United States and its
possessions. This also includes those near-coastal waters identified by another Administration when the
United States has entered into a treaty or an agreement with that country respecting the recognition of the
U.S. near-coastal endorsement.
Non-resident alien , for the purposes of subchapter H of part 12, and part 15, means an individual who is not a
citizen or alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, but who is employable in
the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), including an alien
crewmember described in section 101(a)(15)(D)(i) of that Act who meets the requirements of 46 U.S.C.
8103(k)(3)(A).
Oceans means the waters seaward of the Boundary Lines as described in part 7 of this chapter. For the
purposes of establishing sea service credit, the waters of the Inside Passage between Puget Sound and
Cape Spencer, Alaska, and the inland waters of another country are not considered oceans.
Officer endorsement means an annotation on an MMC that allows a mariner to serve in the capacities listed in §
10.109.
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection or OCMI means, for the purposes of this subchapter, the commanding officer
of the National Maritime Center, or any person designated as such by the Commandant, in accordance
with § 1.01-5(b).
Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch in a manned engineroom (OICEW) or Designated Duty Engineer
(DDE) in a periodically unmanned engineroom
means an engineering officer qualified at the operational level.
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) means a deck officer qualified at the operational level.
Offshore Installation Manager or OIM means an officer restricted to service on MODUs. An assigned Offshore
Installation Manager is equivalent to a Master on a conventional vessel and is the person designated by
the owner or operator to be in complete and ultimate command of the unit.
Oil tanker means a tank vessel that is certificated to carry or carries oil in bulk as cargo or cargo residue. For the
purposes of qualifying for an STCW endorsement for Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operations, this includes
tank barges.
On location means that a mobile offshore drilling unit is bottom bearing or moored with anchors placed in the
drilling configuration.
Operate , operating, or operation (as applied to the manning requirements of vessels carrying passengers) refers
to a vessel any time passengers are embarked whether the vessel is underway, at anchor, made fast to
shore, or aground.
Operational level means the level of responsibility associated with—
(1) Serving as Officer in Charge of a Navigational or Engineering Watch, or as Designated Duty Engineer
for periodically unmanned machinery spaces, or as Radio Operator onboard a seagoing ship; and
(2) Maintaining direct control over the performance of all functions within the designated area of
responsibility in accordance with proper procedures and under the direction of an individual serving
in the management level for that area of responsibility.
46 CFR 10.107 “Operational level” (2) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.107 “Orally assisted examination”
Orally assisted examination means an examination as described in part 11, subpart I, of this subchapter
administered orally and documented by a Coast Guard examiner.
Overriding operational condition means circumstances in which essential shipboard work cannot be delayed due
to safety or environmental reasons, or could not have reasonably been anticipated at the commencement
of the voyage.
Participation , when used with regard to the service on transfers required for tank vessel endorsements by §§
13.120, 13.203, or 13.303 of this subchapter, means either actual participation in the transfers or close
observation of how the transfers are conducted and supervised.
Passes a chemical test for dangerous drugs means that the result of a chemical test conducted according to 49
CFR part 40 is reported as “negative” by a Medical Review Officer according to that part.
Periodically unattended engine room means a space containing main propulsion and associated machinery and
all sources of main electrical supply which is not at all times manned under all operating conditions,
including maneuvering.
PIC
means a Person in Charge.
Pilot of Towing Vessels means a qualified officer of a towing vessel operated only on inland routes.
Pilotage waters means the navigable waters of the United States, including all inland waters and offshore waters
to a distance of 3 nautical miles from the baseline from which the Territorial Sea is measured.
Practical demonstration means the performance of an activity under the direct observation of a Designated
Examiner or Qualified Assessor for the purpose of establishing that the performer is sufficiently proficient
in a practical skill to meet a specified standard of competence or other objective criterion.
Propulsion power means the total maximum continuous-rated output power of the main propulsion machinery
of a vessel determined by the manufacturer, in either kilowatts or horsepower, which appears on the ship's
Certificate of Registry or other official document and excludes thrusters and other auxiliary machinery.
Public vessel means a vessel that—
(1) Is owned, or demise chartered, and operated by the United States Government or a government of a
foreign country; and
(2) Is not engaged in commercial service.
Push-mode ITBs means those ITBs that involve a rigid coupling system and, when not coupled to the barge, are
incapable of conducting towing in any other configuration (such as astern or alongside) because, by
themselves, they have very limited seakeeping capability. The propelling unit moves as one with the barge
unit.
Qualified Assessor or QA means a person who is qualified to evaluate, for STCW endorsements, whether an
applicant has demonstrated the necessary level of competence in the task for which the assessment is
being made. This person must be individually approved by the Coast Guard.
Qualified Instructor means a person who has been trained in instructional techniques and is otherwise qualified
to provide required training to candidates for an MMC endorsement. A faculty member employed at a
State maritime academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy operated under 46 CFR part 310 and
instructing a course on merchant marine officer or rating knowledge, understanding, or proficiency
requirements is qualified to serve as a Qualified Instructor in their area of specialization without individual
evaluation by the Coast Guard.
46 CFR 10.107 “Qualified Instructor” (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.107 “Qualified rating”
Qualified rating means various categories of Able Seafarer, Qualified Member of the Engine Department, or tank
vessel endorsements issued on MMCs.
Quality Standard System or QSS means a set of policies, procedures, processes, and data required to establish
and fulfill the organization's objectives.
Raise of grade means an increase in the level of authority and responsibility associated with an officer or rating
endorsement, such as from Mate to Master or Second Assistant Engineer to First Assistant Engineer.
Rating endorsement is an annotation on an MMC that allows a mariner to serve in those capacities set out in §
10.109.
Regional examination center or REC means a field office of the National Maritime Center that performs activities
as required by this subchapter on behalf of the National Maritime Center.
Rest means a period of time during which the person concerned is off duty, is not performing work (which
includes administrative tasks such as chart correction or preparation of port-entry documents), and is
allowed to sleep without interruption.
Restricted tank vessel endorsement means a valid tank vessel endorsement on an MMC restricting its holder as
the Coast Guard deems appropriate. For instance, the endorsement may restrict the holder to one or a
combination of the following: A specific cargo or cargoes; a specific vessel or vessels; a specific facility
or facilities; a specific employer or employers; a specific activity or activities (such as loading or
unloading in a cargo transfer); or a particular area of water.
Rivers means a river, canal, or other similar body of water designated as such by the Coast Guard.
Safe and suitable person means a person whose prior record, including but not limited to criminal record and/or
NDR record, provides no information indicating that their character and habits of life would support the
belief that permitting such a person to serve under the MMC and/or endorsement sought would clearly be
a threat to the safety and security of life or property, detrimental to good discipline, or adverse to the
interests of the United States. See §§ 10.211 and 10.213 for the regulations associated with this
definition.
Seagoing service means service onboard a ship/vessel relevant to the issue of a credential or other
qualification.
Seagoing vessel means a ship that operates beyond the boundary line specified in part 7 of this chapter.
Second Engineer Officer means an engineer officer next in rank to the Chief Engineer Officer and upon whom the
responsibility for the mechanical propulsion and the operation and maintenance of the mechanical and
electrical installations of the ship will fall in the event of the incapacity of the Chief Engineer Officer.
Self-propelled has the same meaning as the terms “propelled by machinery” and “mechanically propelled.” This
term includes vessels fitted with both sails and mechanical propulsion.
Senior company official means the president, vice president, vice president for personnel, personnel director, or
similarly titled or responsible individual, or another employee designated in writing by one of these
individuals for the purpose of certifying employment.
Service (as used when computing the required service for endorsements) means the time period, in days, a
person is assigned to work. On MODUs, this excludes time spent ashore as part of crew rotation.
Ship means a vessel using any mode of propulsion, including sail and auxiliary sail.
46 CFR 10.107 “Ship” (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.107 “Simulated transfer”
Simulated transfer means a transfer practiced in a course meeting the requirements of § 13.121 of this
subchapter that uses simulation to meet part of the service on transfers required for tank vessel
endorsements by §§ 13.203 or 13.303 of this subchapter.
Staff officer means a person who holds an MMC with an officer endorsement listed in § 10.109(a)(36) through
(43).
Standard of competence means the level of proficiency to be achieved for the proper performance of duties
onboard vessels according to national and international criteria.
Steward's department means the department that includes entertainment personnel and all service personnel,
including wait staff, housekeeping staff, and galley workers, as defined in the vessel security plan
approved by the Secretary under 46 U.S.C. 70103(c). These personnel may also be referred to as
members of the hotel department on a large passenger vessel.
STCW means the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers, 1978, as amended (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103).
STCW Code means the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (incorporated by reference, see
§ 10.103).
STCW endorsement means an annotation on an MMC that allows a mariner to serve in those capacities under §
10.109(d). The STCW endorsement serves as evidence that a mariner has met the requirements of the
STCW Convention.
Support level means the level of responsibility associated with performing assigned tasks, duties, or
responsibilities onboard a seagoing ship under the direction of an individual serving in the operational or
management level.
Tank barge means a non-self-propelled tank vessel.
Tank vessel means a vessel that is constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil or hazardous material in
bulk as cargo or cargo residue, and that—
(1) Is a vessel of the United States;
(2) Operates on the navigable waters of the United States; or
(3) Transfers oil or hazardous material in a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Tank Barge-PIC means a person holding a valid “Tank Barge-PIC” endorsement on their MMC. See part 13,
subpart C, of this subchapter.
Tank Vessel-Assistant means a person holding a valid “Tank Vessel-Assistant” endorsement on their MMC. See
part 13, subpart D, of this subchapter.
Tank Vessel-Engineer means a person holding a valid “Tank Vessel-Engineer” endorsement on their MMC. See
part 13, subpart E, of this subchapter.
Tank Vessel-PIC means a person holding a valid “Tank Vessel-PIC” endorsement on their MMC. See part 13,
subpart B, of this subchapter.
Tankship means any self-propelled tank vessel constructed or adapted primarily to carry oil or hazardous
material in bulk as cargo or as cargo residue.
46 CFR 10.107 “Tankship” (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.107 “Training program”
Training program means a combination of training, practical assessment, and service which provides an
individual with all or part of the necessary knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required for a
specific qualification.
Transfer means any movement of fuel, dangerous liquid, or liquefied gas as cargo in bulk or as cargo residue to
or from a vessel by means of pumping, gravitation, or displacement.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential or TWIC means an identification credential issued by the
Transportation Security Administration under 49 CFR part 1572.
Underway means that a vessel is not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground. When referring to a mobile
offshore drilling unit (MODU), underway means that the MODU is not in an on-location or laid-up status
and includes that period of time when the MODU is deploying or recovering its mooring system.
Undocumented vessel means a vessel not required to have a certificate of documentation issued under the laws
of the United States.
Unlimited means an annotation on an MMC authorizing service on vessels of any tonnage or any propulsion
power.
Vessel personnel with designated security duties means a person, excluding the designated security officer (e.g.,
Company Security Officer (CSO), as defined in 33 CFR chapter I, subchapter H, and Vessel Security Officer
(VSO)), having specific security duties and responsibilities in accordance with the ship security plan.
Vessel Security Officer (VSO) means a person onboard the vessel accountable to the Master and designated by
the Company as responsible for security of the vessel, including implementation and maintenance of the
Vessel's Security Plan, and for liaison with the Facility Security Officer and the vessel's Company Security
Officer.
Western Rivers means—
(1) The Mississippi River;
(2) The Mississippi River's tributaries, South Pass, and Southwest Pass, to the navigational demarcation
lines dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers, and other inland waters of the United States;
(3) The Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route;
(4) That part of the Atchafalaya River above its junction with the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route
including the Old River and the Red River; and
(5) Those waters specified in 33 CFR 89.25.
Written, writing, or in writing means handwritten in ink, mechanically or electronically printed, or any form of
expression that can be read, reproduced, or later communicated including electronically submitted and
stored information.
Year means 360 days for the purpose of complying with the service requirements of this subchapter.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77882, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93054, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102332, Dec. 17, 2024]
46 CFR 10.107 “Year” (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.109
§ 10.109 Classification of endorsements.
(a) National officer endorsements. The following national officer endorsements are established in part 11 of
this subchapter. The endorsements indicate that an individual holding a valid MMC with this endorsement
is qualified to serve in that capacity and the endorsement has been issued under the requirements
contained in part 11 of this subchapter:
(1) Master.
(2) Chief Mate.
(3) Second Mate.
(4) Third Mate.
(5) Mate.
(6) Master of Towing Vessels.
(7) Master of Towing Vessels-Limited.
(8) Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels.
(9) Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels.
(10) Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels-Limited.
(11) Assistance Towing.
(12) Offshore Installation Manager (OIM).
(13) Barge Supervisor (BS).
(14) Ballast Control Operator (BCO).
(15) Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV).
(16) Master of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels.
(17) Mate of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels.
(18) Master-OSV.
(19) Chief Mate-OSV.
(20) Mate-OSV.
(21) Chief Engineer.
(22) Chief Engineer-Limited.
(23) First Assistant Engineer.
(24) Second Assistant Engineer.
(25) Third Assistant Engineer.
(26) Assistant Engineer-Limited.
(27) Designated Duty Engineer (DDE).
46 CFR 10.109(a)(27) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.109(a)(28)
(28) Chief Engineer-OSV.
(29) Assistant Engineer-OSV.
(30) Chief Engineer-MODU.
(31) Assistant Engineer-MODU.
(32) Chief Engineer Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels.
(33) Assistant Engineer Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels.
(34) Radio Officer.
(35) First-Class Pilot.
(36) Chief Purser.
(37) Purser.
(38) Senior Assistant Purser.
(39) Junior Assistant Purser.
(40) Medical Doctor.
(41) Professional Nurse.
(42) Marine Physician Assistant.
(43) Medical Technician.
(44) High-Speed Craft Type Rating (HSC).
(45) Radar Observer.
(b) National rating endorsements. The following national rating endorsements are established in part 12 of
this subchapter. The endorsements indicate that an individual holding a valid MMC with this endorsement
is qualified to serve in that capacity and the endorsement has been issued under the requirements
contained in part 12 of this subchapter:
(1) Able Seafarer:
(i)
Unlimited;
(ii) Limited;
(iii) Special;
(iv) Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV);
(v) Sail; and
(vi) Fishing Industry.
(2) Ordinary Seafarer.
(3) Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED), including the following specialty
endorsements:
(i)
Oiler;
46 CFR 10.109(b)(3)(i) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.109(b)(3)(ii)
(ii) Boiler Technician;
(iii) Junior Engineer;
(iv) Pump Technician/Machinist; and
(v) Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer.
(4) Lifeboat Operator.
(5) Lifeboat Operator-Limited.
(6) Wiper.
(7) Steward's Department.
(8) Steward's Department Food Handler (F.H.).
(9) Cadet (Deck or Engine).
(10) Student Observer.
(11) Apprentice Engineer.
(12) Apprentice Mate.
(c) Tank Vessel Endorsements. The following ratings are established in part 13 of this subchapter. The
national endorsements indicate that an individual holding a valid MMC with this endorsement is qualified
to serve in that capacity and the endorsement has been issued under the requirements contained in part
13 of this subchapter:
(1) Tank Vessel-PIC.
(2) Tank Barge-PIC.
(3) Restricted Tank Vessel-PIC.
(4) Restricted Tank Barge-PIC.
(5) Tank Vessel-Assistant.
(6) Tank Vessel-Engineer.
(d) STCW endorsements. The following STCW endorsements are issued according to the STCW Convention,
the STCW Code, and parts 11, 12, and 13 of this subchapter. The endorsements indicate that an individual
holding a valid MMC with this endorsement is qualified to serve in that capacity and the endorsement has
been issued under the requirements contained in parts 11, 12 or 13 of this subchapter as well as the
STCW Convention and STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103):
(1) Master.
(2) Chief Mate.
(3) Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW).
(4) Chief Engineer Officer.
(5) Second Engineer Officer.
46 CFR 10.109(d)(5) (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.109(d)(6)
(6) Officer In Charge of an Engineering Watch in a manned engineroom or Designated Duty Engineer in a
periodically unmanned engineroom (OICEW).
(7) Electro-technical Officer (ETO).
(8) Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW).
(9) Able Seafarer-Deck.
(10) Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch in a manned engineroom or designated to perform
duties in a periodically unmanned engineroom (RFPEW).
(11) Able Seafarer-Engine.
(12) Electro-technical Rating (ETR).
(13) Basic Training (BT).
(14) Advanced Firefighting.
(15) Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSC).
(16) Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats-Limited (PSC-Limited).
(17) Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats.
(18) Person in Charge of Medical Care.
(19) Medical First-aid Provider.
(20) GMDSS At-sea Maintainer.
(21) GMDSS Operator.
(22) Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operation.
(23) Advanced Chemical Tanker Cargo Operation.
(24) Advanced Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operation.
(25) Basic Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operation.
(26) Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operation.
(27) Vessel Security Officer (VSO).
(28) Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties.
(29) Security Awareness.
(30) High-Speed Craft Type Rating (HSC).
[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93059, Nov. 25, 2024]
Subpart B—General Requirements for All Merchant Mariner Credentials
46 CFR 10.109(d)(30) (enhanced display)
page 18 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.201
§ 10.201 General characteristics of the Merchant Mariner Credential.
