Coast Guard Seeks Renewal of Mariner Paperwork Forms
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for approval to keep collecting info from people applying for merchant mariner credentials and medical certificates, with a few updates. Mariners and applicants are affected, and the public can comment until June 22, 2026. This process helps make sure the paperwork stays fair and not too much of a hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Forms reorganized and e-signature option
The Coast Guard reorganized and clarified the merchant mariner credential and medical certificate forms (e.g., CG-719B, CG-719K, CG-719S) to put key instructions next to the relevant sections and to improve ease of use. The forms will now offer an option to sign electronically, which the Coast Guard says should reduce processing delays and incomplete submissions.
Conviction disclosure clarified for mariners
The CG-719B form was revised to add language clarifying that mariners must disclose all convictions, including convictions for boating safety crimes. Applicants must list all convictions as part of the criminal record review.
Small-vessel sea service wording broadened
The Coast Guard changed CG-719S Section III title from "Record of Underway Service" to "Record of Service" to clarify that, in specific circumstances, dockside time may be included when determining sea service. This change was made to address requests for clarification about underway time versus dockside time.
Optional duplicate credential form added
The Coast Guard proposes adding an optional form CG-719D so individuals can request a duplicate Merchant Mariner Credential or duplicate medical certificate. The form is intended as a convenient option for people who need a replacement credential.
Simpler drug-use reporting for non-convicted users
The CG-719B now provides a place for applicants who have used or been addicted to dangerous drugs but do not have convictions to list the drugs used without having to fill out form CG-719C. This change reduces the need to complete an extra form for that group of applicants.
Estimated annual paperwork burden reduced
The Coast Guard's estimated annual hour burden for this collection decreased from 62,006 hours to 57,333 hours per year due to a decrease in the estimated annual number of responses. This reflects the Coast Guard's updated estimate of total respondent time.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-10201, Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments for a New Information Collection
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The U.S. Coast Guard wants to keep collecting info about waste management and ship logs without changing the rules. This affects ship operators who must keep records and submit reports. They’re asking for your thoughts by July 20, 2026, and there’s no new cost or extra paperwork planned.