Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to contact Sea School is by emailing info@seaschool.com or by calling (800) 237-8663. You can also check out our locations page for more location-specific detail.

We offer on-campus lodging ONLY at our Bayou La Batre, AL location. On-campus lodging is bunk-style and is free of charge. Please call our Bayou La Batre facility ahead of your arrival to let our team know if you plan to stay on campus.

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is required for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. To obtain a TWIC card you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, naturalized citizen or a nonimmigrant alien, asylee, or refugee who is in lawful status.
• Schedule an appointment online or by calling (855) 347-8371
• Pre-enroll using the online application (this is not required but highly recommended)
• Provide required documentation, be fingerprinted, and take a facial photo
• Pay the registration or renewal fee

For more information, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/twic

Step 1: Determine the rating that you wish to obtain. Requirements may vary depending on rating

Step 2: Obtain a Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential

Step 3: Fill out a CG-719B Application

Step 4: If applicable, fill our a CG-719C Conviction Statement

Step 5: Complete a USCG certified physical examination and complete form CG-719K

Step 6: Pass a valid USCG drug test and enroll in a periodic screening program or consortium

Step 7: Pay user fees

Step 8: If applicable, fill out form CG-719S or obtain other documented sea service

Step 9: Obtain relevant course certificates or assessments

The above documents the general path to become a Merchant Marine. If you have additional questions or want to learn more, go to https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/

You may renew your credential during the Period of Grace (no more than 12 months beyond the five-year expiration date), but you can NOT operate under the authority of your credential during this Grace Period. Once your credential has expired, it is no longer valid and you can not work on it.

While it is not necessary to have all sea time documented and accounted for by the time you take your course at Sea School, we highly recommend students start our courses with the ability to complete their necessary sea time within one year of course completion.

It is also important to note that some endorsements do not require any sea time at all so be sure to check with USCG guidelines and regulations when signing up for a course. You may also contact us and a member of our team can walk you through this in more detail.

No. Sea School cannot, under any circumstance, extend the date on your course completion certificate. Any extenuating circumstances must be discussed directly with the USCG.

At Sea School, we love training teams and larger groups. Please call (800) 237-8663 or email us at info@seaschool.com and a member of our team will work with you to sign up your team.

Some of our locations offer on-site drug testing through our sister company, APCA. If you would like to schedule a drug test, please call the Sea School location nearest you to schedule a time that works best.

While Sea School unfortunately does not offer courses everywhere, we do have some online and distance learning options available for students who are unable to travel to one of our locations. You must sign-up directly for those classes online. 

Additionally, if there is enough interest from your team or community, Sea School is able to do offsite courses and come directly to you. Please email info@seaschool.com to learn more about this option.