First Class Pilot. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage. FCP, 1080 days of service on in the deck department, of which 540 days of service as quartermaster, wheelsman, AB, apprentice pilot or equivalent capacity standing regular watches at the wheel or in the pilothouse, and 360 days of service must be on vessels operating on the class of waters for which pilotage is desired; or Graduate of Great Lakes Maritime Academy in the deck class; or Masters or Mates with Officer endorsements over 1600 GRT meet the service requirements. There are also route and tonnage requirements that must be met. Other requirements include complying with First Class Pilot Work Instruction, a valid, approved radar observer course, First Aid course, CPR course, and approved basic & advanced firefighting courses. All candidates must complete an examination.
