What Does It Mean to Put My Coast Guard License into Continuity?

Mariners who want to pause their national endorsements due to not being able to meet the requirements of renewal such as medical, training or paperwork issues, may apply for a Document of Continuity issued by the Coast Guard.

To put your credentials into continuity, you'll need to submit an application and the reason you're applying. Applications for a Document of Continuity must include the following:

1. The endorsements that will be placed into continuity.
2. An application including a signed statement from the applicant attesting to an awareness of the limited purpose of the Document of Continuity, his or her inability to serve, and the requirements to obtain an MMC.

If you want to do this, you'll need to apply before or during the 6 year grace period, after your credentials expire. If approved, the Document of Continuity doesn't mean your credentials are valid after the expiration date, they're still invalid and need to be renewed.

The purpose of the Document of Continuity is to extend the grace period, so you can renew your MMC rather than get it reinstated.

Does my Continuity expire?

Documents of Continuity do not expire and are issued solely to maintain an individual's eligibility for renewal.

Do my STCW endorsements enter Continuity?

No. Continuity is only for national endorsements (per 46 CFR10.227(g)(4)). The STCW endorsements associated with the national endorsements that were placed in continuity are no longer valid.

When can I bring my MMC out of continuity?

You can bring your MMC out of continuity at any time. You will need to satisfy the requirements for renewal and submit your renewal application (CG-719B form) to the USCG.

How do I bring my MMC out of continuity?

You renew your MMC in the same way as normal. Typically this is done with the Open Book Take home Exams or demonstrating 360 sea days in the last 5 years.

Your STCW endorsements are able to be brought back by following the rules for renewal of the STCW endorsement with less than 360 days in the last 5 years.

Can I work under a Document of Continuity?

No. The Documents of Continuity doesn't change the expiration date of the MMC. A mariner cannot sail under the authority of this document. They can return to sailing after renewing their credentials.

How do I put my credentials into Continuity?

You submit a CG-719B form and check the Document of Continuity box in Section II. We like to include an image of your most recent license so that your sure to get the right license into continuity.

MM-SEAS software and team will walk you through the process of putting your credentials into Continuity. We will also help you put your MMC into Continuity when you're 6 months into your grace period.

Note: There is no fee for a Document of Continuity.

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 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. 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.