CPR and First Aid Course for Mariners
Enroll today in Sea School’s eight (8) hour CPR and First Aid course and earn necessary certifications to apply for your first USCG Officer Endorsement. This course ensures mariners have essential adult CPR and First Aid skills for the maritime environment.
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Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
















Sea School’s CPR and First Aid Course is an eight (8) hour course taught over one or two days.
Throughout the course, students will spend time learning through class instruction and hands-on training to prepare for emergency situations in a maritime environment. Course completion is based on participation and demonstrated competency in CPR and First Aid techniques.

CPR and First Aid Course Completion and Certification Requirements
Any applicant who has successfully completed Sea School’s First Aid & CPR (SEASCH-197) course will satisfy:
- The First Aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1), PROVIDED that this training was completed within one year of the date of application; AND
- The Elementary First Aid standards of competence required by 46 CFR 11.302(a)(3) and 12.602(a)(3); STCW Code Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-3, as amended 2010, meeting the National Assessment Guidelines from NVIC 08-14(Ch-1) Tasks 4.1.A, 4.1.B, 4.1.C, 4.1.D, 4.1.E, 4.2.A, 4.3.A, 4.3.B, 4.4.A, 4.4.B, 4.4.C, 4.4.D, 4.4.E, 4.4.F, 4.4.G, 4.4.H, 4.4.I, 4.5.A, 4.6.A, 4.6.B, 4.7.A, 4.7.B, 4.7.C, 4.8.A, 4.8.B, 4.8.C, 4.8.D, and 4.9.A.
Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
















Real-World Expertise
Excellence starts with a strong foundation. We believe in mastering fundamental skills, building confidence, and ensuring every mariner has the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in their career.
Flexible Learning Options
True leadership is demonstrated through action. We foster a hands-on approach, where mariners learn by doing and gain real-world experience that prepares them for the challenges of the industry.
Career Advancement
In the maritime world, challenges are inevitable - but so are solutions. We encourage proactive thinking, problem-solving, and the courage to take initiative.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
We never settle for mediocrity. Whether in training, leadership, or problem-solving, we strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
A Strong Community & Industry Network
Success in the maritime industry requires a strong work ethic. We embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, knowing that real growth comes from effort and persistence.
Confidence & Leadership Development
Ttrue professionals must be ready to adapt. We believe in staying agile, embracing change, and continuously expanding our skills to meet new challenges.
We’ve developed comprehensive, engaging, and practical curriculum to set you up for success on the water
While the curriculum represented on the Sea School website is a general layout of course information, it is not the exact order in which lessons are taught.
A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career
Choose Your Course
Pick the course that fits your experience level and sea time and select the available format that works for you (in-person, Zoom, or online).
Enroll & Prepare
Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.
Get Certified
After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

What Our Clients Say
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
- Students should plan to bring a pencil, highlighter, and notebook or notepad.
- We also strongly encourage close-toed shoes and clothing suitable for hands-on practice.

Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the CPR/FA License course
CPR, short for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is an emergency procedure performed when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. First Aid, on the other hand, is a more general term for aid provided to an injured person until more thorough medical treatment can be provided.
Many jobs in the maritime world are on seafaring vessels, where medical treatment and care can be difficult to access. It is therefore important for mariners to have the training necessary to aid each other and commercial passengers in the case of an emergency. As a result, the USCG mandates all mariners seeking any office endorsement to be CPR and First Aid certified.
- The Sea School offers CPR and First Aid courses at six of our brick and mortar locations. You can register here for a CPR and First Aid course that works best with your schedule. You can also find a list of approved courses on the NMC website under the “Approved Courses” tab.
CPR Certificates are typically valid for five years. With that said, mariners submitting an application for an original officer endorsement must have completed CPR and First Aid within the 12 months prior to submitting their application.
Depending on who issued the certificate. Most are only good for 2 years unless given under STCW.
The four elements of Basic Training are:
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR)
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- CPR & First Aid (CPR/FA)
- Basic Firefighting (BFF)
Elementary First Aid is the most common requirement for mariners but specific requirements can vary depending on the credential and the type of vessel.
Our certificates are good for 5 years. But most others (like ARC or AHA are only good for two). If acting as a licensed Captain, either the captain or a designated member of his crew must have a current CPR/FA certification.
The US Coast Guard requires you to obtain a certificate from a USCG approved training provider. The list of training providers can be found here. Also, certification must be within the last 12 months (unless STCW).
NO. The CG will always require (as part of any of their approved courses) that you be able to demonstrate skills learned for both CPR and First Aid to an evaluator. They will accept certain "blended" classes (part online, part skills set in-person or over Zoom to meet the personal evaluation requirements).
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
