USCG Medical Requirements for Mariners: CG-719K, NVIC 04-08, and Approved Examiners
The CG-719K medical certificate is required for every MMC application and renewal. Here is exactly what the exam tests, who can conduct it, and how to handle waivers for common conditions.
Updated May 2026 · 8 min read
What Is the CG-719K
The CG-719K is the USCG medical evaluation form for merchant mariners. It documents that a licensed physician or other authorized examiner has evaluated your physical fitness to serve as a mariner. The form covers vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, neurological function, and any medications or conditions that might affect safe performance of duties at sea.
The medical standards are set by NVIC 04-08 (Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 04-08), which the USCG uses to evaluate whether a mariner meets the physical requirements under 46 CFR Part 10.
Who Can Conduct the Exam
The USCG authorizes the following to conduct the CG-719K examination:
- Licensed physician (MD or DO)
- Licensed physician assistant
- Licensed advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
- USCG Chief Medical Officer or designee
The examining provider must sign, date, and print their name and credentials on the form. A stamped signature or unsigned form is a deficiency. The provider does not need to be a maritime medicine specialist — a general practitioner, urgent care physician, or occupational medicine doctor can complete the CG-719K as long as they are familiar with the form requirements.
Vision Standards
Distant visual acuity
20/200 in each eye before correction, correctable to 20/40 in better eye and 20/100 in worse eye
Corrective lenses permitted. Must be correctable — uncorrected acuity alone can disqualify.
Near visual acuity
Ability to read Jaeger type 2 at 12–14 inches
Reading glasses acceptable. Required for chart reading and close instrument work.
Color vision
Must be able to distinguish the colors of signals — red, green, white
Farnsworth Lantern test (FALANT) preferred. 14 color plates from Ishihara acceptable if FALANT not available. Failure does not automatically disqualify — practical test available.
Visual field
No significant field defect that would interfere with duties
Single-eye mariners: evaluated case-by-case. Monocular vision does not automatically disqualify.
Hearing Standards
The mariner must be able to hear and understand ordinary conversation at a distance of approximately 6 feet without the use of a hearing aid. If a hearing aid is required, the examiner documents this and the NMC evaluates whether the aided hearing meets the standard. Most mariners who use hearing aids can still obtain a certificate with a "requires hearing aid" limitation.
Common Medical Conditions and Waivers
Cardiovascular conditions
History of heart attack, arrhythmia, or significant cardiovascular disease requires additional documentation — typically a recent cardiac workup and clearance from a cardiologist. The NMC evaluates these on a case-by-case basis. Well-controlled conditions with documented stable status are often approved.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes controlled by diet or oral medication generally does not disqualify. Insulin-dependent diabetes requires additional evaluation. The NMC follows NVIC 04-08 guidelines — provide recent A1C results, a treating physician's statement, and a log of blood sugar readings.
Seizure disorders
Seizure disorders are a significant concern for mariners. The NMC typically requires a seizure-free period of 2–10 years (depending on medication status) with documentation from a neurologist. A maritime lawyer with NMC experience can help navigate the waiver process if you have a seizure history.
Medications
List all medications on the CG-719K. Some medications are disqualifying (opioids, certain psychotropics, benzodiazepines). Others are acceptable. Your examiner reviews this list and notes any concerns. The NMC makes the final determination.
Requesting a Medical Waiver
If you have a condition that may not meet the standard physical requirements, you can request a waiver from the NMC Chief Medical Officer. The waiver process requires:
- Completed CG-719K with the examining provider's recommendation
- Supporting medical documentation (specialist letters, test results, treatment history)
- Personal statement describing how you manage the condition at sea
- Employer letter if applicable (for conditions like single-limb use or limited mobility)
Waivers are not guaranteed but are granted regularly for well-controlled conditions. The NMC has issued certificates to mariners with one eye, amputated limbs, and controlled seizure disorders. Document your fitness thoroughly rather than assuming a waiver will be denied.
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