No, you do not need a TWIC to renew your USCG License. Renewing your TWIC is a waste of $125.25 if you don't need it for work.
TWIC Exemption
If you are only going to be working on uninspected passenger vessels less than 100 GRT and you can never carry more than 6 passengers, (Example OUPV 6-pack), you are exempt from holding a TWIC.
If you don't need it for work, you can use a TWIC exemption memo.
To renew/upgrade your USCG License without a TWIC, you will need a memo (https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/twic/TWIC_exemption_statement.pdf) as part of your renewal/upgrade application which states why you qualify to not have a valid TWIC as well as providing the required additional information required to run a “name-based” background check on you before renewing your MMC.
This will require providing the USCG with your full name, social security number, and date of birth.
OUPV Renewal Topics
Medical
https://www.mmseas.com/post/renewing-your-oupv-license-medical
Drug Test
https://www.mmseas.com/post/renewing-my-oupv-license-negative-drug-test
Pay.gov Fees
https://www.mmseas.com/post/renewing-my-oupv-license-pay-gov-fees
We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!
For complete guidance on renewing your MMC, check out:
- OUPV Six-Pack License Renewal
- 25 Ton License Renewal
- 50 Ton License Renewal
- 100 Ton Captain License Renewal
Start with the Ultimate USCG License Renewal Checklist for a complete overview of the renewal process.
MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Expert Access inside of the site.
No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application you can do it yourself, or you can hand the whole thing to us. An MM-SEAS Navita Navigator walks you through submitting in Navita, the Coast Guard's new submission portal, on a short video call. No computer, or not up for a video call? Our team gets your application submitted to the Coast Guard for you anyway. A Stress-Free MMC is $399. Two MM-SEAS licensing experts check every page, we pay your Coast Guard fees at submission and charge your card so you never touch pay.gov, and we stay on it with the National Maritime Center until your credential is issued.
MM-SEAS Expert Access is $99 a year. It is your personal guidance counselor for USCG licensing: what training you need next, which sea time counts, and how to reach the credential you want, by phone, email, chat or a 1 on 1 video call. Expert Access members also get $50 off a Stress-Free MMC.
Need to renew, upgrade or get your first USCG license? We're here to help.
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.
