- What is a mariner’s license?
- What are the types of mariner’s licenses?
- How to get a mariner’s license
If you’ve ever dreamed of working on the open water as a professional mariner, then you’ll need to obtain a mariner’s license.
Also known as a Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) or a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), this license is issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and allows individuals to work on merchant vessels.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of mariner’s licenses, exploring what they are, the different types available, and the process of obtaining one.
What is a Mariner’s License?
Obtaining a mariner’s license requires a combination of education, training, and sea service.
Educational requirements vary depending on the type of license an individual is seeking, but they generally include coursework in subjects such as navigation, maritime law, and vessel stability.
Training may be provided through a maritime academy or a Coast Guard-approved training program.
Sea service refers to the time an individual has spent working on a vessel, and the amount of sea service required also depends on the type of license being sought.
There are several different types of mariner’s licenses available, including:
- Able Seaman (AB): This license allows an individual to work as a deckhand on a vessel.
- Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV): Also known as a Six-Pack license, this credential allows an individual to operate a small passenger vessel (with a capacity of six or fewer passengers) in near-coastal waters.
- Master: This license allows an individual to serve as the captain of a vessel. There are several different levels of Master’s licenses, ranging from Master of Near-Coastal Waters (100 ton) to Master of Oceans (unlimited tonnage).
- Chief Mate: This license allows an individual to serve as the second-in-command on a vessel.
- Chief Engineer: This license allows an individual to serve as the chief engineer on a vessel, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the engine room and related machinery.
- Mariner’s licenses are issued by the National Maritime Center (NMC), a division of the USCG. To apply for a license, an individual must submit an application, proof of education and training, and documentation of their sea service. The NMC will then review the application and, if all requirements are met, issue the license.
In addition to the initial issuance of a mariner’s license, the USCG requires that mariners maintain their credentials (see: merchant mariner’s credentials) through continuing education and sea service.
This includes completing periodic physical exams and drug tests, as well as completing any additional training or education required by the NMC.
What are the Types of Mariner’s Licenses?
Some of the most common types of mariner’s licenses include:
- Able Seaman (AB): This license allows an individual to work as a deckhand on a vessel. To qualify for an AB license, an individual must have at least one year of sea service on a vessel of any tonnage, as well as complete an approved course in subjects such as personal survival techniques, firefighting, and first aid.
- Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV): Also known as a Six-Pack license, this credential allows an individual to operate a small passenger vessel (with a capacity of six or fewer passengers) in near-coastal waters. To qualify for an OUPV license, an individual must have at least 360 days of sea service, with at least 90 days on a vessel of more than 100 gross tons, as well as complete an approved course in subjects such as navigation, rules of the road, and passenger safety.
- Master: This license allows an individual to serve as the captain of a vessel. There are several different levels of Master’s licenses, ranging from Master of Near-Coastal Waters (100 ton) to Master of Oceans (unlimited tonnage). To qualify for a Master’s license, an individual must have a certain amount of sea service and education, as well as pass a written and oral examination. The specific requirements vary depending on the level of the license being sought.
- Chief Mate: This license allows an individual to serve as the second-in-command on a vessel. To qualify for a Chief Mate’s license, an individual must have at least 180 days of sea service as mate on a vessel of at least 500 gross tons, as well as complete an approved course in subjects such as navigation, stability, and cargo handling.
- Chief Engineer: This license allows an individual to serve as the chief engineer on a vessel, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the engine room and related machinery. To qualify for a Chief Engineer’s license, an individual must have at least 180 days of sea service as an engineer on a vessel of at least 750 horsepower, as well as complete an approved course in subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and electrical systems.
In addition to these common types of mariner’s licenses, there are also several specialized licenses available for specific types of vessels or operations.
For example, there are licenses available for towing vessels, sailing vessels, and fishing vessels, as well as licenses for radio operators and assessors.
It’s important to note that the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a mariner’s license are subject to change over time.
The USCG periodically updates its regulations and requirements, so it’s important for mariners to stay up-to-date on any changes that may affect their credentials.
What does continued education entail?
One type of continuing education requirement for mariners is the completion of periodic physical exams and drug tests.
These exams are designed to ensure that mariners are physically fit to perform their duties at sea, and that they are not using any substances that could impair their judgment or ability to work safely.
Another type of continuing education requirement is the completion of any additional training or education required by the National Maritime Center (NMC), the division of the USCG that issues and maintains mariner’s licenses.
The NMC may require mariners to complete additional training in certain subjects in order to keep their licenses current, or to qualify for a different type of license.
Mariners may also be required to complete additional training or education in order to remain compliant with industry regulations or standards.
For example, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) sets certain standards for the training and education of mariners that are recognized internationally.
The USCG has adopted the STCW standards, and mariners may be required to complete additional training or education in order to meet these standards.
In addition to these requirements, many mariners choose to pursue additional training and education on a voluntary basis in order to advance their careers or to stay up-to-date on new developments in the maritime industry.
This may include taking additional courses or earning additional certifications in subjects such as leadership, safety, or vessel operation.
There are several different ways that mariners can complete the continuing education requirements for their licenses.
Some mariners may choose to attend a maritime academy or a Coast Guard-approved training program in order to complete their training. Others may choose to complete their training online or through a correspondence course.
How to get a Mariner’s License
Obtaining a mariner’s license requires a combination of education, training, and sea service.
The specific requirements vary depending on the type of license being sought, but there are some general steps that individuals can follow to obtain a mariner’s license.
The first step in obtaining a mariner’s license is to determine which type of license is most appropriate for an individual’s goals and experience.
There are several different types of mariner’s licenses available, including Able Seaman, Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, Master, Chief Mate, and Chief Engineer.
Each type of license has its own specific requirements and privileges, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits an individual’s career aspirations and experience.
Once an individual has decided which type of license to pursue, the next step is to meet the educational requirements for that license.
Educational requirements vary depending on the type of license, but they generally include coursework in subjects such as navigation, maritime law, and vessel stability.
There are several different ways to meet these requirements, including attending a maritime academy or completing a Coast Guard-approved training program.
The third step in obtaining a mariner’s license is to gain the necessary sea service.
Sea service refers to the time an individual has spent working on a vessel, and the amount of sea service required depends on the type of license being sought.
For example, an individual seeking an AB license must have at least one year of sea service, while an individual seeking a Master’s license must have a certain amount of sea service and education, as well as pass a written and oral examination.
Once an individual has met the educational and sea service requirements for their desired license, the next step is to apply for the license through the National Maritime Center (NMC), a division of the United States Coast Guard.
To apply for a license, an individual must submit an application, proof of education and training, and documentation of their sea service.
The NMC will review the application and, if all requirements are met, issue the license.
It’s important to note that the process of obtaining a mariner’s license can be time-consuming and may require significant effort.
However, the rewards of holding a mariner’s license can be significant, as it allows an individual to work as a professional mariner on a merchant vessel.
With hard work and dedication, individuals can successfully navigate the process of obtaining a mariner’s license and begin a rewarding career at sea.
Wrapping Up: Mariner’s License
Holding a mariner’s license is a significant accomplishment and a testament to an individual’s knowledge and skills as a professional mariner.
It also carries with it a great deal of responsibility, as mariners are charged with the safety of both their vessel and its crew.
While the process of obtaining a mariner’s license can be demanding, with hard work and dedication, individuals can successfully navigate the process and begin a rewarding career at sea.
Whether you’re seeking an Able Seaman license, an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels license, or a Master’s license, the opportunities and adventures that come with a mariner’s license are endless.
