The USCG rule is that everyone is required to have a valid Adult CPR certification and basic first aid course completed within a year of submitting an application.
When it comes to obtaining or reinstating a USCG original officer endorsement, you might think that medical professionals like doctors or nurses would be exempt from certain requirements.
However, it may surprise you to learn that even medical professionals need to have a valid Adult CPR certification and complete a basic first aid course within a year of submitting their application.
It would make sense to waive the First Aid/CPR requirement for a Medical Doctor, Professional Nurse, Mariner Physician Assistant or Hospital Corpsman with a current license and/or certification, but the USCG requires everyone to have a valid Adult CPR certification and basic first aid course completed within a year of submitting an application, and that includes medical professionals.
And in a way this makes sense, since doctors only have to take CPR every two years; this way the Coast Guard adds another layer of safety for everyone aboard.
What First Aid CPR is accepted by the USCG?
The USCG will accept an American Red Cross First Aid and CPR card or a USCG approved course certificate for First Aid and CPR when you are getting your first USCG License or reinstating an old on as an officer.
You can take a course at the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, ASHI or a USCG course provider; all offer classroom courses that will meet both these requirements. No matter which provider you choose you need to make sure some portion of your First Aid and CPR course is done is person. If your First Aid | CPR card from Red Cross says ONLINE anywhere on it the card will not be accepted.
If you already hold a valid STCW Basic Training, it covers this requirement.
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.
