The Process

             The information contained on this page will give you a step by step process in obtaining your Merchant Mariner Document.  The Merchant Mariner Document is a United States Coast Guard requirement for people who wish to work on a Commercial Vessel.  The process is somewhat rigorous, and we highly suggest that you start getting the necessary forms filled out immediately.  This process can take up to three months !!!

Overview

              The Application process involves completing a Drug Test and Physical Examination, filling out a Merchant Mariner Document and then submitting these items to the United States Coast Guard at a Regional Examination Center. 

               You will then be sworn in by a USCG officer, fingerprinted and a Federal Background Check will then commence.  This process will take between three weeks and three months, depending on the current backlog of the USCG.

Forms

            We have done our best to explain each and every form with a link to download the form individually below.  If you wish to download all of the forms and a printable version of these directions / tips and tricks, you can download them by clicking here.  Please note these forms are in a Zip Format.

Instructions	Workboat Academy Form, to assist with below forms.  Assistance also available below.
Application	Form CG-719B (rev.11/02) - Application for License as an Officer, Staff Officer, or Operator and for Merchant Mariner's Document
Physical	Form CG 719K (rev. 01/02) - Merchant Mariner Physical Examination Report
Drug Test (1)	Form CG-719P (rev. 07/02) - DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Testing Form
Drug Test (2)	Drug Testing Instructions - Local Form from Seattle REC
Passport Photo	Mariner Identification System (MID) Scanner Image Capture Form, Version 2 (rev. 01/03)
All Forms	All Forms contained in one Zipped Folder

Filling Out The Forms (Tips & Tricks)

FORM CG-719B (rev. 11/02) – Application for Merchant Mariner Document

1. Make sure you fill out ALL Fields.  If the question is not applicable then write in N/A.

2. Be 100% honest.  The USCG will be doing a Federal Background Check.  If the USCG finds that there was any dishonesty filling out this form, then it is grounds for immediate denial.  i.e.  If you received a DUI ten years ago, then admit it on the form.

3. On Section II – Type of Transaction:  You are applying for an Original Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) endorsed as an Ordinary Seaman.

FORM CG-719K (rev. 01/02) – Merchant Mariner Physical Examination Report

1. The Physical Examination Form 719K is a Merchant Marine Physical Examination Report.  The Pacific Maritime Institute requires that you are examined to the level of Merchant Marine Officer.  Therefore it is a requirement that this form (CG-719K rev. 01/02)is used.

2. Read the Instructions.  You are filling this form out as if you were applying for an Original License.

3. Make sure you do not have any disqualifying medical conditions as contained in NVIC 02-98 which can be found at:  www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/index or by calling the USCG Regional Examination Center:  Important:  There are new Medical Standards coming in to play within the Merchant Marine and they are very strict.  If you have any condition, including certain stages of diabetes, contact a Workboat Academy Advisory or the United States Coast Guard to discuss, prior to submitting your application to the USCG.  Another disqualifier is hearing and vision.  Although waivers can be obtained, the USCG is looking at Uncorrected vision to not exceed 20/800 and corrected vision to be a minimum 20/40.

4. Take this form to the Physician and have them fill out ALL sections of this report.  Including Section III – Vision, Section IV – Color Vision and Section V – Hearing\

FORM CG-719P (rev. 07/02)- DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Testing Form

1. Make sure you read the attached ‘Drug Testing Instructions’ it is quite thorough in preparing you for this.

MARINER IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (MID) Scanner Image Capture Form, Version 2 (rev. 01/03)

1. Standard Passport Photo is acceptable, this form shows you what the USCG uses.  As long as your passport photo fits in the box and your signature is within the box, then it will be accepted.

THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE USCG – MUST APPLY AT USCG Examination Centers !!!  Cannot mail these items in.  You will be fingerprinted and sworn in: 

1.      Completed Forms

2.      Original Birth Certificate (Birth Registration is not acceptable)

3.      Original Social Security Card

4.      Current Drivers License

5.      One Hundred and Sixty Dollars ($160)