- About Us
- Contacting NMC
- Applications
- Applications & Forms
- Merchant Mariner Credential Fees
- Approved Courses
- Exams
- Mariner's Information Center
- Credential Verification
- FAQ
- NMC Online Survey
- Regulations & Codes
- Medical Information
- Drug Testing
- REC Information
- STCW
- TWIC
- Appeal Process
- NMC Location
- Site Map
- Web Stats
- Helpful Links
Security Levels
Providing Credentials to Mariners
Welcome to the National Maritime Center's Medical Evaluation Division. Here you will find important information regarding medical and physical requirements for a Merchant Mariner Credentials
The Medical and Physical Guidelines for the Merchant Mariner Credential (NVIC 04-08) contains important information about medical and physical requirements. If you have been diagnosed with medical conditions or are taking prescription medication, information in these guidelines is very important. Links to the individual sections of the guidelines are found below.
Medical and Physical Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials 
- Medical Certification Standards - Enclosure 1
- Physical Ability Guidelines - Enclosure 2
- Medical Conditions - Enclosure 3 with list of Medical Conditions - Enclosure 3(a): if you have a diagnosed medical condition, take this enclosure with you when you have your medical examination and ensure your medical provider reviews the recommended evaluation data for your particular condition.
- Medications - Enclosure 4
- Vision and Hearing Standards - Enclosure 5
- Medical Review Process - Enclosure 6
- Top Five Medical Issues
- HHR PIP Color Vision Test is approved as an alternative Vision Test.
Links to the required Physical Exam forms are listed below. Both forms are fillable online. Once the applicant portion is filled out, print the form and take it to your physician. The 719K has numerous links embedded in the form which will take you to appropriate sections of NVIC 04-08. If you check yes to any of the medical conditions listed in the form it is highly recommended that you print the appropriate section of the NVIC and provide it to your physician when getting your exam. The Merchant Mariner Physical Exam form CG-719K is required for Officers and Mariners with a qualifying rating.
Please use ALL CAPS when filling out these forms.
The Merchant Mariner Certification of Fitness for Entery Level Rating form CG-719KE is required for entry-level mariners. Please click the CG 719KE link below for further information:
Mariners often will leave something out of their medical form that will cause a delay in processing of their credential. Below is a list of the most common errors.
A drug test is required for all transactions except endorsements, duplicates and continuity. Only a DOT 5 panel test will be accepted. For further information please go to our website for drug testing.
Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF)