Requiremens by License
REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR ALL ORIGINAL DECK LICENSES (CREDENTIALS)
There are basic requirements specific to particular certificates, some which we cover below. We begin, though, in the first section with the requirements which are common to all deck licenses. For more specific requirements, click a license title bar below to view additional details specific to the licenses listed here:
Requirements and Standards common to all license classes
  • All Mariners must apply for a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) before submitting an application packet to the USCG. The TWIC information can be accessed at www.TSA.gov/TWIC.
  • You must be underway on water for a minimum of 4 hours to count as one day. (Only one day's credit allowed per date.)
  • A U.S. Coast Guard Approved CPR and First Aid course is required. (Adult CPR, basic First Aid). The First Aid must have been within the last 12 months and the CPR must be current.
  • You must pass a routine physical. This must be done within the past 12 months. Vision must be at least 20/200, correctable to 20/40 in each eye. Color sense must be satisfactory (Waivers available in some cases).
  • Drug screening is required. Your drug test must have been done within the last 6 months.
  • DUI’s, drug, and felony convictions are reviewed by the USCG and depending on the offense there could be a 1-10 year hold period before you receive a license or credential.
  • Military time and foreign time is evaluated by the Coast Guard (REC). This time is evaluated on a case by case basis.
License: Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel - 6 passengers or less
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (6 passengers or less)
  • Must be 18 Years old
  • Must be able to document 360 days of experience in operation of a vessel.
  • 90 of the 360 days on the ocean or near coastal waters, or the license will be limited to inland waters only.
  • You must have 90 of these days within the last 3 years.
  • License will be limited to vessels of less than 100 gross tons.
  • If you are NOT a U.S. Citizen you can receive this license BUT your tonnage may be limited to Vessels of 5 Net Tons or less.

License: Mate, Near Coastal
Mate Near Coastal
  • Must be 19 Years old
  • Must be able to document 360 days of experience in operation of a vessel.
  • 180 of the 360 days must have been on the ocean or near coastal waters.
  • You must have 90 of the 360 days within last 3 years.
  • Your tonnage is determined by the USCG depending on your experience.
License: Master, Inland, not more than 100 Gross Tons
Master, Inland, not more than 100 GT
  • Must be 19 Years old.
  • Must have 360 days of experience in operation of a vessel on any waters.
  • You must have 90 of these days within the last 3 years.
  • License will be limited to vessels of not more than 100 gross tons and limited to inland waters.
  • To be eligible for a 100 Gross Tons license, 180 days must be on a vessel of at least 35 gross tons, other wise the license will be limited to 25 or 50 gross tons.
  • Endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail available with 180 days of sail or sail auxiliary time (may be part of the 360 days and may be prior to license issuance)
License: Master, Near Coastal not more than 100 Gross Tons
Master, Near Coastal, Not more than 100 GT
  • Must be 19 Years old
  • 720 days of experience on a vessel 360 of these days must have been on ocean or near coastal waters.
  • You must have 90 days within the last 3 years,
  • To  to be eligible for a 100 gross ton license you must have sufficient tonnage for example: 360 days may be on a vessel of at least 35 gross tons,  license. Otherwise, license the will be limited to 25 GT or 50 GT.
  • Endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail available with 360 days of sail or auxiliary sail time (may be part of the 720 days and may be prior to license issuance)

For more information about exams and requirements:
For deck licenses up to 200 GT, the examination is given at the conclusion of our courses in lieu of taking an exam at the Coast Guards REC (Regional Exam Center). For Upper Tonnage licenses, the examination is only given at the REC. The Regional Testing Center charges administrative fees and has other requirements which are summarized on their web site.

To access the Los Angeles/Long Beach Regional Exam Center for information regarding examinations and experience requirements, visit their Web site:
Link U.S.C.G. Regional Exam Center