Online Exam Courses

• Before enrolling in an online exam course (such as those below), feel free to contact the instructor for any questions about the process.
• When you feel ready to take your exams, you can make a booking for your exams at this link or by contacting the instructor by email. 
• If you are a Tall Ships America member or a military member, please contact the instructor for your access codes.   
• Hard copies of books and exams are usually required for the courses below - they are typically sent 3 weeks before your exam date.  
• Books and exams are typically shipped once each week - if you require expedited shipping, please contact the instructor.
• All books and exams are required to be returned per school policy and a free shipping label is provided to you. ​

License Application Guidance

MM-SEAS Collaboration

At Practical Navigator, we understand the importance of obtaining your first USCG license. That's why we're proud to partner with MM-SEAS USCG Licensing Software to make your USCG license process a breeze. Whether you are applying for an entry level, renewal, or advanced license, their user-friendly platform guides you through every step, ensuring a smooth and error-free application. 

​With MM-SEAS, you can ditch the stress of USCG license paperwork. Their user-friendly platform guides you through every step, ensuring a smooth and error-free application. Here's how they make the USCG license application process a breeze:

• Clear Instructions: No more confusion with USCG license paperwork! MM-SEAS provides clear instructions to avoid common pitfalls.
• Expert Help for USCG License Paperwork: Their dedicated team is always available to answer all your USCG license questions.
• Seamless USCG License Application: Upload documents, track deadlines, and ensure a smooth USCG license application process.

• Expert review for USCG License Paperwork: USCG licensing experts review your USCG license application for accuracy.

• Stress-Free USCG License Experience: Spend less time on USCG license paperwork and more time on the water doing what you love.

The best part?  Practical Navigator Students get a totally FREE Pro Account with MM-SEAS.  Contact the instructor for more details.  

Original License Guidance

Simplify Each Step of your USCG License Application Process with MM-SEAS

• Coast Guard Approved Training: Use the checklists on the USCG National Maritime Center website to decipher what USCG Approved Courses you need to take for each License and Endorsement. For example, you can take our Practical Navigator courses online, or attend a local in-person school.  
• CPR and First Aid: If you are working to obtain or upgrade a domestic officer endorsement such as OUPV, Mate or Master of any tonnage, Chief Mate, Licensed Engineer, Chief Engineer or DDE of any horsepower, you will need to provide documentation of First Aid training within a year prior to the day you submit your application as well as a valid CPR card or proof of USCG Approved CPR training.  If you are working on any non-licensed credential or any STCW credential you do not need to provide CPR training. If you already hold a valid STCW Basic Training, it takes care of this requirement.  
• Drug Testing: Provide drug test documentation from the past 185 days using any of the accepted methods. MM-SEAS tracks your deadlines to ensure timely submission.
• Hold a Valid TWIC or Have Recent Evidence of Applying: Obtain your Transportation Worker Identification Credential, TWIC. 
• Sea Service Documentation: For vessels under 200 GRT, create digital CG-719S forms (Small Vessel Sea Service) directly in MM-SEAS. The software ensures accuracy and proper formatting for a smooth application process.
  • Own your vessel? Create and sign your forms digitally.
  • Sea time on other vessels? Have them sign your forms electronically within MM-SEAS.
  • Already have signed CG-719S forms, letters, or military service (TOSS, AOPS/TMT) documents? Upload them easily.
• Sea Service Requirements Met? The software calculates your sea days in the past five years. Work with MM-SEAS licensing experts to give you insight on what you qualify for based on these data. 
• Coast Guard Medical Exam: A valid medical certificate is necessary to obtain your license. Any qualified US medical professional can complete the CG-719K form, which is submitted separately to [email protected].
• Verification of Identity: Include a copy of your unexpired Passport or Birth Certificate to verify that you are a US Citizen. 
• Complete the CG-719B Application Form: Your MM-SEAS profile assists with accurate form completion. Licensing experts review your information and prepare the form for final signature, including endorsements and potential upgrades, all in the format preferred by the National Maritime Center.
• Take your Merchant Mariner Oath: In this step, you will need to take your Merchant Mariner Oath typically in front of a Notary. Your oath may be administered by any Coast Guard-designated individual or any person legally permitted to administer oaths (This means any notary can help you out!) in the jurisdiction where the person taking the oath resides. 
• Coast Guard Fees: These are typically paid through pay.gov. If you use MM-SEAS USCG Licensing Software to submit your application for you it costs $349 for a "perfect application", which covers all federal fees, regardless of amount. Their team ensures accuracy and includes the necessary fee documentation for a guaranteed successful application.

Renewal License Guidance

Simplify Each Step of your USCG License Renewal with MM-SEAS

• Drug Testing: Provide drug test documentation from the past 185 days using any of the accepted methods. MM-SEAS tracks your deadlines to ensure timely submission.
• TWIC Exemption or Renewal: Decide if renewing your TWIC is needed. Choose the option that suits your needs. If a TWIC card isn't required for work, save money by creating a TWIC Exemption memo within the software.
• Sea Service Documentation: For vessels under 200 GRT, create digital CG-719S forms (Small Vessel Sea Service) directly in MM-SEAS. The software ensures accuracy and proper formatting for a smooth application process.
  • Own your vessel? Create and sign your forms digitally.
  • Sea time on other vessels? Have them sign your forms electronically within MM-SEAS.
  • Already have signed CG-719S forms, letters, or military service (TOSS, AOPS/TMT) documents? Upload them easily.
• Sea Service Requirements Met? The software calculates your sea days in the past five years. If you have over 360 days, you qualify for renewal without exams. If not, you will need to take a couple of Open Book Renewal Exams.
• Coast Guard Medical Exam: While not mandatory for renewal, a valid medical certificate is necessary to operate under your license. Any qualified US medical professional can complete the CG-719K form, which is submitted separately to [email protected].
• Copy of Current License: Include a copy to ensure your correct license is renewed. The MM-SEAS checklist reminds you to add it, preventing accidental loss of endorsements.
• Complete the CG-719B Application Form: Your MM-SEAS profile assists with accurate form completion. Licensing experts review your information and prepare the form for final signature, including endorsements and potential upgrades, all in the format preferred by the National Maritime Center.
• Coast Guard Fees: These are typically paid through pay.gov. If you use MM-SEAS USCG Licensing Software to submit your application for you it costs $349 for a "perfect application", which covers all federal fees, regardless of amount. Their team ensures accuracy and includes the necessary fee documentation for a guaranteed successful application.

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