If you are renewing a Certificate of Registry, Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) with Lifeboatman, or MMC without qualified ratings and you plan to serve on a seagoing vessel beyond the boundary lines, then you need to provide proof of physical agility, strength, and flexibility. For more information, see Section D below.
If you are renewing a License or a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with a qualified rating other than Lifeboatman (LBMAN), then you must submit an original physical examination report ( Form CG-719K ) completed by a U.S. Licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner within one year of the application. This report must certify that you are in good health and have no physical impairment or medical condition which would render you incompetent to perform the ordinary duties allowed by your credential. Please ensure this form has been completed entirely. Delays in approving applications are frequently the result of incomplete physical examination reports. For example, if you are taking any medications prescribed by your physician, then your physician must have all of the medications disclosed in block 15 of the form with a statement regarding whether or not you experience any side effects from them. If side effects are experienced, they must be listed. If no side effects are experienced, then a statement to that effect must be included.
Renewal of a License as deck officer or Merchant Mariner’s Credential as Able Seaman (AB) or Tankerman (TKMAN): You must have uncorrected vision of at least 20/800 in each eye, correctable to at least 20/40 in each eye. You must also possess normal color vision as determined by one of the methods listed on the CG-719K Physical Examination Report.
Renewal of a License as engineer officer or Merchant Mariner’s Credential as Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED): You must have uncorrected vision of at least 20/800 in each eye, correctable to at least 20/50 in each eye. However, you only need to possess the color sensing ability to distinguish between red, green, blue and yellow.
For renewal of all licenses or Merchant Mariner’s Credentials with qualified ratings other than Lifeboatman, you must not have blood pressure higher than 160/100 if under the age 50 or higher than 175/100 if over 50, regardless of treatment or medication.
If you want more information on the Coast Guard’s physical examination standards, connect here to NVIC 2-98
If you are renewing a Certificate of Registry, Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC) with Lifeboatman, or MMC without qualified ratings, you are not required to submit a physical examination report (Form CG-719K). However, if you plan to work on seagoing vessels beyond the boundary lines, you will have to submit documentation from a U.S. licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner certifying that you have the agility, strength, and flexibility to:
Climb steep or vertical ladders Maintain balance on a moving deck Pull heavy fire hoses up to 400 feet, and have the ability to lift fully charged fire hoses Rapidly don an exposure suit Step over door sills of 24 inches in height, and Open or close watertight doors that may weigh up to 56 pounds. What if I don’t meet the physical requirements? Not meeting the vision, hearing, or general physical condition required for renewal does not automatically cause you to be denied. The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard may consider you for a physical waiver if extenuating circumstances warrant special consideration. The REC reviewing your application may request that your physician provide additional information to support a waiver in such cases.
“Dangerous drugs” – under the Department of Transportation rules are: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines. Proof that you are free of dangerous drugs is required with your renewal application. Only a screening that tests for the five dangerous drugs is accepted. All tests must be conducted in accordance with “Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs” in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 40 and done by laboratories certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. All qualifying random and periodic drug-testing programs must also meet these requirements.
A listing of approved laboratories is also available online at www.drugfreeworkplace.gov. When the main page comes on screen click on “Drug Testing” and then click on “Certified Labs”. By contacting one of these labs they will direct you to the collection facility that is nearest to your location
A completed drug test form (report or letter) signed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO) or authorized representative of a consortium showing that you passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs conducted in accordance with 49 CFR 40 within the previous six months with no subsequent positive drug tests during the remainder of the six-month period.
Coast Guard PhysicalA letter on company or consortium stationary signed by the authorized official that administers the drug testing program stating that you passed a pre-employment or periodic test for dangerous drugs within the previous six months with no subsequent positive drug tests during the remainder of the six month period.
A letter on company or consortium stationary signed by the authorized official that administers the drug testing program stating that you have been subject to random drug testing required by 46 CFR 16.230 for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days and did not fail or refuse to participate in any required chemical test.
If you are an active duty U.S. military member, a letter from your command stating that you have been subject to random drug testing for the past six months and have not failed or refused to participate in any required test. Random testing letters are not accepted for reserve military members since they are only subject to testing during monthly drills. However, if you are a reserve or active duty member and passed a required chemical test for dangerous drugs within the previous six months, then you may submit a letter from your command stating this.
Recruit basic training is rigorous and demanding. To succeed, you must commit to preparing yourself now. Prior to your arrival for recruit basic training, you need to prepare yourself physically, mentally, financially, and bring the permitted personal items listed in this section of The Helmsman.
You MUST arrive physically fit and ready to comfortably EXCEED the minimum standards. If you're taking the first steps toward fitness, ensure that you consult with your doctor before starting any fitness training program.
Fitness training balances four elements of good health. Make sure your routine includes aerobic fitness, strength training, core exercises, and flexibility and stretching.
Aerobic activity, also known as cardio or endurance activity, is the cornerstone of most fitness training programs. Aerobic activity or exercise causes you to breathe faster and more deeply, which maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart will beat faster, increasing blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs.
The better your aerobic fitness, the more efficiently your heart, lungs, and blood vessels transport oxygen throughout your body, and the easier it is to complete routine physical tasks and rise to unexpected challenges.
Aerobic activity includes any physical activity that uses large muscle groups and increases your heart rate. Try walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and water aerobics.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week. You can also try high-intensity interval training, which involves alternating short bursts of intense activity (around 30 seconds) with subsequent recovery periods (around three to four minutes) of lighter activity. For example, you could include bursts of running in your brisk jogs.
Muscular fitness is another key component of a fitness training program. Strength training can help you increase bone strength and muscular fitness, and it can help you manage or lose weight. It can also improve your ability to do everyday activities. Aim to include strength training of all the major muscle groups into your fitness routine at least twice a week.
Most fitness centers offer various resistance machines, free weights, and other tools for strength training. Resistance bands are an inexpensive option. Your own body weight counts, too. Try push-ups, pull-ups, bent-knee sit-ups and leg squats.
The muscles in your abdomen, lower back, and pelvis (known as your core muscles) help protect your back and connect upper and lower body movements. Core strength is a key element of a well-rounded fitness training program.
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