Sailors can now apply for credentials online, without an oath or paper forms

The US Coast Guard is moving its mariner credentialing process online. Sailors will no longer need to take an oath in person or submit paper forms.

For decades, getting a merchant mariner credential meant navigating a slow, paper-based system. This change removes several bureaucratic hurdles, making it faster and easier for people to get or renew their credentials. It also sets the stage for a fully digital system, which could speed up processing times significantly.