Safety and Suitability Evaluation Process for Mariners
Coast Guard Background Checks: What You Need to Know
Does the Coast Guard perform background checks?
The Coast Guard performs background checks as part of the application process for a captain’s license. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the primary source for conducting these investigations. The Coast Guard's Safety and Suitability Evaluation Branch reviews each application that requires a safety and suitability evaluation, using the Code of Federal Regulations to assess an applicant's eligibility.
If an application is missing required information, such as a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence/nationality, or a conviction statement, an Awaiting Information (AI) Letter will be sent to the applicant, delaying the issuance of their credentials.
Conviction Statement
Each applicant MUST disclose ALL convictions in Section III of CG-719B that were not previously disclosed, in addition to completing the Conviction Statement (CG-719C).
A conviction is considered to have occurred if the applicant has pleaded guilty or has been given one of the following dispositions in any jurisdiction:
- Guilty plea or no contest plea
- Deferred adjudication
- Required class attendance
- Contributions of time or money
- Receiving treatment
- Probation or supervision
- Forgoing an appeal of the court's conviction
⚠ CAUTION: Expungement of a conviction does not negate the conviction unless the expungement indicates that the original conviction was in error.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a credential issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that is used for safety and suitability checks during the captain’s license application process. The National Maritime Center (NMC) utilizes TSA data from your TWIC to assess your eligibility.
For more details, visit our TWIC page.
Driving Record
As part of the captain’s license application process, all applicants must consent to a check of their National Driver Registry (NDR) record. This check is used to review any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Reckless Driving convictions. The Coast Guard will consider offenses within the last three years unless the applicant's driver’s license is under suspension or revocation. If any relevant information is found, the applicant will be notified and given the opportunity to provide comments before the Coast Guard makes a decision on the application.
Criminal Record
The Coast Guard will review your criminal record to assess whether you are suitable for the duties and responsibilities of the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) you're applying for. A safe and suitable person is one whose criminal history, including convictions and records from the National Driver Registry, does not indicate that they would pose a threat to safety, disrupt good discipline, or act against the interests of the United States.
For more details, refer to 46 CFR 10.211 & 10.213.
ID/Citizenship
You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) when submitting your TWIC application. If the National Maritime Center (NMC) finds the documentation insufficient, they may request additional proof to meet the requirements outlined in 46 CFR 10.221. For guidance on the documentation needed, refer to the Citizenship document.
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