§ 12.02-9 - Application for documents.

(a) General. The Coast Guard will not process an incomplete merchant mariner's document application. It will process an application that is current and up-to-date with respect to service, physical examination, and other pertinent matters. In the case of a seaman applying for his first certificate, other than certificate of identification, the application shall include a request for either a continuous discharge book or a merchant mariner's document representing a certificate of identification, at the option of the applicant.

(b)(1) When the application is submitted for a certificate of identification, certificate of service, certificate of efficiency, merchant mariner's document, or any combination thereof, or a continuous discharge book, the seaman shall furnish three unmounted dull finish photographs of passport type (2 inches by 11/2 inches) taken within one year and showing the full face at least one inch in height with head uncovered.

(2) When the application requests a continuous discharge book in addition to a certificate of service or certificate of efficiency or merchant mariner's document one additional photograph shall be furnished.

(c) An applicant for a document where sea service is required shall produce with his application discharges or other documentary evidence of his service, indicating the name of the vessels and dates on which he has had service, in what capacity and on what waters.

(d) If the applicant possesses a continuous discharge book, certificate of identification, or merchant mariner's document representing such certificate, it shall be exhibited at the time of making application for any other document.

(e) Approved applications are valid for 12 months.

(f) Except for applicants requesting an inactive merchant mariner's document renewal under § 12.02-27(g) of this part, to obtain an original issuance of a merchant mariner's document, the first endorsement as an able seaman, lifeboatman, qualified member of the engine department, or tankerman, or a reissuance of a merchant mariner's document with a new expiration date, each applicant shall present evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an exception from testing in § 16.220 of this subchapter.

(g) Each applicant for a merchant mariner's document may be subject to a criminal record review and a safety and security check as described by § 12.02-4(c).

(h) Each applicant for a merchant mariner's document shall comply with the NDR requirements in § 12.02-4(d).