Frequently Asked Questions
CERTIFICATES/DIPLOMAS
Q: When will I receive my certificate?
A: Certificates of completion are usually e-mailed within two weeks of the end of course or two weeks after successful completion of the exam. We are following the USCG’s transition to all electronic documentation.
Q: How long is my certificate good for?
A: Most course certificates are good for one year from the issue date. The exceptions are Radar, ARPA, and the four Basic Training Certificates (CPR/First Aid, Basic Firefighting, Personal Survival Training and Personal Safety & Social Responsibility). These certificates are good for five years from the issue date. Bridge Resource Management, RFPNW and OICNW certificates are good indefinitely.
Q: Do I have to send the Coast Guard my original certificate?
A: No. The Coast Guard prefers electronic copies.
Q: I lost my certificate. Can I get a copy?
A: Sea School keeps electronic copies of all student records including certificates. We will be happy to send you that electronic copy.
REGISTRATION
Q: Can I transfer my deposit to another class or location?
A: Yes. You registration deposit is not refundable but you are able to transfer it to any other Sea School class if you reschedule three business days (72 hours) prior to the class start.
Q: Can my deposit be refunded?
A: Only if Sea School cancels or postpones your class. Otherwise, your registration deposit is not refundable.
Q: What happens when I miss a class?
A: The Coast Guard has approved Sea School’s courses and all course hours have to be met. If you miss a class you will have to make that class up before you will be allowed to take the course exam. You have one year to complete the course and exam from the start date of your first course.
APPLICATION
Q: What is the USCG application fees?
A: Different license transactions involve different fees. Visit the USCG’s National Maritime Center’s website for more info
Q: Where do I send my application?
A: You can submit directly on NMC’s website: scroll down to “Need to submit an MMC application?: Submit to NMC” or email directly from here.
‘Please send any documents in Adobe PDF format only, and include your Last Name, First Name, Mariner Reference Number (or last digits of your SSN) in the subject line of your e-mail.‘
Q: Should I send my original documents?
A: No. The Coast Guard prefers that you send copies of all of your documents.
Q: How long is my Merchant Mariner Credential good for?
A: Five years.
Q: Where can I get CPR and First Aid?
A: Sign up for CPR and First Aid with Sea School here.
Q: Will someone at Sea School be able to help me with my Coast Guard application.
A: Yes. We are here to help! Visit the Sea School Paperwork Portal for assistance with completing, compiling, and submitting your license application through our online portal.
Drug Compliance
Q: Do I need to pass a drug test to get my license?
A: Yes, schedule a one time pre-employment test or join our consortium, APCA.
Q: Who needs to be in a drug consortium?
A: Any licensed or unlicensed mariner in a safety sensitive position. That position is defined as a crewmember who performs duties related to the safe operation of the vessel and/or oversees the safety and control of any passengers. Sign up for our Professional Captains Consortium, APCA and let us help you fulfill the USCG’s requirements.
For questions on drug testing or consortium membership, contact APCA at (727) 522-2727 or email info@apcadrugtesting.com.
Q: How does joining the random testing help me?
A: It will satisfy the requirements of your license application as well as keep you legal when you take passengers for hire on your vessel. If you are working under the authority of your license, you must be part of a random drug testing program. Sign up here!
Q: Can I go to any doctor or lab for my drug test?
A: You may use any SAMHSA lab used by an Coast Guard authorized Medical Review Officer (MRO) or any join our consortium, APCA.
Q: I am a truck driver. Will the Coast Guard accept my random drug program from my employer?
A: No. The Coast Guard will only accept maritime random drug testing programs or approved maritime drug consortiums.
TWIC
Q: What is a TWIC card?
A: TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identification Credential. It is an identification card issued by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).
Q: Do I need a TWIC card?
A: The Coast Guard requires that every new licensed mariner applies for a TWIC card.
Q: How do I apply for a TWIC card?
A: Go to TSA.gov. Provide your zip code. They will send you to the nearest TSA office to enroll. Be sure to bring a picture ID, proof of citizenship, and social security card. Be prepared to pay a little less than $130.
Q: Do I have to renew my TWIC card?
A: No, you do not have to renew your TWIC unless you need it for your employment. Review the USCG Form 719B for more information.
SEA TIME
Q: Do I need a log?
A: No. For entry level licenses, you will need to fill out a Small Vessel Sea Service Form for each boat you show time on. Your boat, you sign for the time. Just show proof of ownership. Someone else’s boat, you just need their signature on the form. You do not have to prove ownership of someone else’s boat.
Q: What is the boundary line?
A: The lines drawn following the general trend of seaward, high-water shorelines.
Q: Which documents do I provide as proof of ownership?
A: State boat registration, bill of sale, documentation papers, insurance policy. Any official document that states that you own the vessel.
Q: Can I use a jet ski for sea-time?
A: Yes, but only 25% of the total required sea time can be on a jet ski.
Q: What about submarine time?
A: Yes, 75% of sea time can be on a submarine for a deck license.
Q: Does 12 hours on a commercial fishing boat count as a day and a half?
A: Only 12 hour watch standing shifts (six hours on and six hours off) will count as a day and a half.
Q: Can I make payments for my class?
A: Arrangements are possible on a very limited basis. Certificates will not be issued until the class is paid in full.
Q: I’m coming in from out of town, do you have facilities or hotels close to your school where I can stay while I am attending your classes?
A: We do have accommodations at some of our Sea School campuses. Dorms and meals are included in the tuition at the Bayou La Batre, AL Sea School. All other Sea School’s will have a list of nearby hotels and possibly discounted rates for Sea School students. Just call and ask.
Q: What is Apprentice Mate Steersman and how do I qualify?
Q: What is a TOAR?
A: Towing Officer Assessment Record. It is a document that lists tasks to be performed or explained (as appropriate) in the presence of a designated examiner. Once completed, the TOAR is a record used to document the training and assessment of a mariner in the towing industry, as part of the qualifications for a USCG towing vessel officer license.
Q: Who must complete a TOAR?
A: USCG licensed Apprentice Mate (Steersman) when advancing to Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels;
or
USCG licensed Master of Towing Vessels (Limited) when advancing to Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels;
or
USCG licensed Master/Mate of vessels of more than 200 GT to obtain Mate (Pilot) or Master of Towing Vessels endorsed on their license.
Q: What is a designated examiner?
A: A USCG licensed towing vessel officer who holds a license equal or superior to the one he/she is assessing performance, and have received formal instruction in techniques or observation and assessment or has experience conducting assessments of competence such as experience assessing junior mates or pilots as part of a program run by a company for training apprentice mates (steersman) or as part of a safety management system.
Q: What is the difference between an upgrade on my license and an endorsement on my license?
A: An upgrade is really a “Raise In Grade”, such as OUPV to Mate, Mate to Master, etc. It designates a change in the level of authority of the license. An endorsement changes the scope of the license, such as Assistance Towing, Auxiliary Sail, Tonnage increase, etc.
Raises In Grade cost $145 USCG user fee. Most endorsements are only $95. So it pays to use the correct terminology.