How to Renew a Captain License
How to Renew a Captain License is a common question. In short, the renewal is less than the original application.
Your license is valid for 5-years. But, it can be renewed at anytime before it expires, and within 1-year after. But you cannot work on an expired license. To renew a license that is more than 1-year past expiration, you must complete the original course.
Document of Continuity
If you do not wish to, or are unable to, renew your license. DO NOT LET IT EXPIRE. Apply for a Document of Continuity. To clarify, continuity means inactive status. Therefore, you cannot work on it, but it never expires. Additionally, you can renew it at anytime.
How to put a license into Continuity
- Use Coast Guard form 719B.
- Complete Section I as normal.
- Section II: Check Continuity for Officer. And then write the description of the license you are putting into continuity. For example: OUPV Near Coastal, or Master 50-ton Inland.
- Ignore Section III.
- Sign and date Section IV.
- And then email the form to an REC.
How to Renew a Captain License: Step 1 TWIC
Renewal of your TWIC is optional for OUPV or Master less than 100-ton. However, not renewing your TWIC can delay your approval.
To renew a license WITHOUT the TWIC: Firstly, locate the TWIC exception statement on CG form 719B. It is at the beginning of Section III, top of page 4. Read the. And then check the box if is true.
Reference CG Policy Letter 11-15
How to Renew a Captain License: Step 2. Sea Service Experience
Use CG form 719S to document your last 5-years of sea time. If you have 360 days, then you can renew without taking exams. However, if you do not have the sea time, give us a call. We can schedule a one-day License Refresher course.
In short, if you have 360 days sea time in the past five years no exams are required.
Help with documenting Sea Service Experience
Step 3. Physical Exam and DOT/USCG Drug Screening
Renewal requires both a physical exam, and drug screening. But, there are some options for drug screening. Reference: page 2 of the DOT/USCG form 719P for options.
Step 4. Application form 719B
Renewal requires CG form 719B. Complete Section I thru Section IV. In Section II: For type of transaction, check officer – renewal. And then, write in a description of your license in the next box. For example: OUPV Inland, or Master 50-ton Near Coastal.
Step 5. Pay USCG Renewal Fees
Go to the Pay.Gov website and pay USCG fees. To clarify, the total fee is $95. This includes: Firstly a $50 evaluation fee, and secondly, a $45 issue fee. Most important, save the receipt and include it with the application.
Step 6. Scan and Email to an REC
The renewal must saved to a pdf file. And then, emailed it to an REC. In conclusion, we recommend Portland REC.
Portland REC contact info
- 911 NE 11th Ave, Room 637
- Portland, Oregon 97232
- Phone (503) 231-2296
- Fax (503) 231-6738
- Email: RECPORTLAND@USCG.MIL
In conclusion. Read and follow the instructions. And then if you have any questions please contact us. Above all, our business is helping mariners. However, selling courses is what we do to stay in business.