Coast Guard Reviews Merchant Mariner Credential Forms
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info from people applying for merchant mariner credentials and medical certificates, with a few updates. They’re asking for your thoughts before sending this request to the Office of Management and Budget by January 30, 2026. This helps make sure the paperwork stays useful and not too much of a hassle for mariners.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Forms reorganized to cut processing delays
If you apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or Medical Certificate, the Coast Guard reorganized form wording and put key instructions next to the related questions to make forms easier to fill out and reduce incomplete submissions. The changes apply to forms in OMB Control Number 1625-0040 such as CG-719B and others.
Estimated annual paperwork burden reduced
The Coast Guard estimates the total annual hour burden for this collection fell from 62,006 hours to 57,333 hours per year, a decrease due to a lower estimated number of annual responses. This estimate is part of the ICR for OMB Control Number 1625-0040.
Electronic signature option added
The Coast Guard added an option for applicants to sign MMC and medical forms electronically. This change is part of the collection under OMB Control Number 1625-0040 and is intended to improve user functionality.
New duplicate credential form available
The Coast Guard proposes adding an optional form, CG-719D, so people can request a duplicate Merchant Mariner Credential or duplicate Medical Certificate more conveniently. The agency also proposes including CG-718A (Certificate of Discharge to Merchant Mariner) in this collection; CG-718A was previously under OMB Control Number 1625-0012.
Conviction disclosure clarified (boating crimes)
The CG-719B form now clarifies that mariners must disclose all convictions, including convictions for boating safety crimes. This change is intended to make the criminal record review requirement explicit in the application process.
Simpler drug-use reporting option on CG-719B
For applicants without convictions who have used or been addicted to dangerous drugs, the CG-719B now provides a place to list drugs used so they do not have to complete the separate CG-719C disclosure form. This is meant to reduce form burden for those applicants.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21675, Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0056
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting certain labeling info from boat owners and manufacturers, with no changes to the current rules. This helps keep safety labels clear without adding extra paperwork. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until December 31, 2025, to speak up!
Next: 2025-21677, Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0129
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info for its Intermodal Container Inspection Program without making any changes. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by January 30, 2026, before they ask the government to approve this again. This helps keep shipping safe and smooth, with no new costs or extra paperwork for businesses.