[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 1]
[Revised as of Octobery 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR12.02-9]

[Page 201]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
         CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
 
PART 12_CERTIFICATION OF SEAMEN--Table of Contents
 
          Subpart 12.02_General Requirements for Certification
 
Sec. 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 1\1/2\ 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 12.02-4(c).
    (h) Each applicant for a merchant mariner's document shall comply 
with the NDR requirements in Sec. 12.02-4(d).

[CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16640, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 74-178, 40 FR 
57673, Dec. 11, 1975; CGD 91-211, 59 FR 49300, Sept. 27, 1994; CGD 91-
223, 60 FR 4525, Jan. 23, 1995; CGD 91-212, 60 FR 65489, Dec. 19, 1995; 
USCG-2003-14500, 69 FR 532, Jan. 6, 2004]