(a) A Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is a credential combining the elements of the Merchant Mariner's
Document (MMD), Merchant Mariner's License (License), and Certificate of Registry (COR) enumerated in
46 U.S.C. subtitle II part E, as well as the STCW endorsement issued pursuant to the STCW Convention
and STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103). MMDs, licenses, STCW endorsements, and
CORs are no longer issued as separate documents, and all qualifications formerly entered on those
separate documents appear in the form of an endorsement(s) on an MMC.
(b) An MMC authorizes the holder to serve in any capacity endorsed thereon, or in any lower capacity in the
same department, or in any capacity covered by a general endorsement.
(c) An MMC may be issued to qualified applicants by the Coast Guard.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77888, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2021-0097,
89 FR 93060, Nov. 25, 2024]
§ 10.203 Requirement to hold a TWIC and a Merchant Mariner Credential.
(a) Failure to obtain or hold a valid TWIC serves as a basis for the denial of an application for an original,
renewal, new endorsement, duplicate, or raise of grade of a mariner's credential and may serve as a basis
for suspension and revocation under 46 U.S.C. 7702 and 7703.
(b) An MMC must be retained by the mariner to whom it was issued and, while valid, must be produced to
verify qualifications when requested by an authorized official as identified in 33 CFR 101.515(d). Posting
of the officer endorsement may be necessary as required in 46 U.S.C. 7110.
(c) Although an MMC serves as certificates of identification, a TWIC must be retained by the mariner to
whom it was issued and, while valid, serves as the mariner's primary identification document. The TWIC
must be produced to verify identity when required by an authorized official as identified in 33 CFR
101.515(d).
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2018-0874, 84 FR 30881, June 28, 2019; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102332, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.205 Validity of a Merchant Mariner Credential.
(a) An MMC is valid for a term of 5 years from the date of issuance. Except upon the written request for the
immediate issuance by the applicant, the Coast Guard will post-date the issuance of an MMC renewal that
includes no other transactions up to 8 months from the date that the Coast Guard accepts a complete
application as required in this part. If the expiration date of the mariner's active credential is beyond 8
months of the date that the Coast Guard accepts a complete application as required in this part, the new
credential issue date will be 8 months from the date of application acceptance at which time the currently
active credential will become invalid in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section. Otherwise, the new
credential issue validity date will coincide with the expiration date of the active credential held by the
mariner. All other MMC transactions will be processed for immediate issuance.
(b) All endorsements, unless otherwise noted, are valid until the expiration date of the MMC on which they
appear.
46 CFR 10.205(b) (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.205(c)
(c) A mariner may not serve under the authority of an MMC past its expiration date. An expired MMC may be
renewed during an administrative grace period of up to 1 year beyond its expiration date as per §
10.227(h) of this part.
(d) When an MMC is renewed or re-issued before its expiration date in accordance with § 10.227, of this part
the MMC that has been replaced becomes invalid unless otherwise noted in paragraph (a) of this section.
(e) An MMC is not valid until signed by the applicant and a duly authorized Coast Guard official.
(f) A mariner's endorsements authorize the holder to serve in any capacity endorsed on the MMC, or in any
lower capacity in the same department, or in any capacity covered by a general endorsement thereon.
(g) If a mariner chooses to renew their license, MMD, COR, or STCW endorsement and receive their first MMC,
the Coast Guard may also renew all other credentials for which the mariner is qualified.
(h) When a Document of Continuity is replaced with an MMC re-issued in accordance with § 10.227 of this
part, the Document of Continuity that has been replaced becomes invalid. In the event that not all
endorsements on a Document of Continuity are activated, a new Document of Continuity will be issued for
the remaining endorsements.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77888, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2021-0097,
89 FR 93060, Nov. 25, 2024]
§ 10.207 Identification number.
For recordkeeping purposes only, a mariner's official MMC identification number is the individual's social security
number. However, a unique serial number, called the mariner reference number, and not the social security number,
will appear on the credential.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77888, Dec. 24, 2013]
§ 10.209 General application procedures.
(a) The applicant for an MMC, whether for an original, renewal, duplicate, raise of grade, or a new
endorsement on a previously issued MMC, must establish that they satisfy all the requirements for the
MMC and endorsement(s) sought before the Coast Guard will issue the MMC. This section contains the
general requirements for all applicants. Additional requirements for duplicates, renewals, new
endorsements, and raises of grade appear later in this part.
(b) The Coast Guard may refuse to process an incomplete MMC application. The requirements for a complete
application for an original MMC are contained in § 10.225 of this part, the requirements for a renewal
MMC application are contained in § 10.227 of this part, the requirements for a duplicate MMC application
are contained in § 10.229 of this part, and the requirements for an application for a new endorsement or
raise of grade are contained in § 10.231 of this part.
(c) Applications are valid for 12 months from the date that the Coast Guard approves the application.
(d) The application may be submitted in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard that may include in person,
by mail, or other electronic means. A complete MMC application, which is described in §§ 10.223, 10.225,
10.227, 10.229, and 10.231 may include—
(1) The application, consent for National Driver Register (NDR) check, oath, and the evaluation fee
required by § 10.219 of this part;
46 CFR 10.209(d)(1) (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.209(d)(2)
(2) The applicant's continuous discharge book, certificate of identification, and MMC if expired;
(3) Proof, in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard, which may include forms or other means, that the
applicant passed the applicable vision, hearing, medical, or physical exam as required by subpart C
of this part, or an unexpired medical certificate issued by the Coast Guard;
(4) Copies of course completion certificates or other evidence of course completion;
(5) Evidence of sea service, or an accepted substitute for sea service, if required;
(6) For an endorsement as a Medical Doctor or Professional Nurse as required in § 11.807 of this
subchapter, evidence that the applicant holds a currently valid, appropriate license as physician,
surgeon, or registered nurse, issued under the authority of a state or territory of the United States,
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia. Any MMC issued will retain any
limitation associated with the medical license;
(7) Any certificates or other supplementary materials required to show that the mariner meets the
mandatory requirements for the specific endorsement sought, as established in parts 11, 12 or 13 of
this subchapter; and
(8) An open-book exercise, in accordance with § 10.227(e)(1) of this part.
(e) The following requirements must be satisfied before an original or renewal MMC, or new endorsement or
a raise of grade added to a previously issued MMC, will be issued. These materials will be added to the
individual's record by the Coast Guard:
(1) Determination of safety and suitability. No MMC will be issued as an original or reissued with a new
expiration date, and no new officer endorsement will be issued if the applicant fails the criminal
record review as set forth in § 10.211 of this part.
(2) NDR review. No MMC will be issued as an original or reissued with a new expiration date, and no new
officer endorsement will be issued if the applicant fails the NDR review as set forth in § 10.213 of
this part.
(3) Information supplied by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). No MMC or endorsement
will be issued until the Coast Guard receives the following information from the applicant's TWIC
enrollment: the applicant's fingerprints, FBI number and criminal record (if applicable), photograph,
proof of citizenship, or Nationality with proof of legal resident status (if applicable). If the
information is not available from TSA, the mariner may be required to visit a Regional Exam Center or
a TWIC enrollment center to provide this information.
(f) Upon determining that the applicant satisfactorily meets all requirements for an MMC or an endorsement
thereon, the Coast Guard will issue the properly endorsed MMC to the applicant. The Coast Guard will not
issue an MMC until it has received proof that the mariner holds a valid TWIC.
(g) When a new MMC is issued, the mariner must return any previously issued and unexpired MMC, License,
MMD, COR, or STCW endorsement to the Coast Guard, unless the new MMC is being issued to replace a
lost or stolen credential.
(h) No MMC will be issued if the applicant fails a chemical test for dangerous drugs as required in §§ 10.223,
10.225(b)(5), 10.227(d)(5), and 10.231(c)(6).
(i)
A mariner may obtain a ceremonial license when applying for their credential or Document of Continuity.
46 CFR 10.209(i) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.211
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77888, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2018-0874, 84 FR 30881, June 28, 2019; USCG-2021-0097,
89 FR 93060, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102332, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.211 Criminal record review.
(a) The Coast Guard may conduct a criminal record review to determine the safety and suitability of an
applicant for an MMC and any endorsements. An applicant conducting simultaneous MMC transactions
will undergo a single criminal record review. At the time of application, each applicant must provide
written disclosure of all prior convictions not previously disclosed to the Coast Guard on an application.
(b) A criminal record review is not required for applicants seeking a duplicate MMC under § 10.229.
(c) Criminal convictions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will provide to the Coast Guard the
applicant's FBI number and criminal record generated in the TWIC review process. This information will be
used by the Coast Guard to determine whether the applicant has a record of any criminal convictions.
(d) When a criminal record review leads the Coast Guard to determine that an applicant is not a safe and
suitable person or cannot be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of the MMC or endorsement
applied for, the application may be denied.
(e) If an application is denied, the applicant will be notified in writing of that fact, the reason or reasons for
denial, and advised that the appeal procedures in subpart 1.03 of part 1 of this chapter apply. No
examination will be given pending decision on appeal.
(f) No person who has been convicted of a violation of the dangerous drug laws of the United States, the
District of Columbia, any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or a foreign country, by any
military or civilian court, is eligible for an MMC, except as provided elsewhere in this section. No person
who has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of a dangerous drug, or has ever been convicted of
an offense described in section 205 of the National Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended (49 U.S.C.
30304) because of addiction to or abuse of alcohol is eligible for an MMC, unless they furnish
satisfactory evidence of suitability for service in the merchant marine as provided in paragraph (l) of this
section. A conviction for a drug offense more than 10 years before the date of application will not alone
be grounds for denial.
(g) The Coast Guard will use table 1 to § 10.211 of this section to evaluate applicants who have criminal
convictions. The table lists major categories of criminal activity and is not to be construed as an allinclusive list. If an applicant is convicted of an offense that does not appear on the list, the Coast Guard
will establish an appropriate assessment period using the list as a guide. The assessment period
46 CFR 10.211(g) (enhanced display)
page 22 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.211(g)
commences when an applicant is no longer incarcerated. The applicant must establish proof of the time
incarcerated and periods of probation and parole to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard. The assessment
period may include supervised or unsupervised probation or parole.
TABLE 1 TO 10.211—GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING APPLICANTS FOR MMCS WHO
HAVE CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS
Crime 1
Assessment periods
Minimum Maximum
ASSESSMENT PERIODS FOR OFFICER AND RATING ENDORSEMENTS
Crimes Against Persons:
Homicide (intentional)
7 years
20 years.
Homicide (unintentional)
5 years
10 years.
Assault (aggravated)
5 years
10 years.
Assault (simple)
1 year
5 years.
Sexual Assault (rape, child molestation)
5 years
10 years.
Robbery
5 years
10 years.
Conviction involving fatality
1 year
5 years.
Reckless Driving
1 year
2 years.
1 year
2 years.
Other crimes against persons
2
Vehicular Crimes
Racing on the Highways
Other vehicular crimes
2
1
Conviction of attempts, solicitations, aiding and abetting, accessory after the fact, and conspiracies
to commit the criminal conduct listed in this table carry the same minimum and maximum
assessment periods provided in the table.
2
Other crimes will be reviewed by the Coast Guard to determine the minimum and maximum
assessment periods depending on the nature of the crime.
3
Applicable to original applications only. Any applicant who has ever been the user of, or addicted to
the use of, a dangerous drug shall meet the requirements of paragraph (f) of this section. Note:
Applicants for reissue of an MMC with a new expiration date including a renewal or additional
endorsement(s), who have been convicted of a dangerous drug offense while holding a license, MMC,
MMD, STCW endorsement or COR, may have their application withheld until appropriate action has
been completed by the Coast Guard under the regulations which appear in 46 CFR part 5 governing the
administrative actions against Merchant Mariner Credentials.
4
The Coast Guard may consider dangerous drug convictions more than 10 years old only if there has
been another dangerous drug conviction within the past 10 years.
5
Applicants must demonstrate rehabilitation under paragraph (l) of this section, including applicants
with dangerous drug use convictions more than 10 years old.
6
Other dangerous drug convictions will be reviewed by the Coast Guard on a case by case basis to
determine the appropriate assessment period depending on the nature of the offense.
46 CFR 10.211(g) (enhanced display)
page 23 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.211(h)
Crime 1
Assessment periods
Minimum Maximum
Crimes Against Public Safety
Destruction of Property
5 years
10 years.
Trafficking (sale, distribution, transfer)
5 years
10 years.
Dangerous drugs (Use or possession)
1 year
10 years.
1 year
10 years.
3 years
10 years.
3 years
5 years.
Other crimes against public safety
2
Dangerous Drug Offenses 3 4 5
Other dangerous drug convictions
6
ASSESSMENT PERIODS FOR OFFICER ENDORSEMENTS ONLY
Criminal Violations of Environmental Laws
Criminal violations of environmental laws involving improper handling of
pollutants or hazardous materials
Crimes Against Property
Burglary
Larceny (embezzlement)
Other crimes against property
2
1
Conviction of attempts, solicitations, aiding and abetting, accessory after the fact, and conspiracies
to commit the criminal conduct listed in this table carry the same minimum and maximum
assessment periods provided in the table.
2
Other crimes will be reviewed by the Coast Guard to determine the minimum and maximum
assessment periods depending on the nature of the crime.
3
Applicable to original applications only. Any applicant who has ever been the user of, or addicted to
the use of, a dangerous drug shall meet the requirements of paragraph (f) of this section. Note:
Applicants for reissue of an MMC with a new expiration date including a renewal or additional
endorsement(s), who have been convicted of a dangerous drug offense while holding a license, MMC,
MMD, STCW endorsement or COR, may have their application withheld until appropriate action has
been completed by the Coast Guard under the regulations which appear in 46 CFR part 5 governing the
administrative actions against Merchant Mariner Credentials.
4
The Coast Guard may consider dangerous drug convictions more than 10 years old only if there has
been another dangerous drug conviction within the past 10 years.
5
Applicants must demonstrate rehabilitation under paragraph (l) of this section, including applicants
with dangerous drug use convictions more than 10 years old.
6
Other dangerous drug convictions will be reviewed by the Coast Guard on a case by case basis to
determine the appropriate assessment period depending on the nature of the offense.
(h) When an applicant has convictions for more than one offense, the minimum assessment period will be
the longest minimum in table 1 to § 10.211 of this section and table 10.213(c) in § 10.213 based upon the
applicant's convictions; the maximum assessment period will be the longest shown in table 1 to § 10.211
of this section and table 10.213(c) of § 10.213 based upon the applicant's convictions.
46 CFR 10.211(h) (enhanced display)
page 24 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.211(i)
(i)
If a person with a criminal conviction applies before the minimum assessment period shown in table 1 to
§ 10.211 of this section of this section or established by the Coast Guard under paragraph (g) of this
section has elapsed, then the applicant must provide, as part of the application package, evidence of
suitability for service in the merchant marine. Factors that are evidence of suitability for service in the
merchant marine are listed in paragraph (l) of this section. The Coast Guard will consider the applicant's
evidence submitted with the application and may issue the MMC and/or endorsement in less than the
listed minimum assessment period if the Coast Guard is satisfied that the applicant is suitable to hold the
MMC and/or endorsement for which they have applied. If an application filed before the minimum
assessment period has elapsed does not include evidence of suitability for service in the merchant
marine, then the application will be considered incomplete and will not be processed by the Coast Guard.
(j)
If a person with a criminal conviction submits their MMC application during the time between the
minimum and maximum assessment periods shown in table 1 to § 10.211 or established by the Coast
Guard under paragraph (g) of this section, then the Coast Guard will consider the conviction and, unless
there are offsetting factors, will grant the applicant the MMC and/or endorsement for which they have
applied. Offsetting factors include such factors as multiple convictions, failure to comply with court
orders (e.g., child support orders), previous failures at rehabilitation or reform, inability to maintain steady
employment, or any connection between the crime and the safe operation of a vessel. If the Coast Guard
considers the applicant unsuitable for service in the merchant marine at the time of application, the Coast
Guard may deny the application.
(k) If a person with a criminal conviction submits their MMC application after the maximum assessment
period shown in table 1 to § 10.211 of this section or established by the Coast Guard under paragraph (g)
of this section has elapsed, then the Coast Guard will grant the applicant the MMC or endorsement for
which they have applied unless the Coast Guard considers the applicant still unsuitable for service in the
merchant marine. If the Coast Guard disapproves an applicant with a conviction older than the maximum
assessment period listed in table 1 to § 10.211 of this section , the Coast Guard will notify the applicant in
writing of the reason(s) for the disapproval. The Coast Guard will also inform the applicant, in writing, that
the reconsideration and appeal procedures contained in subpart 1.03 of this chapter apply.
(l)
If an applicant has one or more alcohol or dangerous drug related criminal or NDR-listed convictions, if the
applicant has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug, or if the applicant applies
before the minimum assessment period has elapsed for their conviction, the Coast Guard may consider
the following factors, as applicable, in assessing the applicant's suitability to hold an MMC. This list is
intended as a guide for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may consider other factors appropriate to a
particular applicant, such as:
(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;
(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or
Narcotics Anonymous;
(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant's sobriety, reliability, and
suitability for employment in the merchant marine including parole or probation officers;
(4) Steady employment; and
(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 39218, Aug. 6, 2009; USCG-2004-17914,
78 FR 77889, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58275, Sept. 29, 2014; USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93054, Nov. 25, 2024;
USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102332, 102333, Dec. 17, 2024]
46 CFR 10.211(l)(5) (enhanced display)
page 25 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.213
§ 10.213 National Driver Register.
