Maintain employment in the U.S. maritime industry for at least three years from the date of graduation. Complete two weeks of active duty training in the Navy every year for six years. Enrollment in the Corps must be at the beginning of a Fall or Spring semester. Students who enroll in the Corps after their 25th birthday will not be eligible for Student Incentive Payments. Epilepsy, color blindness, and badly impaired hearing are some of the disqualifying conditions.
Applicants are subject to a federal background investigation.
You must complete and return a Corps of Cadets application to the Commandant's Office with a certified or original birth certificate and completed USCG physical form. You will need a passport. You are required to furnish verification from a physician that you meet the physical requirements specified by the Coast Guard. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for officer's licenses in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Foreign nationals may participate in the Corps with no guarantee of U.S. licensing, but may satisfy home country licensing requirements.