- What’s New at NMC
- FAQ
- New Mariners
- Charter Boat Capt.
- License, Document, & Cert. Of Registry.
- Merchant Mariner Info Center
- STCW
- Info Packages
- Checklists
- Application & Forms
- Users Fees
- Drug Test Info
- National Maritime Center
- Links/Feedback
- Site Map
- Contact Webmaster
Security Levels
National Maritime Center (NMC)
Mariner Licensing and Documentation (MLD)
STCW - Certification for Unlicensed Personnel
Mail ALL applications to the nearest USCG Regional Exam Center.
Application Status: you can check the status of your current Application for Merchant Mariner Document (MMD), License, or Certificate of Registry (Form CG-719B).
Guide to applying and qualifying for STCW certification for unlicensed personnel - The requirements from the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) on training and certification for unlicensed merchant marine personnel are formally contained in Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 12 and the STCW Code. This guide attempts to summarize the requirements and answer the most common questions on meeting STCW for certification. Delays in processing your application due to incomplete information are easily avoided by following this guide closely. If you are viewing this guide on the Internet, click on a specific section or question below as a hyperlink to the information. To ensure that your application is complete and is reviewed as quickly as possible, use the interactive General Requirements listing as a checklist when you prepare your application package.
General Information
- What is STCW?
- Who must comply with the STCW requirements?
- How do I prove that I comply with the STCW requirements?
- Where can I get an STCW form?
General Requirements
General Information
- What is STCW? - STCW is the acronym for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended. The U.S. regulations were designed to closely conform to the 1978 STCW Convention (STCW-78). The 1995 amendments to STCW (STCW-95) added requirements for additional and more comprehensive training along with assessments of professional demonstrations of a mariner’s practical skills. STCW-95 also significantly revised the process by which a mariner qualifies for STCW certification. The U.S. regulations were revised in 1997 in order to meet the requirements of the 1995 STCW amendments. For more information go to the STCW Convention and Code sections.
- Who must comply with the STCW? - With very few exceptions, the STCW only applies to mariners employed on vessels greater than 200 Gross Register Tons (Domestic Tonnage), or 500 Gross Tons (ITC Tonnage), operating seaward of the boundary lines specified in Title 46 CFR Part 7. For additional information on policy guidance in STCW implementation, go back to Policy and Guidance. You may also contact any of the 17 Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (RECs). To see a list of RECs and their locations, click on this link (REC Link).
- How do I prove that I comply with the STCW requirements? - You must hold a currently valid U.S. merchant mariner credential and an STCW endorsement form certifying that you have met the minimum requirements of STCW. However, the STCW form alone may not satisfy all of the STCW requirements and proof of additional training or proficiency may need to be presented to your employer depending on what duties you will be performing.
- Where can I get a STCW form? - You may apply for an STCW form at no cost by mail or in person at any of the RECs. Click on the link above for a listing.
General Requirements
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credentials (Back to Top)
- What U.S. credentials do I need?
For unlicensed personnel, you must meet all the requirements for and obtain a U.S. Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD). The STCW form is based on the ratings allowed by your MMD. For more information on MMDs, click here to see the New Mariners page for MMD info. - Which Unlicensed Ratings apply to STCW?
All unlicensed MMD ratings for service beyond the boundary line (seagoing service) are subject to the requirements of the STCW. However, ratings that form part of a watch or qualification as a Lifeboatman (LBMAN) have enhanced training requirements under STCW-95 beyond STCW-78 and U.S. domestic requirements.
- What U.S. credentials do I need?
- Training and Demonstrated Proficiency (Back to Top)
- What do I need for the STCW-95 form? (Back to Top)
You must first meet the domestic requirements in Title 46 CFR Part 12 for each specific MMD rating (See New Mariners page for MMD info).