(a) No MMC will be issued as an original or reissued with a new expiration date, and no new officer
endorsement will be issued, unless the applicant consents to a check of the NDR for offenses described
in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the NDR Act (i.e., operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence
of, or impaired by, alcohol or a controlled substance; and any traffic violations arising in connection with a
fatal traffic accident, reckless driving, or racing on the highways).
(b) The Coast Guard will not consider NDR-listed civil convictions that are more than 3 years old from the
date of request unless that information relates to a current suspension or revocation of the applicant's
license to operate a motor vehicle. The Coast Guard may determine minimum and maximum assessment
periods for NDR-listed criminal convictions using table 10.213(c) of this section. An applicant conducting
simultaneous MMC transactions is subject to only one NDR check.
(c) The guidelines in table 1 to paragraph (c) will be used by the Coast Guard in evaluating applicants who
have drug or alcohol related NDR-listed convictions. Non-drug or alcohol related NDR-listed convictions
will be evaluated by the Coast Guard under table 1 to § 10.211 of this part as applicable. The Coast Guard
may consider non-drug or alcohol related NDR-listed convictions that are more than 3 years old from the
date of the request when the information relates to a current suspension or revocation of the applicant's
license to operate a motor vehicle.
TABLE 1 TO § 10.213(c)—GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING APPLICANTS FOR MMCS
WHO HAVE NDR MOTOR VEHICLE CONVICTIONS INVOLVING DANGEROUS DRUGS OR
ALCOHOL 1
Number of
convictions
Date of
conviction
1
Less than
1 year
1 year from date of conviction.
1
More than
1, less
than 3
years
Application will be processed, unless suspension, or revocation 2 is still
in effect. Applicant will be advised that additional conviction(s) may
jeopardize Merchant Mariner Credentials.
1
More than Application will be processed.
3 years old
2 or more
Any less
than 3
years old
1 year since last conviction and at least 3 years from 2nd most recent
conviction, unless suspension or revocation is still in effect.
2 or more
All more
than 3
Application will be processed unless suspension or revocation is still in
effect.
Assessment period
1
Any applicant who has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug must meet
the requirements of paragraph (f) of this section.
2
Suspension or revocation, when referred to in table 10.213, means a State suspension or revocation
of a motor vehicle operator's license.
46 CFR 10.213(c) (enhanced display)
page 26 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
Number of
convictions
Date of
conviction
46 CFR 10.213(d)
Assessment period
years old
1
Any applicant who has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug must meet
the requirements of paragraph (f) of this section.
2
Suspension or revocation, when referred to in table 10.213, means a State suspension or revocation
of a motor vehicle operator's license.
(d) Any application may be denied if information from the NDR check leads the Coast Guard to determine that
the applicant cannot be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of the endorsement for which the
application is made. If an application is denied, the Coast Guard will notify the applicant in writing of the
reason(s) for denial and advise the applicant that the appeal procedures in subpart 1.03 of part 1 of this
chapter apply. No examination will be given pending decision on appeal.
(e) Before denying an application because of information received from the NDR, the Coast Guard will make
the information available to the applicant for review and written comment. The applicant may submit
records from the applicable State concerning driving record and convictions to the Coast Guard
processing the application. The Coast Guard will hold an application with NDR-listed convictions pending
the completion of the evaluation and delivery by the individual of the underlying State records.
(f) If an applicant has one or more alcohol or dangerous drug-related criminal or NDR-listed convictions, if the
applicant has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug, or if the applicant applies
before the minimum assessment period for their conviction has elapsed, the Coast Guard may consider
the following factors, as applicable, in assessing the applicant's suitability to hold an MMC. This list is
intended as a guide for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may consider other factors which it judges
appropriate to a particular applicant, such as—
(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;
(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or
Narcotics Anonymous;
(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant's sobriety, reliability, and
suitability for employment in the merchant marine, including parole or probation officers;
(4) Steady employment; and
(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77889, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93054, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102332, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.214 Security Check.
Until April 15, 2009, the Coast Guard may conduct a security check on an applicant for an MMC, utilizing the
criminal record review discussed in § 10.211 of this part.
46 CFR 10.214 (enhanced display)
page 27 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.217
§ 10.217 Merchant Mariner Credential application and examination locations.
(a) Applicant Locations. Applicants for an MMC may apply to any of the Regional Examination Centers (RECs)
or any other location designated by the Coast Guard. Applicants may contact the National Maritime
Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, by telephone 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or by
email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil. A list of locations approved for application submittal is available through the
Coast Guard website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.
(b) Exam Locations.
(1) Coast Guard units abroad may conduct exams for ratings at locations other than the RECs, but are
not prepared to conduct practical examinations.
(2) The Coast Guard may designate additional exam facilities/locations to provide services to applicants
for MMCs.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77890, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102333, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.219 Fees.
(a) Use table 1 to § 10.219(a) to calculate the mandatory fees for MMCs and associated endorsements.
TABLE 1 TO § 10.219(a)—FEES
And you need
If you apply for
Evaluation then
the fee is . . .
Examination then
the fee is . . .
Issuance then
the fee is . . .
MMC with officer endorsement:
Original:
Upper level 1
$100
$110
$45
2
100
95
45
50
45
45
100
45
45
50
45
45
Original
50
45
45
Renewal
50
n/a
45
Lower level
Renewal
Raise of grade
Modification or removal of limitation or
scope
Radio officer endorsement:
Staff officer endorsements:
1
Upper level means credentials authorizing service on vessels of any gross tons/unlimited tonnage or
unlimited propulsion power.
2
Lower level means credentials authorizing service on vessels of less than 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT.
3
Duplicate for MMC lost as result of marine casualty—No Fee.
4
No Fee.
46 CFR 10.219(a) (enhanced display)
page 28 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.219(b)
And you need
If you apply for
Evaluation then
the fee is . . .
Examination then
the fee is . . .
Issuance then
the fee is . . .
Original
90
n/a
45
Renewal
50
n/a
45
Original endorsement for ratings other
than qualified ratings
95
n/a
45
Original endorsement for qualified
rating
95
140
45
Upgrade or raise of Grade
95
140
45
Renewal endorsement for ratings other
than qualified ratings
50
n/a
45
Renewal endorsement for qualified
rating
50
45
45
Modification or removal of limitation or
scope
50
45
45
Original
( 4)
(4)
( 4)
Renewal
( 4)
(4)
( 4)
n/a
n/a
MMC with rating endorsement:
STCW endorsement:
Reissue, replacement, and duplicate
3
45
1
Upper level means credentials authorizing service on vessels of any gross tons/unlimited tonnage or
unlimited propulsion power.
2
Lower level means credentials authorizing service on vessels of less than 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT.
3
Duplicate for MMC lost as result of marine casualty—No Fee.
4
No Fee.
(b) Fee payment procedures. Applicants may pay—
(1) All fees required by this section at the time the application is submitted; or
(2) A fee for each phase as follows:
(i)
An evaluation fee when the application is submitted.
(ii) An examination fee before the first examination section is taken.
(iii) An issuance fee before issuance of the MMC.
(c) If the examination is administered at a place other than a Regional Examination Center (REC), the
examination fee must be paid to the REC at least one week before the scheduled examination date.
(d) Unless the Coast Guard provides additional payment options, fee payment must be for the exact amount
and must be made by electronic payment in a manner specified by the Coast Guard. For information
regarding current forms of electronic payment, go to the National Maritime Center's (NMC) website,
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.
46 CFR 10.219(d) (enhanced display)
page 29 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.219(e)
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this part, when two or more endorsements are processed on the same
application the fees will be as follows:
(1) Evaluation fees. If an applicant simultaneously applies for a rating endorsement and a deck or
engineer officer's endorsement, only the evaluation fee for the officer's endorsement will be charged.
If an applicant simultaneously applies for a staff officer or radio officer endorsement along with the
deck or engineer officer endorsement, only the evaluation fee for the deck or engineer officer's
endorsement will be charged. No evaluation fee is charged for an STCW endorsement.
(2) Examination fees. One examination fee will be charged for each exam or series of exams for an
original, raise of grade, or renewal of an endorsement on an MMC taken within 1 year from the date
of the application approval. An examination fee will also be charged to process an open-book
exercise used to renew an MMC. If an officer endorsement examination under part 11 of this chapter
also fulfills the examination requirements in part 12 of this chapter for rating endorsements, only the
fee for the officer endorsement examination is charged.
(3) Issuance fees. Only one issuance fee will be charged for each MMC issued, regardless of the number
of endorsements placed on the credential. There is no fee for a Document of Continuity.
(f) The Coast Guard may assess additional charges to anyone to recover collection and enforcement costs
associated with delinquent payments or failure to pay a fee. The Coast Guard will not provide
credentialing services to a mariner who owes money for credentialing services previously provided.
(g) Anyone who fails to pay a fee or charge established under this section is liable to the United States
Government for a civil penalty of not more than $6,500 for each violation.
(h) No-fee MMC for certain applicants. For the purpose of this section, a no-fee MMC applicant is a person
who is a volunteer or a part- or full-time employee of an organization that is—
(1) Charitable in nature;
(2) Not for profit; and
(3) Youth oriented.
(i)
Determination of eligibility.
(1) An organization may submit a written request in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard that may
include mail, email, or electronic means to U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, 100 Forbes
Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, at email IASKNMC@uscg.mil, in order to be considered an eligible
organization under the criteria set forth in paragraph (h) of this section. With the written request, the
organization must provide evidence of its status as a youth-oriented, not-for-profit, charitable
organization.
(2) The following organizations are accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the requirements of
paragraph (h) of this section and need not submit evidence of their status: Boy Scouts of America,
Sea Explorer Association, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, and Young Men's Christian
Association of the United States of America.
(j)
A letter from an organization determined eligible under paragraph (h) of this section must also
accompany the person's MMC application to the Coast Guard. The letter must state that the purpose of
the person's application is solely to further the conduct of the organization's maritime activities. The
applicant will then be eligible under this section to obtain a no-fee MMC if other requirements for the
MMC are met.
46 CFR 10.219(j) (enhanced display)
page 30 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.219(k)
(k) An MMC issued to a person under paragraph (h) of this section will be endorsed restricting its use to
vessels owned or operated by the sponsoring organization.
(l)
The holder of a no-fee MMC issued under paragraph (h) of this section may have the restriction removed
by paying the appropriate evaluation, examination, and issuance fees that would have otherwise applied.
(m) For members of the uniformed services, a qualified applicant under this section is exempt from paying
evaluation, examination, or issuance fees for an MMC as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(1) For purposes of paragraph (m) of this section, qualified applicant means an individual who, at the
time of submission of an application, is—
(i)
A member of the uniformed services listed in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(5) on active duty;
(ii) A member of the Selected Reserve, as described in 10 U.S.C. 10143(a), of a reserve component
named in 10 U.S.C. 10101; or
(iii) A member of the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service established in 42 U.S.C.
204(a)(1).
(2) For purposes of paragraph (m)(1)(i) of this section—
(i)
For the members of the armed forces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(4), active duty is defined
by 10 U.S.C. 101(d)(1);
(ii) For the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, active
duty has the same meaning as found in 33 U.S.C. 3002(b)(1); and
(iii) For the members of the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, active duty has the
meaning defined in 42 CFR 21.72(f).
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77890, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0288, 89 FR 63841, Aug. 6, 2024; USCG-2021-0834, 89
FR 102333, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.221 Citizenship.
(a)
(1) MMCs with officer Endorsements. Only individuals with valid U.S. citizenship may apply for officer
endorsements, except individuals applying for endorsements as Operator of Uninspected Passenger
Vessels (OUPV) authorizing service on undocumented vessels in accordance with § 11.201(d) of
this subchapter.
(2) All other MMCs. All other applicants, except as noted in § 12.809 of this subchapter, must be either:
(i)
A citizen of the United States;
(ii) An alien, as defined under section 101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101 et seq.) (the Act), who is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence,
as defined by section 101(a)(20) of the Act.; or
(iii) A foreign national who is enrolled in the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).
(b) Proof of citizenship or alien status must be submitted to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
with the applicant's TWIC application in accordance with 49 CFR 1572.17(a)(11).
46 CFR 10.221(b) (enhanced display)
page 31 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.221(c)
(c) TSA and the Coast Guard may reject any evidence of citizenship that is not believed to be authentic.
Acceptable evidence of citizenship may be an original or a copy certified as true by the agency
responsible for issuing the document of the following:
(1) If the individual is applying for an officer endorsement (with the exception of those applying for an
MMC endorsed only as Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vehicle (OUPV) of an undocumented
vessel), the individual must provide an original of any one of the following documents:
(i)
Certified copy of a birth certificate, issued by a State, county, municipality or outlying
possession of the U.S. bearing an official seal;
(ii) U.S. passport (expired or unexpired);
(iii) Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the
Immigration and Naturalization Service;
(iv) Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the
Immigration and Naturalization Service; or
(v) Merchant Mariner's Document issued by the Coast Guard after February 3, 2003, that shows
that the holder is a citizen of the United States.
(2) If the individual is applying for a rating endorsement and they hold one of the documents listed in
paragraph (c)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, these documents are also acceptable as evidence of
citizenship. If the individual does not hold any one of those documents listed in paragraph (c)(1)(i)
through (v), the individual must provide an original unexpired foreign passport and an original of any
one of the following documents:
(i)
Permanent resident card (form I-551) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
bearing the certification that the alien was admitted to the United States as an immigrant,
(ii) A declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States issued by a naturalization
court; or
(iii) A certificate issued by the consular representative of the country of which the alien is a citizen
or subject.
(3) If the individual is the holder of or applying for a rating endorsement and the individual does not hold
any of the documents listed in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this section, proof of enrollment in the
United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in the form of an original letter from the USMMA,
signed by the Superintendent attesting to the individual's enrollment along with an unexpired foreign
passport issued by the government of the country in which the alien is a citizen or subject, with a
valid U.S. visa affixed to the passport, will be acceptable evidence of lawful status in the United
States.
(4) If the individual is applying for an MMC endorsed only as OUPV of an undocumented vessel, the
individual must provide an original of any one of the documents enumerated in paragraphs (c)(1)(i)
through (v) or (c)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section, or proof of acceptable alien status as provided in 49 CFR
1572.105.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77892, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2018-0874,
84 FR 30881, June 28, 2019; USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93054, 93060, Nov. 25, 2024]
46 CFR 10.221(c)(4) (enhanced display)
page 32 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.223
§ 10.223 Modification or removal of limitations or scope.
(a) If the Coast Guard is satisfied by the documentary evidence submitted that an applicant is entitled by
experience, training, and knowledge to an endorsement or increase in the scope of any MMC held, any
limitations that were previously placed upon the MMC by the Coast Guard may be changed or removed.
Such an increase in scope may include a change in horsepower or tonnage limitations, or geographic
route restrictions.
(b) Modifications or removal of limitations or scope to MMC endorsement(s) under this section will not
change the expiration date of the mariner's MMC unless the applicant renews all endorsements that
would appear on the MMC under § 10.227 of this part.
(c) A complete application for modification or removal of limitation of scope must contain the following:
(1) A completed signed application;
(2) Proof that the mariner either holds a valid TWIC or has applied for a TWIC.
(3) All supplementary materials required to show that the mariner meets the mandatory requirements
for the transaction sought:
(i)
The mandatory requirements for officer endorsements are contained in part 11 of this
subchapter.
(ii) The mandatory requirements for rating endorsements are contained in part 12 of this
subchapter.
(iii) The mandatory requirements for tank vessel endorsements are contained in part 13 of this
subchapter.
(iv) The mandatory requirements for STCW endorsements are contained in parts 11, 12, and 13 of
this subchapter.
(4) The appropriate fee as set forth in § 10.219 of this part; and
(5) Any expired MMC held by the applicant. If still valid at the time of application, the applicant must
surrender the old, original credential to the Coast Guard within 30 days of issuance of the new
credential. If requested at the time of submission, the old MMC may be returned to the applicant
after cancellation.
(d) No limitation on any endorsement may be changed before the applicant has made up any deficiency in the
experience prescribed for the endorsement or endorsement desired and passed any necessary
examination.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77892, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2021-0097,
89 FR 93060, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102333, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.225 Requirements for original Merchant Mariner Credentials.
(a) An applicant must apply as an original if the MMC sought is—
(1) The first credential issued to the applicant;
46 CFR 10.225(a)(1) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR 10.225(a)(2)
(2) The first credential issued to applicants after their previous credential has expired beyond the grace
period and they do not hold a Document of Continuity under § 10.227(g) of this part or an equivalent
unexpired continuity endorsement on their license or MMD; or
(3) The first credential issued to applicants after their previous credential was revoked pursuant to §
10.235 of this part.
(b) A complete application for an original MMC must contain the following, except as otherwise noted in §
10.227(i) of this subpart:
(1) A completed, signed application.
