Reference Library
USCG Mariner Resource Directory
Official forms, CFR citations, NVICs, NMC Homeport links, exam prep tools, STCW training providers, and professional organizations. Everything in one place — linked and annotated.
Official NMC Forms
6 itemsApplication for Merchant Mariner Credential
The primary application form for all MMC actions — original, renewal, upgrade, and duplicate. Must be submitted for every credential action.
Note: Verify you have the current revision before submitting — outdated forms are returned.
Download from NMC HomeportPhysical Examination Report
Medical evaluation form completed by a licensed physician. Documents vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, medications, and fitness for duty. Valid 12 months from exam date.
Note: Bring the printed form to your physician — most primary care doctors have not seen it before.
Download from NMC HomeportChemical Test for Dangerous Drugs
Drug test report. 5-panel DOT urinalysis at a SAMHSA-certified lab, reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). Must be completed within 185 days of NMC receipt of your application.
Note: 185-day clock runs from NMC receipt date, not your mailing date. Allow 7–10 days transit time.
Download from NMC HomeportSea Service Form
Optional standardized sea service form. Employers may use this instead of a letter on company letterhead. Accepted by NMC but most employers still use custom letters.
Note: Your employer can use this or a custom letter. Either is accepted if all required fields are present.
Download from NMC HomeportEye/Vision Examination Report
Supplemental eye examination form required when standard vision does not meet criteria or when color vision testing is needed.
Note: Required in addition to CG-719K when color vision or visual acuity issues are noted.
Download from NMC HomeportConviction/Compliance Report
Disclosure form for any criminal convictions, civil penalties, or administrative actions. Required as part of the CG-719B packet if any disclosures apply.
Note: Disclose all items — non-disclosure of a conviction is treated more seriously than the conviction itself.
Download from NMC HomeportCode of Federal Regulations — Key Parts
6 itemsAll USCG maritime regulations are published in Title 33 (Navigation and Navigable Waters) and Title 46 (Shipping) of the Code of Federal Regulations. Links go to the official eCFR which is always current.
Merchant Mariner Credential
General requirements for all MMC applications. Sea service documentation standards, application procedures, fees, and physical requirements.
Requirements for Officer Endorsements
Sea service, examination, and qualification requirements for all officer endorsements — OUPV, Master, Mate, Chief Mate, and Pilot.
Requirements for Rating Endorsements
Sea service and qualification requirements for unlicensed deck ratings — Able Seaman (all classes), QMED, and other rating endorsements.
Chemical Testing (Drug and Alcohol Testing)
DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements for maritime employees — testing programs, approved labs, MRO requirements, and random testing rates.
Manning Requirements
Minimum crew requirements for inspected vessels. Who must hold specific endorsements for various vessel types and routes.
72 COLREGS — Inland Navigation Rules
The Inland Navigation Rules for vessels on inland waters of the United States. These differ from COLREGS in several key areas — know which apply where.
Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs)
5 itemsNVICs are USCG policy guidance documents that interpret and supplement the CFR. They are not regulations themselves but represent the USCG's official interpretation. When the CFR is ambiguous, NVICs clarify.
Guidelines for Medical and Physical Evaluation of Merchant Mariners
The definitive medical standards document. Establishes acceptable criteria for vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological, and other physical requirements. Required reading if you have any medical condition.
View on NMC HomeportPolicy Guidance on the Use of Drug Test Results
Clarifies when drug test results are acceptable, timing requirements, the 185-day rule, and how to handle borderline situations.
View on NMC HomeportGuidance on STCW Endorsements
Implements the 2010 Manila Amendments to STCW. Covers which certificates are required for which endorsements, approved training, and revalidation requirements.
View on NMC HomeportGuidance on Sea Service Documentation
What sea service letters must contain, how days are counted, and acceptable alternative documentation when employer letters are unavailable.
View on NMC HomeportGuidance for the Implementation of STCW Basic Training
Acceptable courses, training providers, and documentation requirements for STCW Basic Safety Training (BST).
View on NMC HomeportNMC Homeport — Direct Links
8 itemsApplication status tracking, forms, fee schedule, REC locator, policy updates.
Check the status of your pending application.
Find your nearest Regional Exam Center for testing and in-person submissions.
Official list of USCG-approved STCW and training courses by provider.
Current fees for original applications, renewals, upgrades, and duplicates.
Look up any USCG-documented vessel by name or official number. Use this to find vessel official numbers for sea service letters.
USCG policy letters, notices to mariners, and regulatory guidance.
Some NMC fees can be paid online through SAM.gov prior to submission.
Exam Prep and Study Tools
8 itemsThe gold-standard USCG exam prep platform. Same question format as the actual NMC exam. Organized by module with detailed answer explanations. ~$30/month.
Free question bank with a large library covering all exam modules. Less polish than Lapware but covers the same material. Good supplement.
The training chart used at most RECs for the Navigation Problems module. Download and practice plotting before your exam appointment.
The actual text of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Read the rules verbatim — the exam quotes them exactly.
The domestic counterpart to COLREGS. Key differences: flashing light signals, bend signals, and Western Rivers / Great Lakes modifications.
Official tidal predictions and current data. The exam tests tidal theory — NOAA's site is the authoritative source.
The definitive seamanship and navigation reference. Free download from NGA. Essential for navigation theory, celestial, and weather.
Official USCG publication listing all aids to navigation. Required for the Navigation General module — lights, buoys, ranges, fog signals.
USCG-Approved STCW Training Providers
6 itemsSTCW training must be completed at a school on the USCG approved course list (46 CFR Part 10). Always verify the specific course approval number before enrolling — a non-approved course does not satisfy the requirement even if the curriculum is identical.
Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies
One of the largest USCG-approved STCW training centers. Full BST, AFF, PSC, GMDSS, MFAP.
Resolve Maritime Academy
Full STCW package plus specialized courses. Known for quality instruction.
STAR Center (formerly Crowley)
USCG-approved. Full STCW, GMDSS, and advanced courses.
Pacific Maritime Institute
Pacific Northwest STCW provider. Good for West Coast mariners.
California State University Maritime Academy
State maritime academy — offers STCW courses to non-cadets. Lower cost than private providers.
Maine Maritime Academy
Full STCW training. Opens some courses to the maritime community.
Full list of approved courses and providers: NMC Approved Courses Database
Government Agencies and Organizations
6 itemsIssues all MMC credentials and administers the licensing system.
Manages ATON, GPS, and publishes navigation rules, light lists, and notices to mariners.
Find SAMHSA-certified drug testing laboratories and Medical Review Officers.
TWIC enrollment, renewal, lost cards, and disqualifying offense waivers.
Publishes STCW Convention text, COLREGS, and international maritime standards.
US maritime policy, Merchant Marine Reserve, maritime education grants.
Track your credentials and renewal timeline
BinnacleCrew puts all of this into action — MMC countdown, STCW expiry tracking, sea service log, and REC packet builder.
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