Did you know that your license to operate a vessel with the US Coast Guard has to be renewed every five years? If you’re like most people who own vessels, you probably haven’t given much attention to this topic. Nevertheless, it is essential that you are familiar with the criteria for renewing your license and that it is kept up to current at all times. Within the scope of this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of renewing your USCG license and what to anticipate along the process. You must ensure that your license is current to continue working in the industry that you have chosen, despite the fact that the procedure may seem intimidating. The following is a list of the prerequisites you will need to be aware of to renew your USCG license.
Proof Of Citizenship or Naturalization
A copy of your prior US Coast Guard license, an official document proving that you were born in the United States, a United States passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization are all acceptable forms of identification. It is also a good idea to have picture identification available, such as your driver’s license, in case the marina you visit asks for it when you come in to renew your license.
Even while you won’t need these things at the actual test location, it’s still a good idea to come prepared just in case. Suppose you became a permanent resident of the United States and did not file a citizenship application or administer the Oath of Allegiance within the first five years of your stay in the country. In that case, you will not be able to use your naturalization papers as evidence of your citizenship in the United States.
Military Waiver
If you are presently serving in the armed forces, you will need to make direct contact with the US Coast Guard to inquire about their particular waiver criteria, according to federalregister.gov. The Commandant has permitted active-duty members of the military to receive temporary credentials during their time of service. This will allow them to operate a boat with the same privileges under their Coast Guard license granted by law to merchant mariners with comparable experience and training. This is only valid while serving in an active-duty capacity and will no longer be valid after they have completed their service. To get this provisional credential, you will need to produce documents establishing that you currently serve in an active-duty capacity in the armed forces.
Physical Exam
All licensed mariners in the United States must undergo periodic medical examinations by the Coast Guard. Exams are administered at varying intervals depending on the kind of licensure. If you want to be a captain or first officer on a ship that can carry more than 100 gross tons, you have to take your first test within a year of getting your license. If your license expires every three years instead of every five, you’ll need to take the test every two years.
As you can see, there is a wide range in how often examinations must be passed for various credentials and vessels. If you’re looking to become a licensed captain or first mate, this article will provide the information you need to pass your US Coast Guard physical. Everything from what you need to bring to your appointment to the information collected during your test and what occurs after that will be covered in this booklet.
Drug Test at The US Coast Guard
There are a few things that you need to bear in mind before beginning your career as a merchant mariner, although you may be enthusiastic about getting started in this field. Taking and acing a drug test is up there with some of the most crucial things to do. It is difficult to dispute that drugs have detrimental effects on both your mind and your body; nevertheless, many individuals fail to consider the reality that drugs may also have a disastrous influence on your ability to do your work.
Being at the top of your game is necessary if you want to succeed as a merchant mariner. When you are under the influence of drugs, it is much more difficult to concentrate and get things done in an ideal manner. This essay will discuss the US Coast Guard’s (USCG) standards for passing a drug test to renew a license.
Regardless of where you are in your career, you need to follow certain steps if you want to renew your USCG license. First, you have to call the U.S. Vessel Documentation Center at (800) 340-7580. They’ll need to know all about your boat, what type of vessel it is and its overall length. They’ll also need proof of citizenship and identification if you renew a commercial license.