(2) Proof that the mariner either holds a valid TWIC or has applied for a TWIC.
(3) All supplementary materials required to show that the mariner meets the mandatory requirements
for all endorsements sought as follows:
(i)
The mandatory requirements for officer endorsements are contained in part 11 of this
subchapter.
(ii) The mandatory requirements for rating endorsements are contained in part 12 of this
subchapter.
(iii) The mandatory requirements for tank vessel endorsements are contained in part 13 of this
subchapter.
(iv) The mandatory requirements for STCW endorsements are contained in parts 11, 12, and 13 of
this subchapter.
(4) The appropriate fee as set forth in § 10.219 of this part.
(5) Evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an exemption
from testing in § 16.220 of this subchapter.
(6) Where sea service is required, documentary evidence in accordance with § 10.232 of this part.
(7) Proof, documented on CG-719-K or CG-719-K/E, as appropriate, that the applicant passed all
applicable vision, hearing, medical, and/or physical exams as required by subpart C of this part or a
valid medical certificate issued by the Coast Guard.
(8) Consent to a Coast Guard check of the NDR for offenses described in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of
the National Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended.
(9) The oath as required in paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Oath. Every person who receives an original MMC must first solemnly swear or affirm, that they will
faithfully and honestly, according to their best skill and judgment, without concealment or reservation,
perform all the duties required by law and obey all lawful orders of superior officers. This affirmation
remains binding for any subsequently issued MMC and endorsements added to the MMC, unless
specifically renounced in writing.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77892, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93061, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102333, Dec. 17, 2024]
46 CFR 10.225(c) (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.227
§ 10.227 Requirements for renewal.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, an applicant for renewal of a credential must establish
possession of all of the necessary qualifications before the MMC will be renewed.
(b) A credential may be renewed at any time during its validity and for 1 year after expiration.
(c) No credential will be renewed if it has been suspended without probation or revoked as a result of action
under part 5 of this chapter or if facts that would render a renewal improper have come to the attention of
the Coast Guard.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, a complete application for renewal must contain the
following:
(1) A completed, signed application.
(2) Proof that the mariner either holds a valid TWIC or has applied for a TWIC.
(3) The appropriate fee as set forth in § 10.219 of this part.
(4) Any expired or uncanceled MMD, MMC, License, STCW endorsement, Certificate of Registry (COR), or
Document of Continuity held by the applicant. If one or more of these credentials are still valid at the
time of application, a copy—front, back, and all attachments—will satisfy this requirement.
(5) Evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an exemption
from testing in § 16.220 of this subchapter.
(6) Applicants seeking a national endorsement must either hold an unexpired medical certificate or
submit a medical certificate application.
(7) Consent to a Coast Guard check of the NDR for offenses described in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of
the National Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended.
(e) Renewal requirements. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(8) of this section and § 13.120 of this
subchapter, the applicant must meet the following professional requirements for renewal:
(1) The applicant must either—
(i)
Provide evidence of at least 1 year of sea service during the past 5 years;
(ii) Pass a comprehensive, open-book exercise covering the general subject matter contained in
appropriate sections of subpart B of this part;
(iii) Complete an approved refresher training course;
(iv) Provide evidence of employment as a Qualified Instructor or in a position closely related to the
operation, construction, or repair of vessels (either deck or engineer as appropriate) for at least
3 years during the past 5 years. An applicant for a deck officer endorsement with this type of
employment must also demonstrate knowledge on an applicable Rules of the Road open-book
exercise; or
(v) Provide evidence of being a Qualified Instructor who has taught a Coast Guard-approved or
-accepted course relevant to the endorsement or credential being applied for, at least twice
within the past 5 years, therefore meeting the standards needed to receive a course completion
certificate for that course.
46 CFR 10.227(e)(1)(v) (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.227(e)(2)
(2) The qualification requirements for renewal of Radar Observer endorsement as contained in § 11.480
of this subchapter.
(3) Additional qualification requirements for renewal of an officer endorsement as First-Class Pilot as
contained in § 11.713 of this subchapter.
(4) An applicant for renewal of a Radio Officer endorsement must, in addition to meeting the
requirements of this section, provide a copy of a currently valid License as first- or second-class
radiotelegraph operator issued by the Federal Communications Commission.
(5) An applicant for renewal of an endorsement as Medical Doctor or Professional Nurse must, in
addition to meeting the requirements of this section, provide evidence that they hold a currently
valid, appropriate license as physician, surgeon, or registered nurse issued under the authority of a
State or territory of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia.
Any such renewal will retain the limitations placed upon the medical License by the issuing body.
There are no professional requirements for renewal of an endorsement as Marine Physician
Assistant or Medical Technician.
(6) An applicant for renewal of an endorsement as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels, in addition
to the other requirements in this paragraph, must also submit satisfactory evidence of—
(i)
Having completed a practical demonstration of maneuvering and handling a towing vessel to
the satisfaction of a Designated Examiner; or
(ii) Ongoing participation in training and drills during the validity of the MMC being renewed.
(7) An applicant seeking to renew a tank vessel endorsement must meet the additional requirements
listed in § 13.120 of this subchapter.
(8) There are no professional requirements for renewal for the following endorsements:
(i)
Staff officers (all types).
(ii) Ordinary Seafarer.
(iii) Wiper.
(iv) Steward's Department.
(v) Steward's Department Food Handler (F.H.).
(vi) Cadet.
(vii) Student Observer.
(viii) Apprentice Engineer.
(ix) Apprentice Mate (issued under part 12 of this subchapter).
(x) Person in Charge of Medical Care.
(xi) Medical First-aid Provider.
(xii) GMDSS At-sea Maintainer.
(xiii) GMDSS Operator.
46 CFR 10.227(e)(8)(xiii) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.227(f)
(f) Except as otherwise provided, each candidate for a renewal of an STCW endorsement must meet the
applicable requirements of part 11, subpart C, and/or part 12, subpart F.
(g) Document of Continuity.
(1) Applicants for renewal of national endorsements, who are unwilling or otherwise unable to meet the
requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, including but not limited to the medical and physical
standards of subpart C of this part, suitability standards of § 10.211 of this part, drug tests,
professional requirements, and TWIC, may apply for a Document of Continuity issued by the Coast
Guard. Documents of Continuity do not expire and are issued solely to maintain an individual's
eligibility for renewal. A Document of Continuity does not entitle an individual to serve as a merchant
mariner. A holder of a Document of Continuity may obtain a properly endorsed, valid MMC at any
time by satisfying the requirements for renewal as provided in paragraphs (d), (e), or (f) of this
section as applicable. When a valid MMC is issued to replace a previously held Document of
Continuity, the previously issued Document of Continuity becomes void.
(2) Applications for a Document of Continuity must include the following:
(i)
The endorsements to be placed into continuity.
(ii) An application including a signed statement from the applicant attesting to an awareness of the
limited purpose of the Document of Continuity, their inability to serve, and the requirements to
obtain an MMC.
(3) If not all MMC endorsements are to be converted into a Document of Continuity, a new MMC will be
issued with the active endorsements. Once the new MMC and/or Document of Continuity is issued
the previous MMC is no longer valid and must be returned to the Coast Guard.
(4) STCW endorsements may not be placed in continuity. If an individual continues to maintain a valid
MMC while placing specific national endorsements into continuity, those STCW endorsements
associated with the national endorsements that were placed in continuity are no longer valid.
(5) No credential expired beyond the 12-month administrative grace period in paragraph (h) of this
section can be converted into a Document of Continuity.
(6) A holder of a Document of Continuity may obtain a properly endorsed, valid MMC, including STCW
endorsements, at any time by satisfying the requirements for renewal as provided in paragraphs (d)
and (f) of this section.
(h) Administrative grace period. A credential may be renewed up to 12 months after expiration. For a
credential to be re-issued by the Coast Guard more than 12 months after its expiration, an applicant must
comply with the requirements of paragraph (i) of this section. When an applicant's credential expires
during a time of service with the Armed Forces and there is no reasonable opportunity for renewal,
including by mail, this period may be extended. The period of military service following the date of
expiration which precluded renewal may be added to the 12-month grace period. The 12-month grace
period and any extensions do not affect the expiration date of the credential. An MMC, and any
endorsements thereon, is not valid for use after the expiration date.
(i)
Re-issuance of expired credentials.
(1) If an applicant applies for re-issuance of an endorsement as deck officer, engineer officer, or qualified
rating more than 12 months after its expiration, instead of the requirements of paragraph (e) of this
section, the applicant must demonstrate continued professional knowledge by completing a course
46 CFR 10.227(i)(1) (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.227(i)(2)
approved for this purpose, or by passing the complete examination for original issue of the
endorsement. The examination may be oral-assisted if the expired credential was awarded based on
the results of an oral exam. The fees set forth in § 10.219 apply to these examinations. In the case
of an expired Radio Officer endorsement, the endorsement may be issued upon providing evidence
of a valid first- or second-class radiotelegraph operator license issued by the Federal
Communications Commission.
(2) An endorsement for Chief Purser, Purser, Senior Assistant Purser, Junior Assistant Purser, Medical
Technician, Marine Physician Assistant, Medical Doctor, or Professional Nurse that has been expired
for more than 12 months must be renewed in the same way as a current endorsement of that type.
There are no additional requirements for re-issuing endorsements for Chief Purser, Purser, Senior
Assistant Purser, Junior Assistant Purser, Medical Technician, Marine Physician Assistant, Medical
Doctor, or Professional Nurse that have been expired for more than 12 months.
(3) Applicants applying for re-issuance of an endorsement as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels
more than 12 months after expiration of the previous endorsement must complete the practical
demonstration of maneuvering and handling a towing vessel required under (e)(6)(i) of this section.
(4) Applicants applying for re-issuance of an endorsement as any tank vessel rating more than 12
months after expiration of the previous endorsement must meet the requirements in § 13.117 of this
subchapter.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77892, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93061, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102333, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.229 Replacement of lost Merchant Mariner Credentials.
(a) Upon request and without examination, a mariner may be issued a duplicate credential and medical
certificate after submitting an application with an affidavit describing the circumstances of the loss. The
Coast Guard will only issue the duplicate credential, MMC and/or medical certificate, after confirming the
validity of the mariner's credentials and the validity of the mariner's TWIC.
(b) The duplicate credential will have the same authority, wording, and expiration date as the lost credential.
(c) If a person loses a credential by shipwreck or other casualty, a duplicate credential will be issued free of
charge. The term “other casualty” includes any damage to a ship caused by collision, explosion, tornado,
wreck, flooding, beaching, grounding, or fire; or personal loss associated with a federally declared natural
disaster.
(d) If a person loses a credential by means other than those noted in paragraph (c) of this section and applies
for a duplicate, the appropriate fee set out in § 10.219 of this part must be paid.
(e) No application from an alien for a duplicate credential will be accepted unless the alien complies with the
requirements of § 10.221 of this part.
(f) Applications for duplicate credentials will not be subject to a criminal record review.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77894, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2018-0874,
84 FR 30881, June 28, 2019]
46 CFR 10.229(f) (enhanced display)
page 38 of 76
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.231
§ 10.231 Requirements for raises of grade or new endorsements.
(a) This section applies to applicants who already hold a valid credential and want to make either of the
following transactions:
(1) Add a new endorsement.
(2) Obtain a raise of grade of an existing endorsement.
(b) If an applicant for new endorsement or raise of grade meets the renewal requirements under § 10.227 of
this subpart for every endorsement listed on the MMC and requests renewal, the applicant will receive a
credential valid for 5 years. When an applicant does not meet the renewal requirements for every
endorsement held, the applicant's new endorsement will be issued with the expiration date that is the
same as the current MMC.
(c) A complete application for a new endorsement or raise of grade must contain the following:
(1) A completed, signed application.
(2) Proof that the mariner either holds a valid TWIC or has applied for a TWIC.
(3) All supplementary materials required to show that the mariner meets the mandatory requirements
for the new endorsements sought as follows:
(i)
The mandatory requirements for officer endorsements as contained in part 11 of this
subchapter and paragraph (d) of this section.
(ii) The mandatory requirements for rating endorsements as contained in part 12 of this
subchapter.
(iii) The mandatory requirements for tank vessel endorsements are contained in part 13 of this
subchapter.
(iv) The mandatory requirements for STCW endorsements as contained in parts 11, 12, and 13 of
this subchapter.
(4) The appropriate fee as contained in § 10.219 of this part.
(5) Any expired or uncanceled MMD, MMC, license, STCW endorsement, or COR held by the applicant. If
one or more of these credentials are still valid at the time of application, a copy—front, back, and all
attachments—will satisfy this requirement.
(6) Applicants for the following endorsements must produce evidence of having passed a chemical test
for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an exemption from testing in § 16.220 of this subchapter:
(i)
Any officer endorsement.
(ii) The first endorsement as National Able Seafarer, Lifeboat Operator, Lifeboat Operator-Limited,
Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED), or a tank vessel endorsement.
(7) Where sea service is required, documentary evidence in accordance with § 10.232 of this part.
(8) Applicants seeking a new endorsement must either hold an unexpired medical certificate or submit a
medical certificate application.
(9) Consent to a Coast Guard check for offenses described in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the National
Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended.
46 CFR 10.231(c)(9) (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.231(d)
(d) Additional requirements for an applicant seeking a raise of grade of an officer endorsement are as
follows:
(1) Sea service acquired before the issuance of an officer endorsement is generally not accepted as any
part of the service required for a raise of grade of that endorsement. However, service acquired
before issuance of an officer endorsement will be accepted for certain crossovers, endorsements, or
increases in scope of an MMC, as appropriate. In the limited tonnage categories for deck officers,
total accumulated service is a necessary criterion for most raises of grade; therefore, service
acquired before the issuance of such officer endorsements will be accepted.
(2) An applicant remains eligible for a raise of grade while on probation as a result of action under part 5
of this chapter. A raise of grade issued to a person on probation will be subject to the same
probationary conditions imposed against their other credentials. The offense for which they were
placed on probation will be considered on the merits of the case in determining fitness to hold the
endorsement applied for. No applicant will be examined for a raise of grade during any period when
a suspension without probation or a revocation imposed under part 5 of this chapter is effective
against their credential or while an appeal from these actions is pending.
(3) Professional examination.
(i)
When the Coast Guard finds an applicant's experience and training for raise of grade is
satisfactory, and the applicant is eligible in all other respects, the Coast Guard will authorize a
professional examination.
(ii) Oral-assisted examinations may be administered in accordance with § 11.201(j) of this
subchapter.
(iii) The general instructions for administration of examinations and the lists of subjects for all
endorsements are found in part 11, subpart I; part 12, subpart E; and part 13, subpart A of this
subchapter.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77894, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93062, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102333, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.232 Sea service.
(a) Documenting sea service.
(1) Sea service may be documented in various forms such as certificates of discharge, pilotage service
and billing forms, and service letters or other official documents from marine companies signed by
the owner, operator, Master, or Chief Engineer of the vessel. The Coast Guard must be satisfied as to
the authenticity and acceptability of all evidence of experience or training provided.
(2) Documentary evidence produced by the applicant, unless in the form of a Certificate of Discharge
conforming to § 14.307 of this subchapter, must contain all of the following information:
(i)
Vessel name(s) and official numbers listed on the registration, certificate, or document issued.
(ii) Gross tonnage of the vessel.
(iii) Propulsion power and mode of propulsion of the vessel.
(iv) The amount and nature (e.g., Chief mate, Assistant Engineer, etc.) of the applicant's experience.
46 CFR 10.232(a)(2)(iv) (enhanced display)
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Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.232(a)(2)(v)
(v) Applicable dates of service for each vessel, and the ports or terminals if applicable.
(vi) The routes upon which the experience was acquired.
(vii) For those seeking to renew a Radar Observer endorsement, whether the vessel is equipped with
radar and if the mariner served in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and
collision avoidance purposes.
(viii) For those seeking service credit on towing vessels in accordance with § 11.211(e) of this
subchapter, the aggregate tonnage of the tug and barges during the mariner's service.
(ix) Any other information necessary to determine the applicability of STCW to the vessel.
(x) Whether the vessel is manned and equipped in accordance with SOLAS.
(xi) Where required for an officer endorsement, time served as bridge watchkeeping or engine
watchkeeping duties under the supervision of a qualified officer.
(3) An MMC endorsement, in certain cases, may be considered as satisfactory evidence of any
qualifying experience for obtaining other endorsements.
(4) For service on vessels of less than 200 GRT, owners of vessels may attest to their own service and
provide proof of ownership. Those who do not own a vessel must obtain letters or other evidence
from credentialed personnel or the owners of the vessels listed.
(5) If the required sea service is associated with watchkeeping functions and the performance of duties,
as required in §§ 11.323, 11.329, and 11.333, the service must be documented as having been
carried out under the direct supervision of the appropriate person. If the required sea service is
associated with the performance of duties, as required in §§ 11.470, 11.472, and 11.474, the service
must be documented as having been carried out under the supervision of the appropriate person.
