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United States

1. Do you need certification in the United States?

Below is the full certification pathway — from eligibility check to receiving your USCG MMC. By the end of §1–§3, you will know exactly which certificate you need, where to train, and what it costs. §4 walks you through the application and other requirements.

You need a USCG STCW endorsement if you intend to serve on a US-flagged vessel in a capacity that requires a certificate of competency under STCW and you are not a US citizen with a US-issued mariner credential. Specifically:

  • You need a USCG STCW endorsement if you hold a CoC from a foreign administration and want to serve on a US-flagged vessel in international trade or on a vessel subject to STCW.
  • You need a US-issued Mariner Credential (MMC + STCW endorsement) if you are a US citizen qualifying from scratch.

United States regulatory framework:

  • 46 CFR Part 11 (Code of Federal Regulations) — Subchapter B: Marine Personnel, including Subpart C (Requirements for STCW officer endorsements, §§11.301-11.329)
  • 46 CFR Part 10 — Mariner Certification
  • STCW Convention and STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see §11.102)
  • Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) — operational policy of the USCG
  • STCW Convention (incorporated through federal regulations)

You do not need a USCG STCW endorsement if:

  • You serve exclusively on inland/domestic-only vessels not subject to STCW
  • You serve as a passenger in a non-watchkeeping role
  • You hold a valid US mariner credential (MMC) and are upgrading your endorsement

The USCG National Maritime Center (NMC) in Martinsburg, West Virginia is the issuing authority.

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2. What certification do you need by position?

STCW divides seafarer certification into four departments plus ratings and MLC catering. Each position has a corresponding STCW regulation and a 46 CFR Part 11 reference.

Deck department

Position STCW regulation 46 CFR reference Required endorsement
Master / Chief Mate (Management level) II/2 §11.311 STCW Master/Chief Mate
Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Operational level) II/1 §11.309 STCW OOW (Deck)
Master (<500 GT, near-coastal) II/3 §11.315 STCW Master <500 GT
Rating forming part of a navigational watch (OS) II/4 §11.321(a) + Subpart D STCW Rating (Deck)
Able Seafarer Deck (AB) II/5 §11.321(b) + Subpart D STCW Able Seafarer Deck

Engine department

Position STCW regulation 46 CFR reference Required endorsement
Chief Engineer / First Assistant (Management level) III/2 §11.325 STCW Chief Engineer
Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (Operational level) III/1 §11.323 STCW OOW (Engine)
Rating forming part of an engineering watch III/4 §11.321(a) + Subpart D STCW Rating (Engine)
Able Seafarer Engine III/5 §11.321(c) + Subpart D STCW Able Seafarer Engine

Electro-Technical department

Position STCW regulation 46 CFR reference Required endorsement
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) III/6 §11.327 STCW ETO
Electro-Technical Rating (ETR) III/7 §11.321(d) + Subpart D STCW ETR

Radio department

Position STCW regulation 46 CFR reference Required endorsement
GMDSS Radio Operator IV/2 §11.329 STCW GMDSS Operator

Catering (MLC, not STCW)

STCW does not regulate ship cooks and catering roles. However, MLC 2006 Regulation 3.2 and Standard A3.2 require that ships providing food to crew have a qualified ship's cook. The US implements this through 46 CFR Part 5 (Credentialing of Maritime Personnel) and USCG guidance on MLC.

A ship's cook on US-flagged vessels must:

  • Hold a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Ship Cook endorsement
  • Meet USCG medical and physical requirements
  • Have completed food safety training recognised by USCG

Source: USCG — Mariner Credentialing.

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3. Where to get the training

STCW courses must be completed at USCG-approved training providers within the United States, or at training providers in countries whose certificates the USCG recognises under STCW Regulation I/10.

Deck training

For foundational STCW BST modules (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR) accepted by USCG for STCW basic safety training requirements: Marine Pro Academy — STCW Basic Safety Training Bundle (4 modules, IMO whitelist recognised).

