The Coast Guard requires a valid Adult CPR certification and a Basic First Aid course completed within 12 months of your captain’s license application, per 46 CFR 11.201(i). Both courses must include an in-person component. You submit a photocopy of your card or certificate with your application packet.
One of the most common questions we get at Mariners Learning System is about CPR and First Aid requirements. Aspiring captains tend to focus on the bigger items, like sea time and the written exam, and leave CPR for the last minute.
Don’t. The Coast Guard is specific about what they’ll accept, and a rejected card can delay your entire application.
Here’s exactly what you need, where to get it, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow people down.
The requirement comes from a federal regulation: 46 CFR 11.201(i). It applies to every first-time applicant for an officer endorsement, including both the OUPV/Six-Pack captain’s license and the Master captain’s license. Two separate certifications are required:
The Coast Guard requires both Adult CPR and Basic First Aid certifications completed within 12 months of your application, and both must include hands-on training. Many providers offer combined courses that satisfy both requirements in a single class.
Your card or certificate must show a course code or approval number. If the card doesn’t include one, the Coast Guard will reject it.
Not every CPR or First Aid class meets the Coast Guard’s standards. The following providers offer courses that the USCG accepts:
|
Provider |
Accepted Course |
In-Person Requirement |
Notes |
|
American Red Cross |
First Aid/CPR/AED |
Yes, skills component required |
Most widely available. Card must NOT say “Online Only.” |
|
American Heart Association |
Heartsaver First Aid/ CPR/AED |
Yes, skills component required |
Must include all elective sections. Requires certificate, not just a card. |
|
USCG-Approved Course Provider |
Varies |
Yes |
Check the NMC approved courses list for current providers. |
The American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and USCG-approved course providers all offer training the Coast Guard accepts, but every course must include an in-person skills component. If your Red Cross card says “Online” anywhere on it, the Coast Guard won’t accept it.
The NMC released a bulletin on common First Aid and CPR documentation delays. It’s worth reviewing before you sign up for a class.
The Coast Guard wants the class to be in person. If you find a hybrid or online format, contact the National Maritime Center (NMC) to confirm acceptance before you sign up. The safest path is a classroom-based course from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. For more detail on the online vs. in-person question, read our full guide on USCG First Aid and CPR requirements.
Attach a photocopy of your Adult CPR card and Basic First Aid card (or certificate) to your application packet. Review the full captain’s license application requirements for everything that goes in the packet. Two things to verify before you copy:
The card shows a course code or approval number. Without it, the Coast Guard will return your documentation. The completion date is within 12 months of your application submission date. Even if the card itself hasn’t expired, the Coast Guard uses the 12-month window.
Verify your card has a course code and that the completion date falls within 12 months of your application before you submit. Missing either one is among the most common reasons for application delays at the NMC.
You’ll include these photocopies in the same packet with your Form CG-719B, sea service documentation, physical exam form, and drug test results. The complete application checklist covers every item.
The requirement applies in specific situations. Here’s when you need a current card and when you don’t:
CPR and First Aid certification is required for your first captain’s license application, but not for upgrades, expansions, or renewals. You do, however, need a valid card whenever you’re actively working under your license.
If you’re renewing your captain’s license, you won’t need to submit a new CPR/First Aid card with your renewal application. Keep one current for your working credentials.
Prices vary by provider and location. Many community hospitals, local fire departments, and first aid squads offer courses at a discount or sometimes free. Check with the American Red Cross and American Heart Association for current pricing in your area. Factor this into your overall captain’s license cost.
The requirements are located in 46 CFR 11.201(i), which lists the training requirements for original officer endorsements. This section specifies the accepted course providers and the 12-month validity window. Learn more about OUPV/Six-Pack requirements.
No. The Coast Guard requires both certifications to be valid and dated within 12 months of your application. Even if your card hasn’t technically expired under the issuing provider’s timeline, the Coast Guard uses its own 12-month window. The captain’s license application timeline can help you plan when to take the class.
Yes. Even licensed physicians, nurses, and paramedics need to provide a valid Adult CPR and Basic First Aid card when applying for their first captain’s license. The Coast Guard applies the same standard to everyone. Learn more about becoming a licensed captain.
CPR and First Aid are among the simplest items on your captain’s license checklist, but they’re also among the easiest to get wrong. Take an in-person class from a recognized provider, confirm your card has a course code, and schedule the class close to when you’ll submit your application.
If you have questions about CPR and First Aid certification or any other part of the application process, the team at Mariners Learning System is here to help. We’ve guided more than 200,000 students through this process, and we’re not going to let paperwork be the reason you don’t get your license.
Coast Guard requirements change. This article reflects current USCG guidance as of the date above. For the most current information, contact the National Maritime Center or a Mariners Learning System licensing specialist.
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