Credentialing reference
Understand the rules behind your credential.
What Is an MMC?
The Merchant Mariner Credential explained: endorsements, what it isn't, how long it lasts.
Open guide →NVICs & Approved Courses
What the Coast Guard's NVICs require, the key ones by endorsement, and how to verify a course is approved.
Open reference →CFR Demystified
Find your answer in 33 and 46 CFR without flipping pages.
Open guide →What Is STCW?
The international standard behind your endorsements, who runs it, and how it relates to the Coast Guard.
Open reference →National vs. STCW
What each endorsement on your MMC does, who needs STCW, and tank vessel endorsements.
Open reference →Vessel Tonnage & Your License
Why length doesn't tell you what tonnage license you need, and where to find the real figure.
Open reference →Renewal & Continuity
Expiration dates, the 12-month grace period, and parking your license with a Document of Continuity.
Open reference →Training & help
Find the right course, and know when to get an expert.
Maritime Training & STCW Courses
Courses organized by your goal, and a checklist for verifying any course before you pay.
Find training →Need Professional Help?
When a complicated record is worth an expert evaluation.
Get help →Military to Mariner
Using military sea time and GI Bill benefits.
Read more →Medical Fitness
Check your Coast Guard medical eligibility before you invest in training.
Open guide →Drugs, Alcohol & DUI
Know how drug testing, alcohol rules, DUIs and your application answers affect a credential.
Open guide →Tools & downloads
Documenting Sea Time
How days are counted, owner-operator proof, and what every sea-service letter must include.
Open guide →Sea-Service Letter Builder
A template that gives the evaluator exactly what they need.
Open tool →Sea-Time Calculator
Estimate your service days for planning.
Open calculator →Downloads
Study booklets and calculator guides.
See downloads →How to research any credential
Work backward from the credential you want, not forward from a school's course catalog.
Official Coast Guard links
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