Captain's Scuttlebutt
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The following bits of information from "the Captain": ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US Coast Guard websites and important telephone numbers: Website: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc Help Desk and License/Renewal Status Checks: 1-888-427-5662 or iasknmc@uscg.mil Medical Questions: marinermedical@uscg.mil TWIC Card information and registration: http://twicinformation.tsa.dhs.gov --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RENEWAL of your Captain's License requires the following: Coast Guard website to obtain the required forms for license renewal: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc Then click on Forms and Applications . Your Captain's License is good for 5 years from the date of issue. You have a 6th year "grace period." You are not permitted to use your license during the 6th. year. Don't procrastinate, renew a few months before your license expires! See Part 1 and Part 2. PART 1 - Prepare your paperwork for submission to the Regional Exam Center (REC). Keep copies of everything you send to the Coast Guard for your files. a. Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC): (For all transactions, Original and Renewals) Provide evidence that you either hold a valid TWIC (photocopy of TWIC) or have applied for a TWIC (submit the TWIC application receipt). Important - failure to provide the above will result in your application being returned to you! This is required as of April 15, 2009. For information and to register on line go to: http://twicinformation.tsa.dhs.gov b. Coast Guard Application for Merchant Mariner Document form CG-719B. Complete page 1, 2 and top of page 3. Any notary can administer the oath that is required on page 3. Download a sample form from the CG website. Sample Form for Administering Oath c. Complete a Small Vessel Sea Service form for each vessel you are claiming time on. Document 360 days boating experience within the last 5 years. Include proof of ownership for the vessel if self owned. If it is not self owned, the registered owner must also sign form. d. SAMSHA Drug Test - Form CG719P (Cannot be over 6 months old) e. Physical - Form CG719K (Cannot be over 12 months old) f. Copy of your current license (front & back) g. $95.00 Evaluation user fee: Pay via credit card or bank account using https://www.pay.gov. IMPORTANT - PRINT AND INCLUDE YOUR PAYMENT RECEIPT AS PROOF OF PAYMENT. ** You do not need to send CPR/FA card or Character references for renewal PART 2 - IMPORTANT! The MMC License Application packet (a through g above) must be submitted to your local Regional Examination Center (REC) and may be delivered by mail. In person visits are no longer required. DO NOT submit your application package directly to the National Maritime Center (NMC) as this will result in delays. If any of the items are missing (a through g), you will be provided a "Notification of Incomplete Application" letter and will have 60 days to provide the missing information. If the missing information is not provided within the 60 day period, your application will be returned to you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FYI " The carriage of any passenger for hire on the navigable waters of the United States require that an individual licensed by the Coast Guard operate the vessel. Properly licensed Captains may carry up to six passengers aboard an un-inspected passenger vessel, provided they meet federal safety regulations. To further ensure the safety of potential customers, vessels carrying more than six passengers for hire are inspected annually by the Coast Guard and must display an approval decal and Coast Guard Certificate of inspection." taken from U.S.C.G. Marine Safety Newsletter, September 2000. Frequently asked questions: 1. Do I need a "TWIC CARD; What is a "TWIC CARD"? (A) This is a "Transportation Workers Identification Card." As of April 15, 2009, if you currently hold or are applying for a merchant mariner license you do need a TWIC card. For information: http://twicinformation.tsa.dhs.gov 2. What is the latest news on up-grading a 6 PAK boat to a 12 PAK boat? (A.) Nothing, no plans in the making - it’s on the back burner. 3. In Florida, does a charter boat need a state fishing license? (A.) YES. *Four (4) or less customers / *Five (5) to ten (10) customers *Contact your local county tax collectors office for the current fishing license fee.. 4. Does my original Coast Guard License need to be aboard while I’m chartering? (A.) YES, the C.F.R. states that the original must be in your possession (Keep a copy home on your wall!) 5. What about Life Jackets? (A.) You need a type I, with reflective tape. Inshore, offshore the same plus a personal floatation device light that is C.G. approved under sub. part 161.012, C.F.R. sub chapter C /un-inspected vessels Part 25.25-13 A & B states very clearly that if you are operating beyond the shoreline (meaning coastwise and oceans) you are required to have this light on each personal floatation device (P.F.D.). 6. What about Fire Extinguishers? (A.) Well, all of you that know me, know that I am a firm believer that you can’t have too many aboard! 7. Renewal of Licenses: Your CG Captain's License expires in 5 years. You may renew after 4 years. You renew by mail. Remember, the Coast Guard DOES NOT notify you, it's up to you to do it! SEE ABOVE INFORMATION FOR DETAILS ON RENEWING YOUR LICENSE. 8. Do I need to belong to a drug consortium? (A.) Yes, CFR 46, Part 16,16.23 points that out. 9. What about boat and liability insurance? (A.) Some captain's don't have any! But, the SMART THING to do is to contact a "Marine Insurance" company for coverage at a fair price that will suit your needs. Well that's it for now, I'm on the road doing more training! Stay Safe and Have Fun Boating! Captain Mike Adams |