(6) An applicant who has been acting as a Pilot may submit a letter from a pilot's association attesting
to the applicant's sea service. For those Pilots seeking to renew a Radar Observer endorsement, the
association's letter should indicate that the vessels piloted were equipped with radar, and that radar
was used by the Pilot for navigation and collision avoidance purposes. Pilots not part of an
association may submit other relevant records indicating service, such as billing forms. For a raiseof-grade, Pilots must comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(b) Service toward an oceans, near-coastal, or STCW endorsement will be credited as follows:
(1) Service on the Great Lakes will be credited on a day-for-day basis up to 100 percent of the total
required service.
(2) Service on inland waters, other than Great Lakes, that are navigable waters of the United States, will
be credited on a day-for-day basis for up to 50 percent of the total required service.
(3) Service on vessels to which STCW applies, whether inland or coastwise, will be credited on a day-forday basis. For establishing credit for sea service, the waters of the Inside Passage between Puget
Sound and Cape Spencer, Alaska will be credited for a near-coastal and STCW endorsement.
(c) Service toward a near-coastal or a Great Lakes endorsement will be credited on a day-for-day basis and in
accordance with the individual requirements for the specific credential.
(d) Sea service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and civilian service on vessels owned by
the United States as required experience.
46 CFR 10.232(d) (enhanced display)
page 41 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.232(d)(1)
(1) Sea service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States will be accepted as required
experience for an original, raise of grade, renewal, or increase in scope of all endorsements. In most
cases, military sea service will have been performed upon ocean waters; however, inland service, as
may be the case on smaller vessels, will be credited in the same manner as conventional
evaluations. The applicant must submit an official transcript of sea service or history of assignments
as verification of the service claimed when the application is submitted. A DD-214 is not acceptable
evidence of sea service. The applicant must also provide the Coast Guard with other necessary
information as to tonnage, routes, propulsion power, percentage of time underway, and assigned
duties upon the vessels on which they served. Such service will be evaluated by the Coast Guard for
a determination of its equivalence to sea service acquired on merchant vessels and the appropriate
grade, class, and limit of endorsement for which the applicant is eligible. Normally, 60 percent of the
total time onboard is considered equivalent underway service; however, the periods of operation of
each vessel may be evaluated separately. In order to be eligible for a Master or Chief Engineer
unlimited endorsement, the applicant must have acquired military service in the capacity of
commanding officer or engineer officer, respectively.
(2) Applicants for management-level, operational-level or support-level STCW endorsements must
demonstrate competence in accordance with part 11, subpart C; part 12, subpart F; and part 13,
subpart F of this subchapter.
(3) Service in deck ratings on military vessels such as seaman apprentice, seaman, boatswain's mate,
quartermaster, or Radarman/Operations Specialist are considered deck service for the purposes of
this part. Service in other ratings may be considered if the applicant establishes that their duties
required a watchstanding presence on or about the bridge of a vessel. Service in engineer ratings on
military vessels such as fireman apprentice, fireman, engineman, machinists mate, machinery
technician, or boiler tender are considered engineer service for the purposes of this part. There are
also other ratings such as electrician, hull technician, or damage controlman, which may be credited
when the applicant establishes that their duties required watchstanding duties in an operating
engine room.
(4) In addition to service on vessels that get underway regularly, members of the Armed Forces may
obtain creditable service for assignment to vessels that get underway infrequently, such as tenders
and repair vessels. Normally, a 25-percent factor is applied to these time periods. This experience
can be equated with general shipboard familiarity, training, ship's business, and other related duties.
(5) Sea service obtained on submarines is creditable, as if it were surface vessel service, for deck and
engineer officer and qualified ratings endorsements under the provision of paragraph (a) of this
section. For application for deck officer and qualified ratings endorsements, submarine service may
be creditable if at least 25 percent of all service submitted for the endorsement was obtained on
surface vessels (e.g. if 4 years' total service were submitted for an original officer endorsement, at
least 1 year must have been obtained on surface craft in order for the submarine service to be
eligible for evaluation).
(6) Service gained in a civilian capacity as commanding officer, Master, Mate, engineer, or Pilot, etc., of
any vessel owned and operated by the United States, in any service in which a credential or officer
endorsement as Master, Mate, engineer, or Pilot was not required at the time of such service, will be
evaluated by the Coast Guard for a determination of equivalence.
46 CFR 10.232(d)(6) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.232(e)
(e) Sea service on vessels that do not get underway. This requirement applies to service obtained on vessels
mandated by the Certificate of Inspection (COI) which are in operation but do not get underway or
occasionally get underway for short voyages. Service while the vessel is not underway must be credited
as follows:
(1) Engineering department. Service may be credited day-for-day for up to 50 percent of the service
credit for renewal, raise of grade, and original issue for each day the engineering plant is operational.
(2) Deck department. Service may be credited as follows:
(i)
Original issue and raise of grade. Service is creditable on a 3-for-1 basis (12 months of
experience equals 4 months of creditable service) for up to 6 months of service credit.
(ii) Renewal. Service in any capacity in the deck department is creditable as closely related service
under § 10.227(e)(1)(iv). When submitted in combination with underway service, service is
creditable on a 3-for-1 basis (12 months of experience equals 4 months of creditable service)
for up to 6 months of service credit.
(f) Foreign sea service.
(1) Experience and service acquired on foreign vessels is creditable for establishing eligibility for an
original or renewal of an officer, rating, or STCW endorsement, subject to evaluation by the Coast
Guard to determine that it is a fair and reasonable equivalent to service acquired on merchant
vessels of the United States with respect to grade, tonnage, horsepower, waters, and operating
conditions. This experience and service is also creditable to meet recency requirements.
(2) Experience and service acquired on foreign vessels while holding a valid U.S. endorsement is
creditable for establishing eligibility for a raise of grade of an officer, rating, or STCW endorsement,
subject to evaluation as specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section. This experience and service is
also creditable to meet recency requirements.
(3) An applicant who has obtained qualifying experience on foreign vessels must submit satisfactory
documentary evidence of such service (including any necessary official translation to the English
language) in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.
(g) Closely related service. The Coast Guard may accept evidence of employment in a position closely related
to the operation, construction, or repair of vessels (either deck or engineer as appropriate) as meeting the
sea service requirements for renewal under § 10.227(e)(1)(iv). Service as port engineer, port captain,
shipyard superintendent, Qualified Instructor, or similar related service may be creditable for service for
raise of grade of an engineer or deck officer endorsement; however, it may not be used for obtaining an
original management-level endorsement. The service is creditable as follows:
(1) Port engineer, port captain or shipyard superintendent experience is creditable on a 3-for-1 basis for
a raise of grade (e.g., 12 months of experience equals 4 months of creditable service). For a raise-ofgrade, this credit is limited to 6 months of service.
(2) Service as a qualified instructor in a Coast Guard approved course or a training program is creditable
on a 2-for-1 basis for a raise of grade (e.g., 12 months of experience equals 6 months of creditable
service). For a raise-of-grade, this credit is limited to 6 months of service.
(h) Day.
(1) Except as noted otherwise, for the purpose of calculating service in this subchapter, a day is equal to
8 hours of watchstanding or day-working not to include overtime.
46 CFR 10.232(h)(1) (enhanced display)
page 43 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.232(h)(2)
(2) On vessels authorized by 46 U.S.C. 8104 and 46 CFR 15.705, to operate a two-watch system, a
12-hour working day may be creditable as 11⁄2 days of service.
(3) On vessels of less than 100 GRT, a day is considered as 8 hours unless the Coast Guard determines
that the vessel's operating schedule makes this criterion inappropriate; in no case will this period be
less than 4 hours.
(4) When computing service on MODUs for any endorsement, a day of MODU service must be a
minimum of 4 hours, and no additional credit is received for periods served over 8 hours.
(5) For cadet service on a training ship furnished by the Maritime Administration under 46 CFR 310.4, a
day may be creditable as 11⁄2 days of service.
(i)
Tonnage equivalency. For the purpose of parts 10, 11 and 12, 200 GRT will be considered equivalent to 500
GT, and 1,600 GRT will be considered equivalent to 3,000 GT.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77894, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2018-0100, 84 FR 26591, June 7, 2019; USCG-2018-0874,
84 FR 30881, June 28, 2019; USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93062, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102332, 102333, Dec. 17,
2024]
§ 10.233 Obligations of the holder of a Merchant Mariner Credential.
(a) The holder of a credential may not voluntarily part with it or place it beyond their personal control by
pledging or depositing it with any other person, except as required by regulation or as necessary to
safeguard the credential. If the holder violates this section, the Coast Guard may pursue suspension or
revocation of the MMC under the provisions of part 5 of this chapter.
(b) Whenever a mariner loses a credential, they must immediately report the loss to the Coast Guard. The
report must be made in writing and provided in a manner specified by the Coast Guard, giving the facts
incident to its loss.
(c) Invalid or expired credentials must be returned to the Coast Guard. Upon written request, the Coast Guard
will return the cancelled credential to the mariner.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93062, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102332, 102334, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.235 Suspension or revocation of Merchant Mariner Credentials.
(a) Any MMC or endorsement is subject to suspension or revocation on the same grounds, in the same
manner, and with like procedure as provided in 46 U.S.C. chapter 77.
(b) When any individual's credential is revoked, it is no longer valid for any purpose, and any MMC
subsequently requested must be applied for as an original following the procedures of §§ 5.901-5.905 of
this subchapter. When an endorsement on an individual's MMC is revoked, it is no longer valid, and any
endorsement of the same type subsequently requested must be applied for as an original following the
procedures of §§ 5.901-5.905 of this subchapter. When an officer's endorsement is revoked, the Coast
Guard will issue an MMC containing any rating endorsement for which the holder is qualified.
(c) An applicant who has had a TWIC, credential, or endorsement revoked, and who is applying for a
subsequent MMC or endorsement, must state in their application the date of revocation, the serial
number of the document revoked, and the type of document or endorsement revoked.
46 CFR 10.235(c) (enhanced display)
page 44 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.235(d)
(d) A person whose credential or endorsement has been revoked or suspended without probation may not be
issued a replacement credential or endorsement without approval of the Commandant. If a mariner has
multiple endorsements and one or more, but not all, of those endorsements are suspended or revoked,
they will be issued, without payment of a fee, a replacement MMC reflecting those endorsements for
which the mariner remains qualified.
(e) When a credential or endorsement that is about to expire has been suspended, without probation, the
renewal of the credential or endorsement will be withheld until expiration of the suspension period.
(f) When applying for an original endorsement on an MMC, pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, an
individual's existing service and training may be considered by the Coast Guard when determining the
grade of the endorsement to be issued.
(g) An applicant for renewal or return of a credential with endorsement as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing
Vessels whose most recent credential has been suspended or revoked by an administrative law judge for
incompetence must complete the practical demonstration required under § 10.227(e)(6)(i).
(h) If the Coast Guard is advised by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that a mariner has either
been denied a TWIC or their TWIC has been revoked, the Coast Guard may initiate suspension and
revocation action against the mariner's MMC under 46 U.S.C. 7702 and 7703. During the subsequent
suspension and revocation proceeding, the TSA decision to deny issuance of, or to revoke, a mariner's
TWIC will not be subject to review, and the mariner's failure to hold a TWIC will be treated by the Coast
Guard as proof that the mariner is not eligible for an MMC, License, MMD or COR.
(i)
A mariner who has either been denied issuance of a TWIC or whose TWIC has been revoked for a reason,
other than administrative reasons (e.g., being lost or stolen, not functioning, or having a misspelling) will
be deemed ineligible for an MMC, License, MMD or COR.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 39218, Aug. 6, 2009; USCG-2004-17914,
78 FR 77894, Dec. 24, 2013; USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93063, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102334, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.237 Right of appeal.
(a) If the Coast Guard refuses to grant an applicant an MMC, medical certificate, or endorsement it will
provide, a written statement listing the reason(s) for denial.
(b) Any person directly affected by a decision or action taken under this subchapter, by or on behalf of the
Coast Guard, may appeal under the provisions of subpart 1.03 of part 1 of this chapter.
(c) The Coast Guard will not review decisions made by the Transportation Security Administration to
suspend, revoke, or deny a mariner's TWIC.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77894, Dec. 24, 2013]
§ 10.239 Quick reference table for MMC requirements.
Table 1 to § 10.239 provides a guide to the requirements for officer endorsements. Provisions in the reference
section are controlling.
Note 1 to § 10.239: For tank vessel endorsements, see table 1 to § 13.129.
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
page 45 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.239
Note 2 to § 10.239: All references within table 1 to this section are within this subchapter.
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
page 46 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.239
TABLE 1 TO § 10.239—QUICK REFERENCE TABLE FOR MMC REQUIREMENTS
Endorsement
category
Medical and
physical
exam
Recommendations
and character
check
Citizenship
Master, Mates
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
part
11—subpart
D
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§ 11.201(h)
§ 11.201(j);
§ 11.903; §
11.910
Note: §
11.903(b)
N/A
original §
§ 11.201(i)
11.201(c)(2) Note:
renewal §
exceptions.
10.227(e)
Operator of
Uninspected
Passenger
Vessels (OUPV)
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions
here and in
§ 11.201(l)
§
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d).
§ 10.302(a)
§ 11.467(c);
(d); (e); (f);
(g)
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
N/A
§§ 11.201(j); N/A
11.903; §
11.910
original §
§ 11.201(i):
11.201(c)(2) Note
renewal §
exceptions.
10.227(e)
STCW deck officer
endorsements
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d).
§ 10.302(a)
part
11—subpart
C
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§ 11.303
Renewal: §
11.303(b) and
(c)
N/A
Master §
11.305; .311;
.315; .317
Chief Mate §
11.307; .313
OICNW §
11.309;
11.319; 11.321
original §
11.201
(c)(2)
renewal §
10.227(e)
§ 11.201(i).
Officer on a
passenger ship
when on an
international
voyage
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
§
11.1105(a)(1);
(2)
§
11.1105(c)
N/A.
Engineers
(original)
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
10.302(a)
part
11—subpart
E
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§ 11.201(h)
§ 11.201(j);
11.903; §
11.950
Note: §
11.903(b)
N/A
original §
§ 11.201(i).
11.201(c)(2)
renewal §
10.227(e)
STCW Engineering
Officer
endorsements
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
part
11—subpart
C
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
§ 11.303
Renewal: §
11.303(b) and
N/A
Chief §
11.325; §
11.331
original §
11.201
(c)(2)
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
Experience
Firefighting
Professional
exam
Demonstration
of
professional
ability
Minimum
age
Recency of
service
First aid and
CPR
§ 11.201(i).
page 47 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
Endorsement
category
Minimum
age
Citizenship
46 CFR 10.239
Medical and
physical
exam
Experience
Recommendations
and character
check
Firefighting
Professional
exam
Demonstration
of
professional
ability
Recency of
service
First aid and
CPR
original national or
STCW
endorsements
(c)
2nd engineer
officer; §
11.327; §
11.333
OICEW/DDE §
11.329
renewal §
10.227(e)
original §
§ 11.201(i).
11.201(c)(2)
renewal §
10.227(e)
National
Designated Duty
Engineer (DDE)
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d).
§ 10.302(a)
11.524(b)
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§
§ 11.903
11.201(h)(1)(iv)
N/A
Electro-technical
Officer
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d).
§ 10.302(a)
§
11.335(a)(1)
note
exception in
§ 11.335(b)
& § 11.33
5(c)
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§
11.335(a)(3)(ii)
N/A
§ 11.335(a)(2),
(3)
note exception
in § 11.335(b)
& (c)
Pilot
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a);
§ 11.709
§ 11.703; §
11.705
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
N/A
§ 11.707; §
11.903; §
11.910
§ 11.705
§ 11.705(e),
§ 11.713
Towing Vessels
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
part
11—subpart
D
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§
11.201(h)(1)(ii)
§
11.201(h)(2)(ii)
Note:
exceptions
§ 11.201(j);
§ 11.903; §
11.910
§ 11.464; §
11.465
original §
§ 11.201(i).
11.201(c)(2)
renewal §
10.227(e)
Offshore Supply
Vessels (OSV)
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions.
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
Master §
11.493
Chief Mate
§ 11.495
Mate §
11.497
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§ 11.201(h)
§ 11.201(j);
Master §
11.493
Chief Mate §
11.495
Mate §
Master §
11.493
Chief Mate §
11.495
Mate § 11.497
C/E § 11.553
original §
§ 11.201(i).
11.201(c)(2)
renewal §
10.227(e).
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
§
11.335(a)(3)(i).
§ 11.201(i).
page 48 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
Endorsement
category
Minimum
age
Citizenship
46 CFR 10.239
Medical and
physical
exam
Experience
Recommendations
and character
check
Firefighting
C/E §
11.553
Engineer §
11.555
Professional
exam
Demonstration
of
professional
ability
11.497
C/E §
11.553; §
11.903
Eng §
11.555; §
11.903
Engineer
§ 11.555
Recency of
service
First aid and
CPR
MODU
§ 11.201(e);
Note:
exceptions
U.S.,
§
10.221(a)(1);
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
OIM: §
11.470;
B.S.: §
11.472;
BCO: §
11.474;
ChEng: §
11.542;
Asst. Eng: §
11.544
N/A:
Note exceptions in
§ 11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§ 11.201(h):
note
exceptions
§ 11.201(j);
§ 11.903; §
11.920
N/A
original §
11.201
(c)(2);
renewal
§ 10.227(e)
Uninspected
Fishing Industry
Vessels
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
Deck: §
11.462(c);
(d);
Engine: §
11.530(c);
(d); (e)
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
§ 11.201(h)
Note:
exceptions
§ 11.201(j);
§ 11.903; §
11.910
N/A
original §
§ 11.201(i).
