USCG Licensing / STCW Medical Requirements

As it pertains USCG Licensing medical requirements, there are very few medical conditions that automatically disqualify a cadet from issuance of a USCG Medical Certificate, which is required of all cadets enrolled in a license-track program. These majors include: Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Transportation and Mechanical Engineering-License Option.

However, there are a number of medical conditions that will cause the USCG to ask for “Amplifying Information,” in the form of additional tests or explanations from the attending physician.  In general, the USCG wants to establish that the individual is responsible for handling their own treatment while on a vessel, that the condition can be handled without direct daily medical supervision, and that the condition does not impact a person’s ability to do their job or endanger anyone else.  In the case of acute conditions or injuries, the USCG wants to establish that treatment was adequate and appropriate, completed, and left the mariner with no lasting limitations or impacts.

If you are concerned about a medical condition that has been identified as potentially impacting licensure, visit the USCG License Programs department in your first semester for preexisting conditions or as soon as possible if a new condition arises.

The USCG License Programs office will review your current status and suitability to hold a license.  This procedure allows you plenty of time to consider changing majors and/or schools if you receive a negative response.

Any medical conditions which require “Amplifying Information” are required disclosures in the USCG Application for Medical Certification Forms CG-719K.  Review the application for the list of medical conditions which require the additional information/disclosures: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/medical_certificate/

As outlined in the USCG Application for Medical Certification,  failure to appropriately disclose medical history and/or amplifying information can result in a fraudulent submission. Falsifying information on the CG-719K constitutes fraud and can lead to denial of Merchant Mariner Medical Certification (MMC), suspension or revocation of an existing MMC, and potential for federal prosecution.