USCG Medical Certificate (CG-719K): What Mariners Need to Know
A valid USCG medical certificate is required for most MMC endorsements. Learn what the exam covers, who can perform it, how long it lasts, and what happens if you have a medical condition.
What the CG-719K Is
The CG-719K is the medical examination report a physician completes to certify that a mariner is medically fit for shipboard duty. Along with the CG-719K, the NMC issues a medical certificate that must be valid for most MMC endorsements to remain active. It's a core part of establishing that you can safely stand watch and respond in emergencies.
What the Exam Covers
The examination evaluates vision (corrected and uncorrected), color perception — critical for identifying navigation lights — hearing, cardiovascular and neurological health, and the absence of conditions that could impair safe watchkeeping. The examiner may order additional testing at their discretion, and the form documents medications and relevant history.
Who Can Perform It
A licensed physician (MD or DO), and in some cases a qualified physician assistant or nurse practitioner as permitted, can complete the CG-719K — it does not require a USCG-specific examiner. Occupational health clinics and maritime medical providers often know the form and common mariner health issues well, which can smooth the process.
Validity Period
Medical certificates are generally valid for up to two years. Depending on your health status and any conditions being monitored, the NMC may issue a certificate for a shorter period. Because your endorsements depend on a current medical, track the expiration date and schedule your renewal exam with time to spare.
If You Have a Medical Condition
Having a condition does not automatically end a maritime career. Common conditions subject to NMC review include hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, seizure disorders, certain cardiac conditions, and vision below the standard. The NMC's Medical Evaluation staff assess these case by case and may grant a waiver with conditions such as periodic monitoring or corrective devices.
A Renewal and Expiration Checklist
Work backward from your certificate's expiration date and use a simple routine so a lapse never catches you mid-hitch. First, record the exact expiration date the moment your certificate is issued, alongside your MMC, TWIC, and STCW dates, so all of your credentials live in one place. Second, book your renewal exam roughly 90 days before expiration — earlier if you have a monitored condition that may require extra documentation. Third, bring your current medications list, recent test results for any monitored condition, and corrective lenses to the exam so the examiner can complete the form in one visit. Fourth, submit the completed CG-719K to the NMC and keep a copy for your own records and for employer verification. Fifth, once the new certificate arrives, update your stored records and any profile where you track credential dates so employers always see current validity.
A note on requirements
Credentialing rules change and often depend on your specific vessel, route, tonnage, and history. Nothing here is legal advice. Always confirm the current requirements with the USCG National Maritime Center (NMC) and with your employer or vessel operator before making career or hiring decisions. When a rule seems to conflict with your situation, an NMC deficiency letter or a call to the NMC Customer Service Center is the fastest way to get an authoritative answer.