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Captain's License Guide
Follow the step-by-step process to complete your Coast Guard application, submit required documentation, and receive your license
To apply for a captain’s license, you must complete training, document your sea time, and submit your application to the U.S. Coast Guard through the National Maritime Center (NMC).
This includes completing required forms, passing a medical exam and drug test, and submitting all supporting documentation for evaluation.
Complete a Coast Guard-approved course or pass the required exams covering navigation rules, chart plotting, and safety.
Record your sea service using Coast Guard Form CG-719S or equivalent records that verify your vessel experience.
Complete the required application forms, including CG-719B, and gather supporting documentation before submission.
Complete the required physical exam and drug test using the Coast Guard medical forms and approved testing providers.
Submit your completed application package to the National Maritime Center for review and evaluation.
After approval, your Merchant Mariner Credential will be issued by the Coast Guard National Maritime Center.
Application forms include Coast Guard Form CG-719B and supporting documentation required for credential evaluation.
Sea service must be recorded using form CG-719S or equivalent documentation verifying your experience.
Applicants must submit a physical exam using form CG-719K and complete a drug test through an approved provider.
Missing, partially completed, or incorrectly completed forms, including CG-719B or CG-719S, can delay application processing and require resubmission.
Unverified or improperly documented sea time, including missing signatures or errors when adding total days, is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed.
Missing medical, drug-testing, or supporting documents can prevent the National Maritime Center from reviewing your application for approval.
Avoid delays by completing each step correctly and submitting a complete application the first time.
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Prepare required forms, sea time records, and supporting documents before submitting your application.
Make sure your information is accurate and consistent across all forms to help avoid delays or resubmission.
Using a step-by-step approach helps reduce missed requirements and keeps your application moving forward.
Most captain’s license applications require Coast Guard Form CG-719B, qualifying sea service documentation, medical examination forms, drug test results, proof of identification, and supporting records submitted to the National Maritime Center for review.
Sea service is commonly documented using Coast Guard Form CG-719S or equivalent boating records showing vessel information, operating dates, waters navigated, propulsion type, and total qualifying days underway. Learn more on our Sea Time Requirements page.
Yes. Most OUPV/Six-Pack and Master captain’s license applicants must provide proof of a DOT five-panel drug test completed through an approved testing provider before credential approval.
Captain’s license applicants must complete Coast Guard Form CG-719K, verifying they meet the physical and medical standards required for Merchant Mariner Credential issuance and safe vessel operation.
Current CPR and First Aid certification is commonly required for most OUPV/Six-Pack and Master captain’s license applications before final credential issuance.
Captain’s license applications are submitted to the National Maritime Center (NMC), which reviews documentation, verifies eligibility, processes medical evaluations, and issues Merchant Mariner Credentials on behalf of the Coast Guard.
Application processing times vary depending on National Maritime Center review volume, medical evaluation requirements, missing documentation, and whether the application package was submitted complete and error-free. Learn more on our Captain’s License Timeline page.
After training and examinations are completed, applicants finalize and submit their Coast Guard application package for National Maritime Center review, credential processing, and final licensing approval.
Common delays include incomplete CG-719B application forms, incorrect sea service documentation, missing CG-719K medical paperwork, expired CPR certification, incomplete drug testing records, or unresolved medical review issues.
Yes. Many captains later upgrade from an OUPV/Six-Pack license to a Master captain’s license after gaining additional qualifying sea service experience and expanding into inspected passenger vessel operations.
Application requirements are defined by the U.S. Coast Guard and may vary based on current regulations and individual circumstances.
See our Help Center for articles on each application step and to download the forms.