For STCW specific requirements, select the rating(s) in the left-hand column for which you are qualified and read across that row. The blocks with an ‘X’ in the vertical columns indicate the additional STCW training requirements needed to obtain the STCW-95 form. The last column indicates rating specific training required by STCW-95 as well as the regulatory cites from the STCW Code for the specified training.Unlicensed Rating Basic Safety Training Proficiency in Survival Craft Rating Specific Training Able Seaman (AB) – Unlimited, Limited, OR Special X see footnote 3 X
(Reg. A-II/4 & A-VI/2)Able Seaman (AB) – OSV, Fish Industry, MOU, OR Sail X see footnote 4 X
(Reg. A-II/4 & A-VI/2)Lifeboatman (LBMAN) X see footnote 3 X
(Reg. A-VI/2)Ordinary Seaman (OS) X¹ N/A N/A Ordinary Seaman Qualified as a rating forming part of a Nav Watch X³ N/A X
(Reg. A-II/4)QMED – Any Rating, Oiler, Fireman/Watertender, Junior Engineer, Deck Engineer, Machinist, Electrician, Refrigeration Engineer, OR Pumpman X¹ N/A X²
(Reg. A-III/4)Wiper (WI) X¹ N/A N/A Steward’s Department, e.g. Food Handler (FH) X¹ N/A N/A Notes:
1. Not required for the rating, but may be required if you are filling part of the vessel's required crew compliment to obtain the STCW-95 Form.
2. Not required until 1 FEB 2002. However, "Rating forming part of an engineering watch" will not be endorsed on the STCW-95 form unless you meet this requirement.
3. See policy letter 8-01
4. See policy letter 5-01 - What is Basic Safety Training (BST)? (Back to Top)
The STCW BST requirements are contained in Reg. VI/1 of the STCW code. BST is required for those persons serving in a position that must be filled as part of the required crew complement or assigned a responsibility on the muster list. This training is comprised of four elements: personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities. See NMC Policy Letter No. 12-01 for information about maintaining competence of BST. - What is Proficiency
in Survival Craft (PSC)?
This means that you have obtained sufficient training in survival craft and, if applicable, fast rescue boats as per Reg. VI/2 of the STCW Code. See NMC Policy Letter No. 8-01 on what is considered acceptable evidence of PSC. - How do I provide proof
of Rating Specific training?
The training requirements are specified in the STCW regulations cited in the STCW-95 Form requirements table above. See NMC Policy Letter No. 14-02 on what is considered acceptable evidence of certification as a "Rating forming part of a navigational watch." Currently, there are no "relaxed assessments" for certification as a "Rating forming part of an engineering watch" and proof consists of a course completion certificate from a Coast Guard approved or accepted course or under certain circumstances certification from a designated examiner attesting to your proficiency. - What additional training is required for
service on passenger vessels?
If you are going to work on a RO-RO passenger ship or a passenger ship other than a RO-RO vessel in a position where your duties are related to the safety of passengers, then you must obtain training to meet Reg. A-V/2 or A-V/3 of the STCW Code. The training covers assisting passengers, crowd control, passenger safety, and other training directed towards the safety of the passengers and the vessel. This training is not required to obtain the STCW form, but is a requirement of employment and proof of completion must be provided to your employer. Currently, there are no "relaxed assessments" and proof consists of a course completion certificate from a Coast Guard approved or accepted course or under certain circumstances certification from a designated examiner attesting to your proficiency.
- What do I need for the STCW-95 form? (Back to Top)
- Forms and Application Information (Back to Top)
- How do I apply?
You must submit a completed Application (Form CG-719b) and proof of all training or proficiency required for the rating sought. Read all instructions thoroughly on the application prior to submittal to your nearest REC. Connect here to the Forms and Application page. - How much does the STCW form cost?
There is currently no cost for the STCW form; however, there user fees for issuance of a merchant mariner's document. - What is the photo requirement for STCW-95 forms?
If you are applying for an STCW-95 form, you must submit two passport type photos. Your photo will be adhered and sealed to the STCW-95 form. - How do I find out the status on my application?
The REC that reviews your application package will notify you in writing on the status of your application, including whether you have been approved or if additional information is required. The time to complete the review of each application varies greatly depending on the complexity. RECs will not typically provide one day service. Please feel free to contact your local REC to check on the status after submitting your application. However, it is recommended that you allow sufficient time for receipt and processing of your application before contacting the local REC.
- How do I apply?
Licensing Questions and Concerns, Contact:
IASKNMC
NMC Help Desk: 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662)
Web Site Questions and Concerns, Click here
Last Modified 8/21/2008