The United States Coast Guard (USCG) issues officer endorsements for those licensed to work on domestic waters or the open seas as part of a vessel’s deck department. An individual must meet USCG requirements for age, experience and skills to achieve an officer endorsement. Requirements vary based on the rank of the position sought.Officer endorsements are offered for the following deck positions: Master – the officer who holds command of a vessel; Mate – an officer ranked below the master;...

The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center oversees all official licensing of those employed aboard vessels traveling in national waters. Mariners may seek licenses with formal training, coursework and hands-on experience.The U.S. Coast Guard offers a wide range of licenses and endorsements based on an applicant’s qualifications, nationality, vessel size (gross tonnage), and waters upon which he or she will operate. All licenses, endorsements and other credentials can be located within...

The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) issues the merchant mariner credential (MMC) under Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 10. The MMC serves as a means to collect a maritime employee’s various licenses and endorsements into one document.The NMC has established a cost structure in association with issuing licenses, endorsements and other credentials. The timeline for payment of certain fees is as follows: issuance fee – prior to receipt of MMC; evaluation fee – at the...

Severe weather is a frequent hazard in the fishing, maritime and shipping industries. Even an experienced captain and crew can be caught up in inclement weather, despite advanced tools to track and chart weather patterns and potential danger zones.Below are eight safety tips for when inclement weather – including everything from a lightning storm to fog – strikes while you or your vessel are out to sea.Safety Tip 1 – Ensure All Aboard Are Wearing a Personal Flotation DeviceEveryone, including...