Engine training

  • High Voltage (Operational and Management) for vessels with HV systems: High Voltage Familiarization (MPA).
  • Engine room resource management: ERM (VMA).
  • LNG cargo operations if serving on LNG carriers: LNG Cargo Pumps (MPA).

For senior engineering officers responsible for advanced fire response on US vessels, Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) under STCW VI/3 is recognised: Marine Pro Academy — Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF).

Tanker and specialised training (STCW Chapter V)

  • Oil and Chemical Tanker Familiarisation (V/1-1): VMA course (ref=1567).
  • Advanced Oil Tanker Operations (V/1-1 para 3-4): VMA course (ref=1567).
  • Liquefied Gas Tanker Familiarisation (V/1-2): VMA course (ref=1567).
  • Passenger Ship Crowd Management (V/2): VMA course (ref=1567).

For engineer and deck officers responsible for MARPOL Annex VI air pollution compliance under USCG and IMO regulations: Virtual Maritime Academy — MARPOL Annex VI: Air Pollution.

Security and MLC training

  • Vessel Security Officer (VSO) per ISPS Code: CSO (VMA).
  • Security Awareness for all crew: Security Awareness (MPA).
  • Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) familiarisation for ship's cooks: MLC (MPA).
  • Designated Person Ashore (DPA) per ISM Code: DPA (VMA).

For senior officers responsible for ISPS Code compliance and audit roles, USCG recognises VMA theoretical courses for STCW security and management endorsements: Virtual Maritime Academy — Company Security Officer (CSO) and ISM/ISPS/MLC Lead Auditor (ISO 19011:2026).

Where to apply

Submit applications to:

USCG National Maritime Center — 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, USA. Phone: +1 (304) 433-3400.

Online applications via the Mariner Credential Application portal.

Verification

USCG credential verification: USCG eCredential Query — employers and port authorities can verify the authenticity of USCG credentials.

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4. Other requirements

Immigration and crewmember visas

The rules for foreign seafarers in the United States depend on whether you qualify as a “crewmember” under US immigration law. The United States has specific crewmember visa categories that allow seafarers to enter and work on vessels under tight controls — separate from the general H-1B/H-2B work permit framework.

Foreign seafarers entering US waters are governed by:

When you need a D crewmember visa

Per INA Section 252(a)(1) and INA Section 252(a)(2), foreign seafarers performing duties on board a vessel arriving at a US port generally require a D crewmember visa (officially “D visa, alien crewman”). The D visa is issued by the US Department of State to foreign seafarers to allow entry into the United States for the purpose of joining a vessel.

Eligibility:

  • You must be employed or engaged as a crewmember on a vessel that is in US waters or arriving at a US port
  • The vessel must be engaged in international trade or be a foreign-flag vessel calling at a US port
  • The crewman must have a clean criminal record and not be inadmissible under INA §212(a)

Coverage:

  • Authorises entry into the United States to join the vessel
  • Authorises transit through US territory (including airports) for the purpose of joining the vessel
  • Valid for up to 30 days before vessel departure (single entry)

Limitations:

  • D crewmembers may NOT be paid wages in the United States unless under very specific circumstances
  • D visa does NOT authorise shore-side work beyond immediate crew change activities
  • D crewmembers must depart with the vessel when it sails

Application fee: USD $185 (MRV fee, as of 2024).

Processing time: Typically same day to 5 working days at US consulates in major seafarer-source countries (Manila, Mumbai, Odessa, etc.). Some consulates offer expedited processing for crew change emergencies.

Source: US Department of State — D Crewmember Visa.

When you need a C-1 crewmember transit visa

Per INA Section 212(d)(3)(C) and 8 CFR §212.1, the C-1 transit visa is for foreign seafarers transiting the United States for the purpose of reaching a vessel in a foreign port, typically by air.

Coverage:

  • Used when a seafarer flies into the US en route to a vessel departing from a US port (rare, as most crew change happens at foreign ports)
  • Authorises a short transit through US territory only
  • Typically valid for up to 29 days

Application fee: USD $185 (MRV fee, same as D visa, as of 2024).

Processing time: Typically same day to 5 working days at US consulates.

