Resources
Mariner Guides
Practical guides for USCG-credentialed mariners — written by a licensed captain who built BinnacleCrew to solve these problems himself.
MMC Renewal Checklist 2026: Every Item in Your CG-719B Packet
A single missing item sends your packet back and resets the clock by 6–8 weeks. Complete checklist: physical, drug test, TWIC, sea service, fees, and conditional documents.
2026-05-27 · 9 min read
OUPV License Requirements: How to Get Your 6-Pack Captain's License
360 days sea service, physical, drug test, exam, and TWIC — everything you need to get the entry-level USCG captain credential, including how recreational sea service counts.
2026-05-27 · 9 min read
How to Upgrade from OUPV to Master 100 GT: Requirements and Timeline
Same sea service as OUPV — but Master 100 GT unlocks inspected vessels, unlimited passengers, and a cleaner path to Master 500. What extra exam modules you need and how the upgrade works.
2026-05-27 · 8 min read
USCG License Exam: What's on the Test, How to Study, and Retake Rules
Every exam module explained: Rules of the Road, Navigation Problems, Deck General, Stability. Study resources that work (Lapware, MarineExam.com) and what happens if you fail.
2026-05-27 · 9 min read
USCG Drug Test Requirements for Mariners: CG-719P, the 185-Day Rule, and Testing Programs
An expired or improperly completed drug test is the most common deficiency. Everything about CG-719P, SAMHSA labs, the 185-day clock, and how to join a testing program.
2026-05-27 · 8 min read
USCG Medical Requirements for Mariners: CG-719K, NVIC 04-08, and Approved Examiners
Vision standards, hearing requirements, authorized examiners, and how to handle waivers for common conditions. Everything the CG-719K physical must cover — and who can sign it.
2026-05-27 · 8 min read
How to Get a Sea Service Letter for the NMC: Format, Required Fields, and Employer Tips
A sea service letter missing one field — official number, gross tonnage, route — causes a deficiency. Here is the exact format the NMC expects and how to ask your employer.
2026-05-27 · 8 min read
Able Seaman (AB) Ratings: USCG Requirements, Sea Service, and Upgrade Path
AB Unlimited, AB Special, AB OSV, AB Sail, AB Limited — which AB rating you need, how much sea service it takes, and how AB hours build toward officer endorsements.
2026-05-27 · 9 min read
TWIC Card for Mariners: How to Apply, Costs, Renewal, and What Happens If It Expires
Required for every MMC application. TSA application process, biometric enrollment, $125.25 fee, 5-year renewal cycle, and how to coordinate your TWIC and MMC expiry dates.
2026-05-27 · 7 min read
STCW Certification Guide for USCG Mariners: What You Need and When
BST, AFF, PSC, GMDSS, MFAP — decoded. Which STCW certificates are required at each license level, how long they last, and where to get USCG-approved training.
2026-05-27 · 10 min read
USCG License & Endorsement Guide: From OUPV to Master — What Every Mariner Needs to Know
A complete breakdown of every major USCG endorsement pathway: sea service requirements, tonnage thresholds, 46 CFR rules, and how the NMC application works.
2026-05-27 · 12 min read
NMC Processing Times: How Long Does a USCG Application Take? (Real Data)
Current NMC wait times by REC office and application type. What slows approvals, what speeds them up, and how to track your submission.
2026-05-27 · 7 min read