11.201(c)(2)
renewal §
10.227(e).
Radio Officer
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
N/A
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
N/A
N/A
§ 11.603
N/A
§ 11.201(i).
GMDSS Operator
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.604
N/A
N/A.
Officer raises of
grade
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d)
§ 10.302(a)
§ 10.231(c);
part 11,
subparts D
and E
N/A
N/A
§ 10.231(d);
§ 11.903; §
11.910; §
11.920; §
11.950
part 11,
subparts D
and E
3 months in
past 3
years, §
11.201
(c)(2)
N/A.
Officer renewals
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 10.302(a)
§ 10.227(d)
and (e)
N/A
N/A
N/A
Towing
officers, §
1 year in
past 5, §
N/A.
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
§ 11.201(i).
page 49 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
Endorsement
category
Minimum
age
Citizenship
46 CFR 10.239
Medical and
physical
exam
Experience
Recommendations
and character
check
Firefighting
exceptions
§ 11.201(d)
Staff officer
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d).
§ 10.302(a)
§ 11.807
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
N/A
Staff officer
renewals
§ 11.201(e)
Note:
exceptions
U.S., §
10.221(a)(1)
§ 11.201(d).
§ 10.302(a)
N/A
N/A
Able Seafarer
§
U.S. or alien
12.401(c)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 10.302(a),
§
12.401(c)(2)
§ 12.403
Able SeafarerDeck
§
U.S. or alien
12.603(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
Ratings Forming
Part of a
Navigational
Watch (RFPNW)
Qualified
Members of
Engine
Professional
exam
Recency of
service
First aid and
CPR
10.227(d) and
(e)
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative.
N/A
§ 11.807
N/A
§ 11.201(i).
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A.
N/A
N/A
§
12.401(c)(5)
§ 12.401(c)(6)
§ 12.405
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
N/A.
§ 10.302(a)
§
N/A
12.603(a)(3)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.603(a)(2)
§ 12.603(a)(4)
§ 12.603(a)(5)
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
§ 12.602(a).
§
U.S. or alien
12.605(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 10.302(a)
§
N/A
12.605(a)(2)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.605(a)(3)
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
§ 12.602(a).
§
U.S. or alien
12.501(c)(1) admitted for
permanent
§ 10.302(a)
§ 12.503
N/A
§ 12.505
N/A
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
N/A.
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
Note:
exceptions
Demonstration
of
professional
ability
N/A
page 50 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
Endorsement
category
Minimum
age
Department
(QMED)
Able SeafarerEngine
Citizenship
46 CFR 10.239
Medical and
physical
exam
Experience
Recommendations
and character
check
Firefighting
Professional
exam
Demonstration
of
professional
ability
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§
U.S. or alien
12.607(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
Recency of
service
First aid and
CPR
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
§ 10.302(a)
§
N/A
12.607(a)(3)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.607(a)(2); Renewal
(4) §
only, 1 year
12.607(b); (c)
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
§ 12.602(a).
U.S. or alien
admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 10.302(a)
§
N/A
12.609(a)(2)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.609(a)(3)
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
§ 12.602(a).
Electro-technical
Rating
§
U.S. or alien
12.611(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 10.302(a)
§
N/A
12.611(a)(2)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.611(a)(3); Renewal
§ 12.611(b)
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
§ 12.602(a).
Entry level ratings
N/A
N/A; note
N/A
exception in
§
12.811(a)(2)
Note: Food
Handler
(F.H.)
requirements
in table §
10.302(a)
(xiii) §
10.302(a)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A.
Ratings Forming
§
Part of an
12.609(a)(1)
Engineering Watch
(RFPEW)
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
U.S. or alien
admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 12.803; §
12.809
N/A
N/A
page 51 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
Endorsement
category
Minimum
age
Citizenship
46 CFR 10.239
Medical and
physical
exam
Experience
Recommendations
and character
check
Firefighting
Professional
exam
Demonstration
of
professional
ability
Recency of
service
First aid and
CPR
(xiv)
Lifeboat Operator
N/A
U.S. or alien
admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 10.302(a)
§
N/A
12.407(b)(1)
N/A
§
§
12.407(b)(2); 12.407(b)(2);
(4)
(3)
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
N/A.
Lifeboat OperatorLimited
N/A
U.S. or alien
admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 10.302(a)
§
N/A
12.409(b)(1)
N/A
§
§
12.409(b)(2); 12.409(b)(2);
(4)
(3)
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
N/A.
Proficiency in Fast
Rescue Boats
§
U.S. or alien
12.617(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 12.617(a)(2); Renewal
§ 12.602(a).
(3); (4)
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
Renewal §
12.617(b)(2)
Proficiency in
Survival Craft and
Rescue Boats
other than Fast
Rescue Boats
§
U.S. or alien
12.613(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
N/A
§
N/A
12.613(a)(2)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.613(a)(3)
Renewal
§ 12.602(a).
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
Renewal: §
12.613(b)(2)
Proficiency in
Survival Craft and
Rescue Boats
other than
§
U.S. or alien
12.615(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
N/A
§
N/A
12.615(a)(2)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.615(a)(3)
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
§ 12.602(a).
page 52 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
Endorsement
category
Minimum
age
Lifeboats and Fast
Rescue BoatsLimited
Citizenship
46 CFR 10.239
Medical and
physical
exam
Experience
Recommendations
and character
check
Firefighting
Professional
exam
Demonstration
of
professional
ability
10.221(a)(2)
Recency of
service
First aid and
CPR
and (f)
Note:
alternative.
Renewal: §
12.615(b)(2)
Assistance
Towing
endorsement
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 11.482
N/A
N/A
§ 11.482
§ 11.482
original §
N/A.
11.201(c)(2)
Radar Observer
endorsement
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 11.480(d);
(h)
N/A
Vessel Security
Officer (VSO)
§ 11.337(a)
U.S. or alien
admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(1)
§
10.221(a)(2)
§ 10.302(a)
§ 11.337(a)
N/A: Note
exceptions in §
11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
N/A
N/A
§ 11.337(a)
original §
§ 11.201(i).
11.201(c)(2)
renewal §
10.227(e).
High Speed Craft
N/A
U.S. §
10.221(a)(1)
N/A
§
N/A: Note
11.821(b)(1) exceptions in §
§ 11.821(c) 11.201(g) for
original national or
STCW
endorsements
N/A
N/A
§ 11.821(b)(2)
Renewal: §
11.821(e)
N/A.
GMDSS at-Sea
Maintainer
§ 12.623(a)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 12.623(b)
N/A
N/A.
Medical First-aid
Provider
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 12.619(b)
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 12.619(a)(1); N/A
(2)
§ 12.619(a)(1).
Person in Charge
of Medical Care
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 12.621(b)
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 12.621(a)(1); N/A
(2)
§ 12.621(a)(1).
Vessel Personnel
with Designated
Security Duties
§
U.S. or alien
12.625(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 12.803
§
12.625(a)(2)
§
N/A
12.625(a)(1)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.625(a)(1)
N/A.
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
N/A.
page 53 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
Endorsement
category
Minimum
age
Citizenship
46 CFR 10.239
Medical and
physical
exam
Experience
Recommendations
and character
check
Firefighting
Professional
exam
Demonstration
of
professional
ability
Recency of
service
First aid and
CPR
Security
Awareness
§
U.S. or alien
12.627(a)(1) admitted for
permanent
residence, §
10.221(a)(2)
§ 12.803
§
12.627(a)(2)
§
N/A
12.627(a)(1)
N/A
N/A
§ 12.627(a)(1)
Renewal
only, 1 year
in past 5, §
10.227(e)
and (f)
Note:
alternative
N/A.
Ratings serving on
passenger ships
on international
voyages
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
§ 12.905(a);
(b)
Renewal §
12.905(d)
N/A.
46 CFR 10.239 (enhanced display)
N/A
N/A
page 54 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.301
[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93063, Nov. 25, 2024, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102334, Dec. 17, 2024]
Subpart C—Medical Certification
Source: USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77900, Dec. 24, 2013, unless otherwise noted.
§ 10.301 General requirements.
(a) The Coast Guard will issue a medical certificate to a mariner meeting the medical and physical standards
for merchant mariners. The medical certificate will be issued for various periods of time based upon the
endorsements the mariner holds. The Coast Guard will review all information provided and will determine
whether—
(1) The applicant is physically and medically qualified for the medical certificate without any limitations,
waivers and/or other conditions;
(2) The applicant is physically and medically qualified for the medical certificate with limitations and/or
other conditions as specified by the Coast Guard;
(3) For an applicant who does not possess the vision, hearing, or general physical condition necessary, a
medical certificate may be issued with appropriate limitations, waivers and/or other conditions as
specified by the Coast Guard;
(4) Additional information is necessary to determine if the applicant is physically and/or medically
qualified for the medical certificate. The Coast Guard will request additional information from the
applicant. The Coast Guard may hold the package pending receipt of that information before the
package and/or application is denied; or
(5) The applicant is not physically and/or medically qualified for the medical certificate. The application
for a medical certificate will be denied by the Coast Guard.
(b) Except as otherwise noted, medical certificates will be issued for the following periods of time:
(1) All persons employed or engaged onboard vessels to which STCW applies will be issued a medical
certificate valid for 2 years unless the mariner is under the age of 18, in which case the maximum
period of validity will be 1 year.
(2) Medical certificates issued to all other mariners will be issued for a maximum period of 5 years.
(c) Applicants seeking additional MMC endorsements holding a current medical certificate are not required to
submit a new medical physical exam if their existing medical certification meets all of the requirements
of this section for the endorsement sought.
(d) Applicants holding no endorsement other than a staff officer endorsement need not meet the medical and
physical requirements of this section.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77900, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2020-0069, 87 FR 66590, Nov. 4, 2022]
46 CFR 10.301(d) (enhanced display)
page 55 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.302
§ 10.302 Medical and physical requirements.
(a) To qualify for a medical certificate, a mariner must provide evidence of meeting the medical and physical
standards in this section on a CG-719-K or CG-719-K/E, or as directed by the Coast Guard. The Coast
Guard retains final authority for determining whether a mariner is medically and physically qualified.
Columns 2 through 5 of Table 1 to paragraph (a) of this section provide the specific exam, test, or
demonstrations required to obtain the corresponding credential listed in column 1. Further clarifications
of the requirements contained in the table are found throughout this subpart.
TABLE 1 TO § 10.302(a)—MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MARINER
ENDORSEMENTS
1
Credential
2
3
4
Vision Hearing
test
test
5
General Demonstration
medical
of physical
exam
ability
(1) Deck officer, including Pilot
§
10.305(a)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(2) Engineering officer
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(3) Radio Officer
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(4) OIM, BS, or BCO
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(5) Able Seafarer
§
10.305(a)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(6) QMED
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(7) Able Seafarer-Deck
§
10.305(a)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(8) RFPNW
§
10.305(a)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(9) Able Seafarer-Engine
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(10) RFPEW
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(11) ETR
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(12) Tank vessel endorsement
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(13) Lifeboat Operator and PSC
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(14) Lifeboat Operator-Limited and PSC-Limited
46 CFR 10.302(a) (enhanced display)
§
§
§
§ 10.304(c)
page 56 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
1
(15) Fast Rescue Boat
46 CFR 10.302(b)
2
3
4
10.305(b)
10.306 10.304(a)
§
10.305(b)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
(16) Food Handler serving on vessels to which
STCW does not apply
§
10.304(b)
(17) Food Handler serving on vessels to which
STCW applies
§
10.304(b)
(18) Ratings, including entry level, serving on
vessels to which STCW applies, other than those
listed above
5
§ 10.304(c)
§ 10.304(c)
§ 10.304(c)
(19) Ratings, including entry level, serving on
vessels to which STCW does not apply, other
than those listed above
(20) VSO
§
10.305(a)
§
§
10.306 10.304(a)
§ 10.304(c)
(b) Any required test, exam, or demonstration must have been performed, witnessed, or reviewed by a
Licensed Medical Doctor, Licensed Physician Assistant, Licensed Nurse Practitioner, or a Designated
Medical Examiner. All licensed medical practitioners must hold a valid license issued in the United States.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77900, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2022-0025, 89 FR 76346, Sept. 17, 2024; USCG-2021-0097,
89 FR 93067, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102334, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.303 Medical waivers, limitations, and restrictions.
(a) The Coast Guard may grant a waiver if, after review of all relevant supporting medical documents and
consultation with the examining physician, as needed, an applicant does not possess the vision, hearing,
or general physical condition necessary; and extenuating circumstances warrant special consideration.
An applicant may submit to the Coast Guard additional correspondence, records, and reports in support
of a waiver. In this regard, recommendations from agencies of the Federal Government operating
government vessels, as well as owners and operators of private vessels, made on behalf of their
employees, will be given full consideration.
(b) In general, medical waivers are approved when an applicant does not meet the applicable medical
standards, but objective medical evidence indicates that the condition is sufficiently controlled and the
effects of medication pose no significant risk to maritime and public safety. The Coast Guard retains final
authority for the issuance of medical waivers.
(c) Medical waivers may be granted with specific conditions to which the applicant must adhere, such as
more frequent monitoring of the medical conditions, submission of medical exams and/or tests at
varying intervals to track the ongoing status of the medical condition, or operational limitations in the
manner the mariner may serve under the MMC.
(d) The Coast Guard may place an operational limitation on medical and physical conditions. Any operational
limitations will be reflected in the medical certificate.
46 CFR 10.303(d) (enhanced display)
page 57 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.303(e)
(e) The Coast Guard may place a restriction on a medical certificate based upon medical and physical
conditions of an applicant. Any restriction will be reflected on the medical certificate and may include
restriction of route or trade.
§ 10.304 General medical exam.
(a) The general medical exam must be documented and of such scope to ensure that there are no conditions
that pose significant risk of sudden incapacitation or debilitating complication. This exam must also
document any condition requiring medication that impairs cognitive ability, judgment, or reaction time.
The Coast Guard will provide guidance on the conduct of general medical exams. Examiners should be
familiar with the content and recommended medical evaluation data compiled in the medical guidelines.
(b) Food Handlers are not required to submit to a general medical exam, but must obtain a statement from a
licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner attesting that they are free of communicable
diseases that pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
(c) Demonstration of physical ability.
(1) A demonstration of physical ability is required only if—
(i)
The medical practitioner conducting the general medical exam is concerned that an applicant's
physical ability may impact maritime safety; or
(ii) Table 1 to § 10.302(a) of this subpart shows that the mariner must pass a demonstration of
physical ability.
(2) For an applicant to satisfactorily pass a demonstration of physical ability, the examiner must be
satisfied that the applicant—
(i)
Has no disturbance in the sense of balance;
(ii) Is able, without assistance, to climb up and down vertical ladders and inclined stairs;
(iii) Is able, without assistance, to step over a door sill or coaming;
(iv) Is able to move through a restricted opening of 24-by-24 inches (61-by-61 centimeters);
(v) Is able to grasp, lift, and manipulate various common shipboard tools, move hands and arms to
open and close valve wheels in vertical and horizontal directions, and rotate wrists to turn
handles;
(vi) Does not have any impairment or disease that could prevent normal movement and physical
activities;
(vii) Is able to stand and walk for extended periods of time;
(viii) Does not have any impairment or disease that could prevent response to a visual or audible
alarm; and
(ix) Is capable of normal conversation.
(3) Guidance on demonstration of physical ability is contained in the relevant Coast Guard guidance for
the conduct of general medical exams.
46 CFR 10.304(c)(3) (enhanced display)
page 58 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.304(d)
(d) Reports of medical and physical exams, demonstrations, and tests. These reports must be submitted
within 12 months from the date signed by the licensed medical professional. When submitted with a
complete application package, these reports remain valid for 12 months from the date the Coast Guard
accepts a complete application.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77900, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93067, Nov. 25, 2024]
§ 10.305 Vision requirements.
(a) Deck standard.
(1) A mariner must have correctable vision to at least 20/40 in one eye and uncorrected vision of at least
20/200 in the same eye. The color sense must be determined to be satisfactory when tested by any
of the following methods or an alternative test acceptable to the Coast Guard, without the use of
color-sensing lenses:
(i)
Pseudoisochromatic Plates (Dvorine, 2nd Edition; AOC; revised edition or AOC-HRR; Ishihara
14-, 24- , or 38-;plate editions).
(ii) Farnsworth Lantern.
(iii) Titmus Vision Tester/OPTEC 2000.
(iv) Optec 900.
(v) Richmond Test, 2nd and 4th edition.
(2) Applicants for an STCW endorsement must have correctable vision to at least 20/40 in both eyes
and uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in both eyes. A mariner who previously met these
requirements and who suffers loss of vision in one eye after being issued an MMC is subject to the
requirements of paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, as applicable. A mariner holding an MMC
prior to January 1, 2017, must continue to meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(b) Engineering, Radio Officer, tank vessel endorsement, and MODU standard. A mariner must have correctable
vision to at least 20/50 in one eye and uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in the same eye and need
only the ability to distinguish the colors red, green, blue, and yellow. The color sense must be determined
to be satisfactory when tested by any color-vision test listed in paragraph (a) of this section, or an
alternative test acceptable to the Coast Guard, without the use of color-sensing lenses. The Coast Guard
will accept Farnsworth D-15 Hue Test as a color vision test to meet the requirements of this paragraph.
