Menu

Does the USCG accept entirely online CPR and First Aid training for Captains licenses?

Learn whether the USCG accepts entirely online CPR and First Aid training for obtaining a captain's license. Get the facts straight.

2 mins read・Apr 14, 2022
On this page

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.

CPR training on mannequin.

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).

USCG license renewal assistance interface.

We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!

MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Pro inside of the site.

No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application, you can choose to have the MM-SEAS staff create a stress free application, handle the USCG application fees and work with the USCG on your behalf to resolve any issues for a flat fee of $349 or you can choose to submit on your own.

Pro MM-SEAS members get access to unlimited live 1 on 1 calls with one of our USCG Licensing Specialists. We've found that answering questions live with screen sharing in a video call makes both of our lives easier. Pro MM-SEAS members can access these features inside of MM-SEAS under License Guidance.

Need to renew, upgrade or get your first USCG license? We're here to help.

No matter if it is your first MMC, your second Upgrade or your fifth Renewal USCG Licensing is easy with MM-SEAS.
Sign Up for Free
Stress Free MMC Submission $349 (Includes pay.gov fees), and real human review by our US credentialing experts.

About the author

Nate Gilman
Nate Gilman
Captain
Follow

Nate has over 15 years of professional maritime experience and has hawsepiped his way to a 3rd Mate Unlimited Endorsement with full STCW compliance. He is proud veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps.

Trusted by Mariners Across the Country

Your MMC, your way

Do it yourself, get expert help, or hand it off start to finish — let’s get your USCG License done right.
Free
You will always have access
Start for Free
File on your own
Renewing or getting your first U.S. Coast Guard License? Let our simple and easy-to-use checklists guide you.
See how MM-SEAS Free works →
Optional
$349 for a Stress Free Application
(Includes pay.gov fees)
$99 a year
Upgrade to Pro at anytime
Start for Free
Live expert license help
Get unlimited personal support to renew and upgrade your Merchant Mariner Credential while progressing in your career.
See how MM-SEAS Pro works →
Optional
$349 for a Stress Free Application
(Includes pay.gov fees)
$899 a year
Upgrade to Admiral at anytime
Start for Free
We do your MMC for you
Have a dedicated licensing expert handle everything for your USCG License, from start to finish with unlimited guidance.
See how MM-SEAS Admiral works →
Included
Unlimited Stress Free Applications (Includes pay.gov fees)
Recent Posts