Applying For Your Renewal License
The application process and filling out all the forms for you license can be a daunting process., but USMA is at your side to help streamline some of the details.
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​Renewing Your License
The grace period for your license has been (currently) extended from 1 year to 6, yes 6 years! Your license won’t be valid during this time, but your file is kept active. You can also accumulate sea time during this period to build towards the 360 Day requirement if you’re not in any hurry and you’re not operating a vessel under your license.
With that in mind:
There are three options for renewal, and they all require you to submit the same forms but with tweaks for the different options as addressed in the APPLICATION PROCESS (see below).
Option 1:
If you have accumulated 360 Days of service (any tonnage) since your last issuance, you satisfy renewal time requirements and can proceed to the APPLICATION PROCESS (see below).
Option 2:
If you do NOT not have 360 days, then you can wait until you do (option 1) and submit proper forms discussed below (APPLICATION PROCESS) when completed. You currently have up to 6 years to accomplish this!! Note that your license will not be valid during this period.
Option 3:
If you do NOT have 360 days, you can Request an open book exam be sent to you.
The take home open book exam consists of Rules of the Road and Deck General modules. 90% on both and you have 3 tries. They will come by email once you have been evaluated (all forms on check list are completed, and submitted). Once received, print it out, take exam, scan as PDF and return as directed (See APPLICATION PROCESS). You have 90 days to complete exams and return them to:
About Exams:
Rules Exam:
Use your good old copy or get a new one if you have to. Have at it. It’s a good
exercise for your brain and perhaps other souls out there on the H20. Let it be the reference book it is meant to be! Patience grasshoppers.
Deck General Exam:
If you have old study guides or source material great, but this one you might want to call upon “Google” or the infinite information available on the internet. These can be sticklers. Use your search engines rather than guessing!
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Merchant Mariner Application Process and Checklist (renewal only)
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Application for Merchant Mariner Credential - Form CG-719B
Example Form 719B (Renewal) filled in​
Small Vessel Sea Service Form - Form CG-719S
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Application for Medical Certificate (Physical) - Form CG-719K
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Video: How to renew your license (5 yr renewal paperwork)
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Coast Guard Payments
All Merchant Mariner fees are paid through the Pay.gov site. Click on "Pay a Merchant Mariner User Fee" to begin the process and be sure to retain your receipt for payment to submit along with your MMC application. This site can be a bit tricky, so go to the upper right-hand search bar and type in "Merchant Mariner" and it will appear.
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Tonnage Upgrade
Checklist for upgrading Master or Mate from 25 GRT to 50 GRT or 50 GRT to 100GRT with only 90 days of sea-time since your initial license issuance.
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Need Help Submitting Your Paperwork?
Sea K's Maritime Licensing Service
Charles "Chuck" Kakuska is a 25 year veteran of the United States Coast Guard who can assist you in submitting your MMC application and paperwork (call for fee structure).
https://seakslicensing.com/services.html
(734) 847-1723
Email: SEAKsLic@aol.com
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