(c) Vision waiver. Any applicant whose uncorrected vision does not meet the 20/200 standard and is
correctable to listed standards above may be granted a medical waiver in accordance with § 10.303. If a
vision waiver is granted, a limitation will be placed on the medical certificate indicating the mariner may
not serve under the authority of the endorsement unless corrective lenses are worn and spare lenses are
carried onboard a vessel. Waivers are not normally granted to an applicant whose corrected vision in the
better eye is not at least 20/40 for deck officers or 20/50 for engineer officers.
(d) Vision operational limitation. If corrective lenses are required in order to meet the vision standards above,
a mariner may not serve under the authority of the endorsement unless corrective lenses are worn and
spare lenses are carried onboard a vessel. This operational limitation will be placed on their medical
certificate.
46 CFR 10.305(d) (enhanced display)
page 59 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.305(e)
(e) Loss of vision. A mariner having lost vision in one eye must wait 6 months from the date of the vision loss
before submitting any application, and must provide a statement of demonstrated ability on their medical
examination.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77900, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2018-0874, 84 FR 30881, June 28, 2019; USCG-2021-0097,
89 FR 93067, Nov. 25, 2024]
§ 10.306 Hearing requirements.
(a) If the medical practitioner conducting the general medical exam has concerns that an applicant's ability to
hear may impact maritime safety, the examining medical practitioner must refer the applicant to an
audiologist or other hearing specialist to conduct an audiometer test and a speech discrimination test, as
appropriate.
(b) The audiometer test must include testing at the following thresholds: 500 Hz; 1,000 Hz; 2,000 Hz; and
3,000 Hz. The frequency responses for each ear must be averaged to determine the measure of an
applicant's hearing ability. Applicants must demonstrate an unaided threshold of 30 decibels or less in at
least one ear.
(c) The functional speech discrimination test must be carried out at a level of 65 decibels. For issuance of an
original MMC or endorsement the applicant must demonstrate functional speech discrimination of at
least 90 percent. For renewal or raise of grade, the applicant must demonstrate functional speech
discrimination of at least 80 percent.
(d) Hearing waivers. An applicant who is unable to meet the hearing standards of the audiometer test, but
who can pass the functional speech discrimination test; or who requires hearing aids to meet the hearing
standards, may be eligible for a medical waiver in accordance with § 10.303 of this subpart.
(e) Hearing operational limitation. If hearing aids are required in order to meet the hearing standards above, a
mariner may not serve under the authority of the endorsement unless hearing aids are worn in the
operational mode, and spare batteries are carried onboard a vessel. This operational limitation will be
placed on their medical certificate.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77900, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102332, Dec. 17, 2024]
Subpart D—Training Courses and Programs
Source: USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77903, Dec. 24, 2013, unless otherwise noted.
§ 10.401 Applicability.
This subpart prescribes the general requirements applicable to offerors of all approved courses and training
programs which may be accepted instead of sea service, examination required by the Coast Guard, or STCW
assessments, or which satisfy course completion requirements.
§ 10.402 Approval of training courses.
(a) Categories. The Coast Guard may approve courses designed to substitute for or fulfill any or all of the
following:
46 CFR 10.402(a) (enhanced display)
page 60 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.402(a)(1)
(1) A portion of sea service requirement.
(2) Examinations required by the Coast Guard.
(3) Professional competency requirements.
(4) Regulatory requirements.
(b) Request for approval. Organizations desiring course approval by the Coast Guard must submit a written
request and a complete curriculum package to the National Maritime Center, either by mail or
electronically. The curriculum package must be provided in a format specified by the Office of Merchant
Mariner Credentialing and include the following:
(1) A cover letter. The cover letter must contain—
(i)
The name of the organization providing the instruction and the course name;
(ii) The locations where the course will be held;
(iii) A general description and overview of the course;
(iv) The category of acceptance being sought, as listed in paragraph (a) of this section; and
(v) Reference to regulatory requirements met by the training.
(2) Part A: Course framework. The course framework must contain—
(i)
The following specific course intentions:
(A) Course scope.
(B) Course objective;
(ii) The following conditions relative to students:
(A) Student entry standards.
(B) Class-size limitations.
(C) Student/teacher ratio;
(iii) Documentary evidence that each instructor and/or assessor—
(A) Has either experience, training, or evidence of instruction in effective instructional
techniques and/or effective assessment techniques;
(B) Is qualified in the task for which the training is being conducted and have relevant
experience; and
(C) Has attained a level of experience and qualification equal or superior to the relevant level
of knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the performance objective;
(iv) Site information, which must include—
(A) A description of the facility, measurements of the instructional space, pictures showing
multiple views of the space, and a description of the instruction or assessment being
performed; and
(B) A request, if applicable, to teach at an alternative site. This requires contact with the local
Regional Exam Center and approval by the National Maritime Center; and
46 CFR 10.402(b)(2)(iv)(B) (enhanced display)
page 61 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.402(b)(2)(v)
(v) A description of the following materials used for development, instruction, and performance
measurement:
(A) Equipment.
(B) Teaching aids.
(C) Textbooks and presentations.
(D) Reference bibliography.
(3) Part B: Course outline. The course outline must contain—
(i)
Course subjects/topics; and
(ii) Course schedule, including the duration and order of lessons, and an indication as to whether
each lesson is—
(A) A classroom lecture;
(B) A practical demonstration;
(C) A simulator exercise;
(D) An examination; or
(E) Another method of instructional reinforcement.
(4) Part C: Detailed teaching syllabus. The detailed teaching syllabus must be written in a learning
objective format in which the objectives describe what the student must do to demonstrate that the
specific knowledge has been transferred. The detailed teaching syllabus must contain—
(i)
The learning objectives as related to the subjects/topics;
(ii) The specific references from which the instruction was developed; and
(iii) Reference to the specific teaching aids, textbooks, or technical materials used for instruction
and performance measurement.
(5) Part D-1: Lesson plans. The lesson plans must contain the following specific instructional contents
of the individual course lessons:
(i)
The main element learning objective.
(ii) Student assignments.
(iii) Training outcomes, which are statements that identify the specific knowledge, skill, or ability
that students must gain and display as a result of the training or instructional activity. A training
outcome is made up of three elements: expected student performance, condition, and criterion.
(6) Part D-2: Instructor notes. The instructor notes must contain—
(i)
The specific instructional methodologies utilized in the particular lesson; and
(ii) The instructional materials, including instructional directions containing the following:
(A) Pre-instructional activities.
(B) Content presentation.
46 CFR 10.402(b)(6)(ii)(B) (enhanced display)
page 62 of 76
46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.402(b)(6)(ii)(C)
(C) Student participation.
(D) Assessment process.
(E) Other instructional activities, such as homework and reading assignments.
(7) Part E: Evaluations. The evaluations section must contain—
(i)
Any methodology that is used to measure a student's knowledge, performance, or level of
achievement, including—
(A) Homework;
(B) Quizzes;
(C) Exams;
(D) Laboratory projects;
(E) Competency assessments;
(F) Remediation; and
(G) Testing strategies;
(ii) Assessment instruments, which are any tools used to determine whether the student has
achieved the desired level of knowledge, understanding, or proficiency; and
(iii) Any methodology that is used to measure the effectiveness of the training or instructor,
including—
(A) Instructor evaluations;
(B) Course evaluations/surveys; and
(C) Other feedback.
(8) Course completion certificate. A sample course completion certificate that allows for the following
information to be entered:
(i)
Course provider number.
(ii) Course number.
(iii) Terms of approval.
(c) Approval notification. The Coast Guard will notify each applicant for course approval when an approval is
granted or denied. If the Coast Guard denies a request for approval, the Coast Guard will inform the
applicant of the reasons for the denial and describe the corrections required for granting an approval.
(d) Validity of course approval. Unless surrendered, suspended, or withdrawn, an approval for a course is valid
for up to a maximum of 5 years after issuance, unless—
(1) The school ceases operation;
(2) The school gives notice that it will no longer offer the course;
(3) The owner or operator fails to submit any required information; or
(4) Any change occurs in the ownership of the school to which the approval was issued.
46 CFR 10.402(d)(4) (enhanced display)
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(e) Significant changes to the course approval.
(1) Any significant changes to the course approval or the content of the course will be handled as a
request for renewal of an approval (as specified in paragraph (f) of this section), or as a request for
an original approval (as specified in paragraph (b) of this section), depending on the nature and
scope of the change.
(2) The Coast Guard may not accept course completion certificates if the course does not follow the
conditions of the course approval.
(f) Renewal of course approval.
(1) If the owner or operator of a training school desires to have a course's approval renewed, the owner
or operator must submit a request to the NMC accompanied by the information from paragraph b of
this section.
(2) If satisfied that the content and quality of instruction remain satisfactory, the Coast Guard will
approve the request.
(3) The renewed approval is valid as detailed in paragraph (d) of this section.
(g) Suspension of approval.
(1) The Coast Guard may suspend the approval, require the holder to surrender the certificate of
approval, and may direct the holder to cease claiming the course is Coast Guard-approved, if it
determines that a specific course does not comply with the—
(i)
Applicable provisions of 46 CFR parts 10, 11, 12, or 13;
(ii) Requirements specified in the course's approval; or
(iii) Course's curriculum package as submitted for approval.
(2) The Coast Guard will notify the approval holder in writing of the intent to suspend course approval
and the reasons for suspension. If the approval holder fails to correct the conditions leading to
suspension, the course will be suspended. The Coast Guard will notify the approval holder that the
specific course fails to meet applicable requirements and explain how the deficiencies can be
corrected.
(3) The Coast Guard may grant the approval holder up to 90 days to correct the deficiency.
(4) Course completion certificates will not be accepted for training provided during a period of
suspension or expiration.
(h) Withdrawal of approval. The Coast Guard may withdraw approval for any course—
(1) When the approval holder fails to correct the deficiency of a suspended course within 90 days; or
(2) Upon determining that the approval holder has demonstrated a pattern or history of any of the
following:
(i)
Failing to comply with the applicable regulations or the course approval requirements.
(ii) Deviating from approved course curricula.
(iii) Presenting courses in a manner that does not achieve the learning objectives.
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(iv) Falsifying any document required and integral to the conduct of the course, including, but not
limited to, attendance records, written test grades, course completion grades, or assessment of
practical demonstrations.
(i)
Appeals of suspension or withdrawal of approval. Anyone directly affected by a decision to suspend or
withdraw an approval may appeal the decision to the Commandant as provided in § 1.03-40 of this
chapter.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77903, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2018-0874, 84 FR 30881, June 28, 2019]
§ 10.403 General standards.
(a) Each school with an approved course must—
(1) Have a well-maintained facility that accommodates the students in a safe and comfortable
environment conducive to learning;
(2) Have the necessary equipment, including simulators where appropriate, sufficient for the number of
students to be accommodated, and support the objectives of the course;
(3) Administer training entirely in the English language unless specifically approved to be presented in
another language;
(4) Administer written examinations to each student appropriate for the course material and the
knowledge requirements of the position or endorsement for which the student is being trained. For a
course approved to substitute for a Coast Guard-administered examination, the courses must be of
such a degree of difficulty that a student who successfully completes them would most likely pass,
on the first attempt, an examination prepared by the Coast Guard;
(5) Require each student to successfully demonstrate practical skills appropriate for the course material
and equal to the level of endorsement for which the course is approved; and
(6) Keep physical or electronic copies of the following records for at least 5 years after the end of each
student's completion or disenrollment from a course or program:
(i)
A copy of each student's examination scores;
(ii) A copy of each examination or, in the case of a practical test, a report of such test;
(iii) A record of each student's classroom attendance, which includes their full name, Coast Guardissued Mariner Reference Number, or date of birth and place of birth if they do not have a
Mariner Reference Number;
(iv) A copy of each student's course completion certificate or program completion certificate, as
appropriate;
(v) A summary of changes or modification to the last course submittal;
(vi) A list of all locations at which the training course was presented and the number of times it was
presented at each location;
(vii) The name(s) of the instructor(s) who taught the course, which does not include lab assistants
or other non-teaching assistants;
(viii) The number of students who began the training;
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(ix) The number of students who successfully completed the training;
(x) The number of students who were required to retest;
(xi) The number of students who were required to retake the entire course and
(xii) The number of students who were required to retake a portion of the course.
(7) By November 25, 2026, for each student who successfully completes an approved course or
program, in a manner specified by the Coast Guard, the school must electronically submit to the
Coast Guard, within 5 business days of completion, the information listed in paragraphs (7)(i)
through (v). By submitting records electronically to the Coast Guard, the submitter attests that they
are accurate to the best of their knowledge and no false entries or statements were made under
penalty of 18 U.S.C. 1001.
(i)
The name of the school and Coast Guard-issued course provider code;
(ii) The title of the approved course or program, the Coast Guard-issued course code, and the dates
the course was held;
(iii) The name of the Coast Guard-approved instructor who conducted the course;
(iv) The name of the student as it appears on their MMC or valid government-issued identification,
along with their Coast Guard-issued Mariner Reference Number or date of birth and place of
birth if they do not have a Mariner Reference Number; and
(v) The unique course certificate identification code associated with the course or program
completion certificate issued to the student for the course.
(8) Not significantly change its approved curriculum without approval from the NMC as specified in §
10.402(e);
(9) Conduct an internal audit midway through the term of the course's approval and maintain the results
of the audit for a period of not less than 5 years. The audit will evaluate whether—
(i)
Records are being maintained according to these regulations;
(ii) The course is being presented in accordance with the approval letter; and
(iii) Surveys from students indicate that the course is meeting their needs; and
(10) At any time, allow the Coast Guard to—
(i)
Inspect its facilities, equipment, and records, including scholastic records;
(ii) Conduct interviews and surveys of students to aid in course evaluation and improvement;
(iii) Assign personnel to observe or participate in the course of instruction; and
(iv) Supervise or administer the required examinations or practical demonstrations, including the
substitution of an applicable Coast Guard examination in a course approved to substitute for a
Coast Guard-administered examination.
(b) [Reserved]
[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93067, Nov. 25, 2024]
46 CFR 10.403(b) (enhanced display)
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§ 10.404 Substitution of training for required service, use of training-record books (TRBs), and
use of towing officer assessment records (TOARs).
(a) Substitution of training for required service.
(1) Satisfactory completion of an approved training course may be substituted for a portion of the
required service on deck or in the engine department for national deck or engineer endorsements.
Satisfactory completion of an approved training program which includes sea service may be
substituted for a portion of or all of the required service on deck or in the engine department, except
as limited by law for ratings. The list of all currently approved courses and programs, including the
equivalent service and applicable endorsements, is maintained by the NMC.
(2) Unless otherwise allowed, recency requirements may not be achieved by service granted as a result
of successful completion of approved training or by training on a simulator; however, underway
service obtained as a portion of an approved course or program may be used for this purpose.
(3) Unless otherwise allowed, training obtained before receiving an endorsement may not be used for
service credit for subsequent raises of grade, increases in scope, or renewals.
(4) This provision for crediting service for training is not applicable to STCW endorsements unless
provided otherwise.
(b) Use of training-record books (TRBs).
(1) Approved training programs for STCW endorsements for OICNW and OICEW must maintain a TRB
for each student where training and/or assessments of competence are conducted onboard the
ship. The TRB must contain at least the following information:
(i)
The name of the applicant.
(ii) The tasks to be performed or the skills to be demonstrated, with reference to the standards of
competence set forth in the tables of the appropriate sections in part A of the STCW Code
(incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of this part).
(iii) The method for demonstrating competence to be used in determining that the tasks or skills
have been performed properly, with reference to the standards of competence set forth in the
tables of competence in the appropriate sections in part A of the STCW Code (incorporated by
reference, see § 10.103 of this part).
(iv) A place for a Qualified Instructor to indicate by their initials that the applicant has received
training in the proper performance of the task or skill.
(v) A place for a Qualified Assessor (QA) to indicate by their initials that the applicant has
successfully completed a practical demonstration and has proved competent in the task or skill
under the criteria, when assessment of competence is to be documented in the record books.
(vi) The printed name of each Qualified Instructor, including any MMC endorsements held, and the
instructor's signature.
(vii) The printed name of each Qualified Assessor, when any assessment of competence is
recorded, including any MMC endorsement held by the assessor, and the assessor's signature
confirming that their initials certify that they have witnessed the practical demonstration of a
particular task or skill by the applicant.
46 CFR 10.404(b)(1)(vii) (enhanced display)
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(2) The TRB referred to in paragraph (b) of this section may be maintained electronically, provided the
electronic record meets Coast Guard-accepted standards for accuracy, integrity, and availability.
(3) The Coast Guard may accept other forms of documentation as meeting the requirements to
maintain the training-record book.
