NVICs and Approved Training

By Captain Mike · 50 years at sea · former MITAGS faculty
NVIC list checked against the Coast Guard index · September 2026

Why NVICs matter

A Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular, or NVIC, is Coast Guard guidance explaining how the credentialing regulations are applied in practice. The CFR establishes the requirement. The NVIC often explains the details you need to actually qualify.

Depending on the credential or endorsement, an NVIC may identify:

Required sea serviceTraining requirementsSTCW competency requirementsRequired assessmentsWho may sign assessmentsAcceptable ways to show competenceDocumentation expected with your application

For example, NVIC 12-14, Change 7 provides guidance for qualification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 GT or more. Its enclosures include the qualification requirements, assessment guidance, and the records of assessment your assessors sign.

The CFR tells you what is required. The NVIC tells you how the Coast Guard expects you to prove it.

Key credentialing NVICs

A starting list for the endorsements most readers are working toward. NVICs are revised by numbered "changes," so always open the current version from the Coast Guard index.

NVIC	Covers
DECK
NVIC 10-14	Master or Chief Mate, vessels of 3,000 GT or more (management level)
NVIC 11-14	Master or Chief Mate, vessels of 500 GT to less than 3,000 GT
NVIC 12-14	Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW), 500 GT or more
NVIC 13-14	Master or OICNW, vessels under 500 GT, near-coastal
NVIC 14-14	Able Seafarer–Deck
NVIC 03-16	Officers of towing vessels
ENGINE
NVIC 15-14	Chief Engineer and Second Engineer, 3,000 kW / 4,000 HP or more
NVIC 16-14	Chief Engineer and Second Engineer, 750 kW to less than 3,000 kW
NVIC 17-14	Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW), 750 kW / 1,000 HP or more
NVIC 18-14	Able Seafarer–Engine
ALL DEPARTMENTS
NVIC 08-14	Basic Training (formerly Basic Safety Training)
NVIC 22-14	Officers and ratings on oil, chemical, and liquefied gas tank vessels
MEDICAL
Medical Manual	COMDTINST M16721.48, the Merchant Mariner Medical Manual. It superseded NVIC 04-08 and NVIC 01-14 in 2019, so don't rely on those older circulars. See our Medical Fitness guide.

View Merchant Mariner Credentialing NVICs →

Approved schools and courses

Verify the course, not just the school. Before enrolling, confirm that the specific course is currently accepted or approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for the credential or endorsement you are seeking.

A reputable maritime school may offer many different courses, and each course can have a different Coast Guard approval, expiration date, or credentialing purpose. A course that satisfies one endorsement may not satisfy another.

The National Maritime Center instructs applicants to submit relevant training certificates and assessments, when required, as part of the MMC application.

View USCG Approved Courses (PDF) →NMC course information →

Captain's Tip: work backward from the credential

Before spending money on a maritime course, start with the credential you want and trace it back to the training.

CredentialThe endorsement you want

NMC ChecklistWhat NMC expects in your package

CFRThe regulation that sets the requirement

NVICHow the Coast Guard applies it

Required TrainingTraining and assessments you need

Approved CourseApproved for that exact requirement

Do not start with the school and assume the course will satisfy your Coast Guard requirement. The right question is not "Is this a good maritime school?"

The better question

"Is this specific course currently approved for the Coast Guard requirement I need?"

That one question can save considerable time, money, and frustration during the credentialing process.

Official sources

Where this fits in your journey

How do I read the CFR?All credentialing resources What training do I need, and where?Do I need professional help?What exams must I pass?