Renewing/upgrading USCG Master License

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by mvmojo

If you're not using your license commercially, you may want to apply for a "Document of Continuity" with the USCG. See: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchan...er_credential/. Also: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/N..._statement.pdf. This lets you maintain the license and allows you to reactivate it any time you want by meeting all the requirements of your license (sea service, physical, etc.) without having to re-take the tests. If you let you license lapse vs place it in continuity, it's as if you never had a license at all and you will have to go through the entire application/testing process again. A document of continuity is an easy and inexpensive way of maintaining your license (but you can't use it) without having to jump through the renewal hoops.

This is good to know, thanks. I'd prefer to keep mine active in case an opportunity arises but it's a nice feature.

[The Perfessor]

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

Thanks for all the good info.

Having just got home from work I’ve unfortunately got a new question now. I had left my soon-to-be expired license on the table and apparently it’s fallen prey to the baser instincts of my puppy (See pic). Does anyone know if I need to submit the old license when I renew? I’m sure it’s not the first dog-ate-my-MMC story they’ve heard, but still...

Attachment 210130

Just use the old "my dog ate my license" excuse.. Actually, you do not need to send in your current/expired license. I just renewed mine; you do not need a twic if you do not need access to secure areas. I had to update my drug test and medical exam, but there was no 1st aid refresher, etc. (though I renew my cpr cert, etc. just because it's a good idea.) I did it all myself; having my original app helped, but there is a checklist. Also, you can use the online chat to ask questions and they get back to you pretty fast (in one day in my case) as I wasn't clear on the fees.

The only reason I got mine was to ensure I at least had the fundamental information (as I learned to sail from a friend and through experience) and renewed it to give me some cred when chartering; the med (so I'm told) no longer will charter to you based solely on your sailing resume. Hope this helps!

[BigBoater917]

The best answer is to use the MNC checklist for your desired license and if it's still confusing, use their online chat feature.


https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/checklist/

[DEAN2140]

]Does anyone know if I need to submit the old license when I renew?

I lost my license a few years ago. No one asked for a copy of it when I renewed. You should be ok.

[BigBoater917]

No you don't need to submit it. I have a pile of old ones in a drawer at home. All they have to do is look up your mariner number and they can see what you have.