(c) Use of towing officer assessment records (TOARs). Each applicant for an endorsement as Master or Mate
(Pilot) of Towing Vessels, and each Master or Mate of self-propelled vessels of 200 GRT or more, seeking
an endorsement for towing vessels, must complete a TOAR approved by the Coast Guard that contains at
least the following:
(1) Identification of the applicant, including their full name, and reference number;
(2) Objectives of the training and assessment;
(3) Tasks to perform or skills to demonstrate;
(4) Criteria to use in determining that the tasks or skills have been performed properly;
(5) A means for a Designated Examiner (DE) to attest that the applicant has successfully completed a
practical demonstration and has proved proficient in the task or skill under the criteria; and
(6) Identification of each DE by their full name and reference number, job title, ship name and official
number, and serial number of the MMC held, and printed name and signature confirming that their
initials certify that they have witnessed the practical demonstration of a particular task or skill by the
applicant.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77903, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93068, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102334, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.405 Qualification as Qualified Assessor and Designated Examiner.
(a) To become a Qualified Assessor (QA), an applicant must have documentary evidence to establish—
(1) Experience, training, or instruction in assessment techniques;
(2) Qualifications in the task for which the assessment is being conducted; and
(3) Possession of the level of endorsement, or other professional credential, which provides proof that
they have attained a level of experience and qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of
knowledge, skills, and abilities to be assessed.
(b) To become a Designated Examiner (DE) for towing officer assessment records (TOARs), an applicant
must have documentary evidence to establish—
(1) Experience, training, or instruction in assessment techniques on towing vessels;
(2) Qualifications on towing vessels in the task for which the assessment is being conducted; and
(3) Possession of the level of endorsement on towing vessels, or other professional credential, which
provides proof that they have attained a level of qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of
knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the training objectives.
(c) Documentary evidence may be in the form of performance evaluations, which include an evaluation of
effectiveness in on-the-job organization and delivery of training, or a certificate of successful completion
from an “assessor training” course.
46 CFR 10.405(c) (enhanced display)
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(d) In order to renew their qualifications, each QA and DE must have either experience, training, or evidence of
instruction in effective assessment within the past 5 years.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77903, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93068, Nov. 25, 2024; USCG-2021-0834,
89 FR 102332, 102334, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.406 Approved courses.
The NMC maintains the list of training organizations and the approvals given to the training they offer. This
information is available online at www.uscg.mil/nmc.
§ 10.407 Approval of training programs.
(a) Training programs approved to qualify a mariner to hold an STCW or national endorsement must meet the
standards in this section or the requirements in § 10.402 of this subpart. All such programs must also
meet the same standards as those found in § 10.403 of this subpart. The Coast Guard will accept
information submitted by training providers to state, regional, and/or national accrediting bodies as
evidence such providers satisfy one or more of the requirements of this section.
(b) Categories. The Coast Guard may approve programs designed to substitute for or fulfill any or all of the
following:
(1) A portion of sea service requirements.
(2) Examinations required by the Coast Guard.
(3) Professional competency requirements.
(4) Regulatory requirements.
(c) Request for approval. Organizations desiring program approval by the Coast Guard must submit a written
request and a complete curriculum package to the National Maritime Center (NMC), either by mail or
electronically. The curriculum package must include the following information:
(1) A cover letter. The cover letter must contain—
(i)
The name of the organization providing the instruction;
(ii) The location(s) where it will be held;
(iii) A general description and overview of the program, including the individual courses that are
part of the program;
(iv) The category of acceptance being sought as listed in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(v) Reference to regulatory requirements met by the training.
(2) A goal statement(s). The goal statement should describe—
(i)
The specific performance behaviors to be measured;
(ii) The conditions under which the performance behavior(s) will be exhibited; and
(iii) The level of performance behavior(s) that is to be achieved.
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(3) Performance objectives. Performance objectives are statements, which identify the specific
knowledge, skill, or ability the student should gain and display as a result of the training or
instructional activity. A performance objective is made up of three elements: Expected student
performance, condition, and criterion.
(4) Assessment instruments. Assessment instruments are any tools used to determine whether the
student has achieved the desired level of knowledge, understanding, or proficiency.
(5) Instructor information. Documentary evidence that each instructor and assessor—
(i)
Has either experience, training, or evidence of instruction in effective instructional techniques
and/or in effective assessment techniques;
(ii) Is qualified in the task for which the training is being conducted and have relevant experience;
and
(iii) Has attained a level of experience and qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of
knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the performance objective.
(6) Site information. Site information must include a description of the facility or facilities at which the
training will be held. Authority to teach at an alternative site requires approval by the NMC.
(7) A teaching syllabus. A detailed teaching syllabus providing the following information:
(i)
Instructional strategy. Aspects of instructional strategies should include—
(A) The order of presentation;
(B) The level of interaction, including the student-to-teacher ratio;
(C) Feedback;
(D) Remediation;
(E) Testing strategies; and
(F) Media used to present information.
(ii) Instructional materials, including lesson plans containing—
(A) Pre-instructional activities;
(B) Content presentation;
(C) Student participation;
(D) Assessment processes; and
(E) Other instructional activities, such as homework and reading assignments.
(iii) Course surveys on the relevance and effectiveness of the training completed by students.
(iv) Course schedule, including the duration and order of lessons, and an indication as to whether
each lesson is—
(A) A classroom lecture;
(B) A practical demonstration;
(C) A simulator exercise;
46 CFR 10.407(c)(7)(iv)(C) (enhanced display)
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(D) An examination; or
(E) Another method of instructional reinforcement.
(8) Program completion certificate. A sample program completion certificate.
(d) Approval notification. The Coast Guard will notify each applicant for program approval when an approval is
granted or denied. If the Coast Guard denies a request for approval, the Coast Guard will inform the
applicant of the reasons for the denial and describe the corrections required for granting an approval.
(e) Validity of program approval. Unless surrendered, suspended, or withdrawn, an approval for a program is
valid for up to a maximum of 5 years after issuance, unless—
(1) The school ceases operation;
(2) The school gives notice that it will no longer offer the program;
(3) The owner or operator fails to submit any required report; or
(4) Any change occurs in the ownership of the school to which the approval was issued.
(f) Significant changes to the course program approval.
(1) Any significant changes to the program approval or the content of the program will be handled as a
request for renewal of an approval (as specified in paragraph (f) of this section), or as a request for
an original approval (as specified in paragraph (b) of this section), depending on the nature and
scope of the change.
(2) The Coast Guard may not accept program completion certificates if the program does not follow the
conditions of its approval.
(g) Renewal of program approval.
(1) If the owner or operator of a training school desires to have a program's approval renewed, the owner
or operator must submit a request to the NMC accompanied by the information from paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(5), (c)(6), and (c)(7) of this section.
(2) If satisfied that the content and quality of instruction remain satisfactory, the Coast Guard will
approve the request.
(3) The renewed approval is valid as detailed in paragraph (e) of this section.
(h) Suspension of approval.
(1) The Coast Guard may suspend the approval, require the holder to surrender the certificate of
approval, and may direct the holder to cease claiming the program is Coast Guard-approved, if it
determines that a specific program does not comply with the—
(i)
Applicable provisions of 46 CFR parts 10, 11, 12, or 13;
(ii) Requirements specified in the program's approval; or
(iii) Program's curriculum package as submitted for approval.
(2) The Coast Guard will notify the approval holder in writing of the intent to suspend program approval
and the reasons for suspension. If the approval holder fails to correct the reasons for suspension,
the program will be suspended. The Coast Guard will notify the approval holder that the specific
program fails to meet applicable requirements and explain how the deficiency can be corrected.
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(3) The Coast Guard may grant the approval holder up to 90 days to correct the deficiency.
(4) Program completion certificates will not be accepted for training provided during a period of
suspension or expiration.
(i)
Withdrawal of approval. The Coast Guard may withdraw approval for any program—
(1) When the approval holder fails to correct the deficiency of a suspended program within 90 days; or
(2) Upon determining that the approval holder has demonstrated a pattern or history of any of the
following:
(i)
Failing to comply with the applicable regulations or the program approval requirements.
(ii) Deviating from approved program curricula.
(iii) Presenting instructional material in a manner that does not achieve the learning objectives.
(iv) Falsifying any document required and integral to the conduct of the program, including, but not
limited to, attendance records, written test grades, course completion grades, or assessment of
practical demonstrations.
(j)
Appeals of suspension or withdrawal of approval. Anyone directly affected by a decision to suspend or
withdraw an approval may appeal the decision to the Commandant as provided in § 1.03-40 of this
chapter.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77903, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102334, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.408 Coast Guard-accepted training other than approved courses and programs.
(a) When the training and assessment of competence required by this part are not subject to Coast Guard
approval under §§ 10.402 and 10.407 of this subpart, but are used to qualify a mariner to hold an
endorsement, the offeror of the course or program must ensure that such training and assessment meets
the same standards as those found in §§ 10.402 and 10.403 of this subpart.
(b) The Coast Guard will accept courses approved and monitored by a Coast Guard-accepted Quality
Standard System (QSS) organization. The Coast Guard maintains a list of training organizations
conducting accepted training that are independently monitored by a Coast Guard-accepted QSS
organization. The Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization must comply with the following requirements:
(1) Submit a certificate of acceptance of training to the Coast Guard.
(2) Submit an updated certificate of acceptance to the Coast Guard if the terms of acceptance have
been changed.
(3) Sign each certificate to the training organization owner or operator, or its authorized
representative(s), stating that the training fully complies with the requirements of this section, and
identifying the Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization being used for independent monitoring.
(c) The training must be audited periodically in accordance with the requirements of § 10.409(e)(7) of this
subpart. If the Coast Guard determines, on the basis of its own observations or conclusions or those of
the Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization, that the particular training does not satisfy one or more of
the conditions described in paragraph (a) of this section—
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(1) The Coast Guard or Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization will so notify the offeror of the training
by letter, enclosing a report of the observations and conclusions;
(2) The offeror may, within a period of time specified in the notice, either appeal the observations or
conclusions to the Commandant (CG-MMC) or bring the training into compliance; and
(3) If the appeal is denied—or if the deficiency is not corrected in the allotted time, or within any
additional time period judged by the Coast Guard to be appropriate, considering progress toward
compliance—the Coast Guard will remove the training from the list maintained under paragraph (b)
of this section until it can verify full compliance. The Coast Guard may deny applications for
endorsements based, in whole or in part, on training not on the list, until additional training or
assessment is documented.
[USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11216, Mar. 16, 2009, as amended by USCG-2016-0315, 81 FR 43955, July 6, 2016]
§ 10.409 Coast Guard-accepted Quality Standard System (QSS) organizations.
(a) Organizations wishing to serve as a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization, to accept and monitor
training on behalf of the Coast Guard, should apply to the National Maritime Center. An organization
submitting an application may not act as a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization until it has received
its letter of acceptance.
(b) Validity of acceptance. Organizations meeting the requirements in paragraph (e) of this section will be
issued a letter of acceptance valid for a maximum period of 5 years from the date of issuance.
(c) An organization wishing to become a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization must have processes for
reviewing, accepting, and monitoring training that are equal to the Coast Guard's course approval and
oversight processes in §§ 10.402 through 10.410 of this subpart.
(d) Each person conducting evaluation and monitoring of the training must be knowledgeable about the
subjects being evaluated or monitored and about the national and international requirements that apply to
the training, and must not be involved in the training and assessment of students.
(e) The documentation submitted to the Coast Guard must contain the information listed below. An
organization approved as a recognized classification society in accordance with 46 CFR part 8, subpart B,
need not provide evidence of compliance with paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(8) of this section.
(1) Identification of the organization: Name of the organization, address, contact information, and
organizational structure (including the QSS department).
(2) Scope of approval: Training and assessment the organization wishes to accept and monitor.
(3) Background of the organization: Historical information outlining the organization's experience
reviewing and accepting training and/or assessment activities.
(4) Staffing and support infrastructure, including—
(i)
Names and qualifications of the individuals who will be involved in the review, acceptance, and
monitoring of training and assessment;
(ii) Description of the training given to individuals who will be conducting review, acceptance, and
monitoring activities; and
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(iii) Technical and support resources within the organization that support the review, acceptance
and monitoring activities.
(5) Submission guidelines: Information for client organizations to submit courses for review and
acceptance, including criteria for course design, instructor/assessor qualifications, syllabi,
equipment, and facilities.
(6) Review and acceptance procedures.
(i)
Descriptions of the methods of evaluation of the physical, administrative, and infrastructure
support aspects of client organizations;
(ii) Descriptions of the methods of evaluation of the instructors or qualified assessors of a client
organization and the maintenance of their records;
(iii) Descriptions of format for accepting training material;
(iv) Descriptions of the methods by which the course acceptance process responds to the client
organization modifications to the training curriculum, changes to instructors or examiners,
changes to the infrastructure support; and
(v) Descriptions of the renewal procedures.
(7) Audit procedures: Description of the methods for auditing accepted courses. Client organizations
must be audited once in a 5-year period.
(8) Quality commitment: Provide evidence of having a quality management system that includes the
following elements:
(i)
A documented statement of a quality policy and quality objectives.
(ii) A quality manual.
(iii) Documented procedures and records.
(iv) Documents, including records, determined by the organization to be necessary to ensure the
effective planning, operation, and control of its processes.
(f) Coast Guard-accepted QSS organizations must notify the NMC of the training they have accepted within
14 days of the acceptance date. The notification must include the name and address of the institution, the
course title and the requirement the course meets, and a one-paragraph description of the course's
content.
(g) Audits.
(1) A Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization must conduct internal audits at least once in 5 years with
a minimum of 2 years between reviews. Results of the internal audits must be available upon
request to the Coast Guard within 60 days of completion.
(2) Each Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization may be audited by the Coast Guard at least once every
5 years. The results of the audit will be available to the Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization
within 60 days of completion of the audit.
(3) Results of Coast Guard-accepted QSS organizations' audits to client organizations must be available
upon request to the Coast Guard within 60 days of completion.
(h) Disenrollment.
46 CFR 10.409(h) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.409(h)(1)
(1) A Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization must give each client organization it serves a 180-day
notice of its intention to cease to function as a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization.
(2) If the Coast Guard determines that a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization is not meeting its
obligations to review, accept, and monitor training and assessment, the NMC will notify the
organization in writing and will enclose information about the events that led to this determination.
The organization will then have a specified period of time to correct the deficiency or appeal the
conclusions to the Commandant (CG-5P). If the organization appeals, and the appeal is denied, or
the deficiencies are not corrected within the allotted time, the NMC will withdraw the acceptance of
the Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization. The NMC will notify all client organizations affected by
this decision so that they may make arrangements to transfer to another Coast Guard-accepted QSS
organization or seek NMC approval for their training.
(i)
A Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization may not approve courses provided by subsidiary organizations.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77903, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102334, Dec. 17, 2024]
§ 10.410 Quality Standard System (QSS) requirements.
(a) Providers of Coast Guard-approved courses, programs, training, and Coast Guard-accepted training
creditable towards an STCW endorsement must establish and maintain a Quality Standard System (QSS),
in accordance with Regulation I/8 of the STCW Convention (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of
this part).
(b) The QSS must be monitored by the Coast Guard or monitored through a third party that is designated as a
Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization.
(c) The Coast Guard-monitored QSS must—
(1) Have a documented quality policy and quality objectives that align with the commitment by the
training institution to achieve its missions and goals;
(2) Maintain a manual that documents the objectives, authorities, and responsibilities that are essential
controls for the implementation of the QSS, including—
(i)
The core procedures required to meet the missions and goals of the institution;
(ii) The documents necessary for effective design, planning, operation, and control for the delivery
of courses meeting the regulatory requirements;
(iii) The filing and archiving of records so they are retrievable and legible;
(iv) Action taken to stop recurrence of system, process, and product nonconformity; and
(v) Auditing, reviewing, and improving the performance of the training management system.
(d) Documentation from a nationally recognized academic accreditation body may be accepted by the Coast
Guard as meeting one or more of the requirements listed in paragraph (c) of this section. The
documentation must be readily available for inspection upon request.
(e) The Coast Guard will accept documentation from a training institution certified under a national or
international Quality Management System Standard as meeting one or more of the requirements listed in
paragraph (c) of this section. The documentation must be readily available for inspection upon request.
46 CFR 10.410(e) (enhanced display)
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46 CFR Part 10 (up to date as of 5/15/2025)
Merchant Mariner Credential
46 CFR 10.410(f)
(f) The Coast Guard will accept company ISM documentation as meeting one or more of the requirements
listed in paragraph (c) of this section.
(g) Organizations are subject to audits at least twice in a 5-year period. Organizations must cooperate with
Coast Guard audits.
[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77903, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2018-0874, 84 FR 30881, June 28, 2019]
§ 10.411 Simulator performance standards.
Simulators used in assessment of competence must meet the appropriate performance standards set out in
Section A-I/12 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of this part). However, a simulator
installed or brought into use before February 1, 2002, need not meet those standards if it fulfills the objectives of the
assessment of competence or demonstration of proficiency.
§ 10.412 Distance and e-learning.
The Coast Guard may allow the training of mariners by means of distance learning and e-learning in accordance
with the standards of training and assessment set forth in section B-I/6 (Training and assessment) of the STCW
Code (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of this part).
46 CFR 10.412 (enhanced display)
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| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 0000-00-00 |