Learn whether the USCG accepts entirely online CPR and First Aid training for obtaining a captain's license. Get the facts straight.
Emergency University is USCG Approved for Fully Online Training
The short answer is yes, but only if the course is accepted by the USCG.
Emergency University is currently the only USCG-approved provider that allows mariners to complete CPR and First Aid entirely online, including the skills assessment. Instead of attending an in-person session, Emergency University uses a video-proctored evaluation to meet the USCG’s in-person requirement. This means you can complete the entire course from home, without visiting a training center.
Online-Only Courses From Other Providers Are Not Accepted
The USCG does not accept online-only CPR and First Aid courses from providers like the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, EMS Safety, or ASHI, even if the provider is nationally recognized. These organizations may offer online components, but you must still complete an in-person skills assessment to receive a certificate that the USCG will accept.
Recommended In-Person Courses for CPR, First Aid, and AED
If you’re not using Emergency University, we recommend taking the First Aid/CPR/AED course from the American Red Cross. It’s USCG-accepted, easy to find, and widely available. You can find a class here: redcross.org/take-a-class
However, keep in mind:
- Red Cross courses must include an in-person skills component.
- If your Red Cross card says ONLINE ONLY, the USCG will not accept it.
You can read about other class options and more info about the USCG requirements. No matter which provider you choose, your First Aid/CPR card needs to be less than a year old (even if it's not expired).
We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!
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About the author
Nate Gilman is President and Co-Founder of MM-SEAS. He hawsepiped from the deck to a 3rd Mate Unlimited license with full STCW compliance over more than 15 years at sea, and is a veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps. He works directly with the National Maritime Center, USCG-approved training schools, and vessel operators on credentialing policy, and writes on sea service documentation, evaluation standards, and how mariners move up the license ladder.
