USCG License Renewal Help
Renewing a Merchant Mariner Credential requires current application documents and evidence that the mariner continues to meet the Coast Guard requirements for each endorsement being renewed.
Always begin with the current National Maritime Center renewal checklist.
View the National Renewal Checklist >>
When to Renew
A Merchant Mariner Credential may be renewed:
- At any time while it remains valid
- During the 12-month administrative grace period after it expires
An expired credential cannot be used to serve as a merchant mariner during the grace period.
Reissuing an endorsement more than 12 months after expiration may require an approved course or completion of the examination required for its original issuance.
Typical Renewal Documents
A renewal application may include:
- A completed and signed Merchant Mariner Credential application
- Evidence of holding or applying for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- A copy of the current credential or the expired credential
- Current drug-testing documentation or evidence of an accepted exemption
- An unexpired medical certificate or a medical-certificate application
- Payment of the applicable Coast Guard fees
- Evidence of meeting the professional requirements for each endorsement
The National Maritime Center determines whether an applicant meets the requirements for renewal.
Professional Renewal Requirements
For most National officer and rating endorsements, applicants must demonstrate continued professional competence through an accepted method such as:
- At least one year of qualifying sea service during the previous five years
- A comprehensive open-book renewal exercise
- An approved refresher-training course
- Qualifying maritime employment or Coast Guard-approved instruction
Some endorsements have additional renewal requirements, including Radar Observer, towing-vessel, tank-vessel, and First-Class Pilot endorsements. Review the applicable National Maritime Center checklist before submitting an application.
Renewal Help From MM-SEAS
MM-SEAS provides credential-management tools that help mariners:
- Organize credential and renewal documents
- Create and track sea-service records
- Monitor expiration dates
- Identify renewal requirements
- Prepare for renewal applications
ColPac students receive complimentary access to MM-SEAS Expert through our partnership with MM-SEAS. Expert Access provides individual guidance for training, sea-service, and credential questions.
Full application preparation, document review, and submission assistance are separate services available directly from MM-SEAS.
Radar Observer Renewal
A Radar Observer endorsement has separate renewal requirements. Mariners without the required recent radar sea service may renew by completing an approved Radar Observer Renewal course.
View the ColPac Radar Observer Renewal Class >>
Document of Continuity
Mariners who are unable or unwilling to meet the current renewal requirements may be eligible for a Document of Continuity to preserve their National endorsements.
A Document of Continuity does not authorize a mariner to sail, and STCW endorsements cannot be placed into continuity. Review the National Maritime Center requirements before selecting this option.
Official Coast Guard Resources
Merchant Mariner Credential Renewal Information >>
National Maritime Center Forms >>
46 CFR 10.227—Requirements for Renewal >>
If you are applying for your first Merchant Mariner Credential rather than renewing an existing credential, visit our application-help page.