When you need an H-2B visa (long-term engagement)

For seafarers serving on US-flagged vessels for extended periods in US waters, an H-2B temporary work visa may be required if the engagement exceeds the D visa's 30-day limit. The H-2B is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary non-agricultural workers.

Note: H-2B visas are subject to annual numerical limits and prevailing wage requirements. They are rarely used for standard maritime crew change scenarios.

Application fee: USD $1,710 base filing fee + USD $500 fraud prevention fee (as of 2024). Additional fees may apply for premium processing.

Processing time: Typically 2-4 months for H-2B from outside the US, depending on quota availability and prevailing wage determination timing.

Source: US Department of State — H-2B Visa.

When you do NOT need a crewmember visa (Visa Waiver Program)

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may enter the United States for short stays without obtaining a visa, provided they hold an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel. Note that VWP entry is NOT a substitute for a D crewmember visa when joining a vessel, but it may be used for shore leave or brief stopovers by some seafarers.

Application fee: USD $21 for ESTA authorization (as of 2024) — paid online.

Confirm current visa requirements at US Department of State — Visa Information at least 6 weeks before the joining date.

Medical certificate

All seafarers on US-flagged vessels must hold a valid USCG Medical Certificate, issued under 46 CFR Part 10 (Subpart D), with the endorsement noted on their Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

The medical examination covers fitness for duty at sea, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and psychological suitability. It must be conducted by a USCG-licensed medical practitioner in the United States, or by a medical practitioner in a country with a USCG-approved medical examination protocol.

For USCG STCW endorsement applicants from overseas, foreign medical certificates (e.g., ENG1, Marine Medical Certificate from Transport Canada) may be accepted for the first 3 months of service, after which a USCG medical examination is required.

The certificate is typically valid for 2 years with some roles requiring annual renewal.

Source: USCG — Medical Certification.

MLC 2006 implementation

The United States has not ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). The US has its own framework of labor protections for seafarers through the Merchant Marine Act (Jones Act) and other federal laws.

However, US-flagged vessels calling at ports of MLC-ratifying countries may be subject to MLC inspections when visiting those ports. The USCG works with foreign port state control authorities to ensure compliance with applicable maritime labour standards.

Note: MLC does not apply to US-flagged vessels operating exclusively in US waters (Jones Act vessels).

Source: USCG — Maritime Labour Convention.

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For US-flag vessels operating with international crew subject to MLC 2006 compliance standards, VMA offers a recognised MLC Internal Auditor course covering MLC Convention implementation: Virtual Maritime Academy — MLC Internal Auditor.

For broader context, compare United States certification requirements with other flag states, and review your flag state options before applying.

Compare your pathway with neighbouring maritime flag states:

  • Canada — USCG and TC endorsement pathways compared
  • United Kingdom — transfer USCG license to UK MCA
  • Panama — Panama flag endorsement for USCG license holders

For more context on the certifications mentioned on this page:

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about certification, training, and endorsement pathways for seafarers on the United States maritime register.

Do I need US certification to work on a US-flagged vessel?
Yes. The USCG requires a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the appropriate endorsement for officers serving on US-flagged commercial vessels subject to STCW.
How long does USCG certification take?
Typical processing is 60 to 90 days for an MMC with STCW endorsement, due to USCG evaluation, security checks (TWIC), and document verification.
What is the difference between USCG and STCW certification?
STCW is the IMO international standard; USCG administers US-specific certification under that framework. USCG certification adds the MMC structure, TWIC requirement, drug testing, and US-specific safety and security training.
How much does USCG certification cost?
USCG fees are published in 46 CFR §10.219. Costs include application fees, evaluation fees, and TWIC. Budget from low-hundreds to low-thousands USD depending on rank.
What medical certificate do I need for USCG certification?
A USCG-approved medical certificate (separate from ENG1), issued by a USCG-approved medical practitioner. Drug testing is also required.
Can I use my STCW from another country in the US?
Yes, via the USCG STCW endorsement pathway. Officers holding CoCs from countries whose STCW certifications the US recognises can apply for a US STCW endorsement, subject to USCG evaluation.