USCG License Renewal & TWIC
USCG License Renewal Requirements
This page has been posted in response to the various questions regarding renewal of Higher Level U.S. Coast Guard Licenses.
Requirements for those who have not sailed on their license for a minimum of 1 year in the past 5 years:
- 5-day Basic Safety Training Course (or 3-day BST Refresher) (Deck/Engine)
- 1-Day Radar Recertification Course (Deck only)
- Renewal of GMDSS Operator License through the FCC (Deck only)
Requirements for those who have sailed on their license for at least 1 year in the past 5 years:
- Discharges or sea service letter (Deck/Engine)
- 1-Day Radar Recertification Course (Deck only)
- Renewal of GMDSS Operator License through the FCC (Deck only)
Refer to NMC Policy Letter 12-01 for details.
For GMDSS Operator License renewal information refer to the FCC http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/ai.html
For forms and policy guidance please see the U.S. Coast Guard Web-site:
U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation
USCG License Renewals Application
The current procedure of processing licenses through the Regional Exam Centers (REC) has not changed. What has changed is where your file is held. When you transfer between ports, you will no longer need to have your license file transferred.
All mariner license files at the various RECS’ will forwarded and retained at the new National Maritime Center (NMC) in Martinsburg, West Virginia, by the end of May 2008. Evaluators will be at this location to complete your required evaluation prior to sitting/writing any license, including renewals, raise in grade, etc.
The USCG announcement for these changes can be found at the link below:
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/786/183713/
The REC will now concentrate on being exam administers, as well as the personnel to process fingerprinting and photos. They intend to provide better customer service because of these changes and will be the advocate for the mariner to the NMC.
Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is administering TWIC. To obtain a TWIC, proceed to the TSA web site and go to the TWIC Home page:
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/index.shtm
To begin the process, you must register with the system and pre-enroll. Once you have established an account through the registration process, you can then find a TSA location nearest you to set up an appointment to obtain the credential.
The important thing to note is that for any mariner to obtain a TWIC, they must present their MMD as one of the required documents as proof of identity.
Once the TSA processing center obtains your photo and fingerprints, as well as verifies you MMD and other identity documents, they will submit your application. The adjudication process takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Another important item is that the mariner must return to this facility to pick up their credential once it has been made.
The TWIC site has a good Q&A section to answer additional questions not addressed by this summary:
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/twic_faqs.shtm