How to Get Your Merchant Mariner Credential

How to Get Your Merchant Mariner boating class photo - Seattle Maritime Academy and Continuing Education at Seattle Central College

Class Overview

Are you interested in working on a commercial vessel? Learn about the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) credentialing process for Ordinary Seaman/Wiper, Able Seaman and Master 100 Gross Register Tons endorsements. 

This class will walk you through each step of the process for becoming a credentialed professional Merchant Mariner. Learn what you need to know about the USCG credentialing exams, Medical Certificates, and documentation of professional or recreational small-boat sea-time. 

Students will receive a packet of handouts to use as a resource, provided by the instructor.  This class is strongly encouraged for anyone considering taking Seattle Maritime Academy’s (SMA) Able Seaman Test Prep (winter 2025) or 100 Ton Test Prep classes (spring 2025).

If you have any questions whether this class is right for you, please call Seattle Maritime Academy for assistance at (206) 934-2647.  Seattle Maritime Academy’s suggested class list for this series: 

  1. How to Get your Merchant Mariner Credential (winter & spring 2025) - this class
  2. Able Seaman Test Prep (winter 2025)
  3. 100 Ton Test Prep (Mondays, starting April 14; you can register for the class starting 2/25/25)

 

Learning Objectives

  • Requirements for USCG National endorsement for Able Seaman and license for Master (and Mate) 100 gross register tons
  • Sea Service requirements for USCG National Able Seaman and Master (and Mate) 100 gross register tons, and how to document professional and/or recreational small-boat sea-time toward these
  • USCG testing requirements and protocols for USCG National credentials
  • Prepare for SMA’s Able Seaman Test Prep or 100 Ton Test Prep classes

 

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

  • Anyone who plans to take their credentialing tests at a Regional Exam Center (REC) and would like assistance navigating the process
  • Recreational boaters who are interested in becoming professional mariners
  • Boaters who are interested in becoming professional charter boat captains
  • Individuals interested in working on larger commercial boats and ships
  • Mariners who have a minimum of 180 days of documented sea service or equivalent recreational small-boat sea time  

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Class Details

Winter 2025

  • When : Wednesday, Jan 08 ; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • Location : SCSMA , SC - SMA General Class -SMA0111 , 4455 Shilshole Ave. NW Seattle WA 98107
  • Fee : $89
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Instructor