This page will guide you through the Certification requirements for all new hires in the Passenger Services department.
For entry level positions, the five (5) documents listed below will be among the first items you will need to obtain after being offered a
position with AMHS. The three (3) US Coast Guard (USCG), and the two (2) State of Alaska certifications must be obtained before a new
employee can begin New Hire Orientation and be dispatched for work. Please keep in mind that the documentation phase may take up to
three to four months depending on the issuing agency.
Please review the FAQ for Steward position for more information on this exciting career opportunity.
Your hiring manager and human resource staff will be here to assist you along the way, making these first few steps before beginning work as easy as can be.
For Deck & Engineering positions, the three (3) USCG certifications that include more advanced level Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
ratings and/or licenses may be required as part of your application process. Just follow instructions in the specific job description
and you will be all set.
AMHS may offer tuition and other assistance, including on the job training, to entry and advanced level mariners to
achieve the experience, ratings and licenses needed to advance in their shipboard career.
Please note that although these courses may be job or career related,
they are often at the Mariner's own expense.
The TWIC is the first document new mariners must apply for; proof of the application is needed to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
The TWIC application may be filled out online on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website or in person. Schedule an appointment online or call (855) 347-8371.
Please see the full instructions and the online application form on the TWIC page.
Hint: on the TWIC application form, be sure indicate that you are applying for TWIC as part of the merchant mariner credentialing process, and list your occupation as "Merchant Mariner".
Hint: Make a photo copy of the receipt for your MMC application.
Upon completion, mariners may pick up the TWIC in person or have it mailed to them.
TWIC cost is $125.00; it's valid for five (5) years.
Hint: retain a copy of the form electronically, as you will need it later to apply for more USCG Ratings to your MMC booklet as you progress in your maritime career.
You may also contact the Juneau, AK Regional Exam Center (REC) at (907) 463-2458 and they can assist you with this process.
MMC cost is $140.00; it's valid for five (5) years.
Step 3 - USCG Medical Certificate Application (+)
Step 3 - USCG Medical Certificate Application (-)
All mariners are required to obtain and submit the USCG Medical Certificate.
The Medical Certificate verifies the mariner has met the medical & physical requirements to hold the National and STCW Ratings printed in the MMC booklet.
See the Medical Certificate section on the National Maritime Center website for more information including step-by-step instructions, including common mistakes made on the form.
Hint: Be sure to select the CG-719K form vs. the CG -719KE form! About one year after being hired, the CG-719K will be required when applying for the ratings of Lifeboat and Proficiency in Survival Craft.
AMHS mariners must keep the STCW expire date on the certificate current; it must be renewed approximately every two (2) years.
The USCG Medical Certificate itself is free (excluding the medical provider's fee); it is valid for two (2) years for STCW and five (5) years for National.
Visit the State of Alaska DEC Food Worker Card website and follow the instructions. The course and test is completed online; written tests are available upon request (Call 1-877-233-3663)
Hint: Purchase your TestIDs through a "myalaska" account; be sure to write down/save your TestID and Invoice number
Cost is $10.00; it is valid for three (3) years
Step 5 - Training for Alcohol Professionals (TAP) (+)
Step 5 - Training for Alcohol Professionals (TAP) (-)
See instructions posted for Alcohol Server Training on the CHARR website.. The course may be completed in person or through the online TAP Webinar. Out-of-state alcohol server training is not accepted; training is state specific.
Upon obtaining the required certification, AMHS mariners are eligible to work on most AMHS vessels.
All new hires are expected to complete shipboard familiarization and safety related training.
New hire training is first completed shipboard and independently online, then in classroom sessions (tuition and wages provided).
Below you will see the USCG approved classes you can expect for each department.
As mariners progress in their career, gaining sea service, on-the-job training (OJT), classroom and on-line courses,
they can specialize in the deck, engine and/or passenger services departments.
Additional certifications may also be required depending on the department and position,
and will be outlined in the original job posting. AMHS may authorize tuition to crewmembers
for USCG approved courses and offers AMHS specific maritime & safety related courses.
Pursers | Staff Officers (AB) (+)
Pursers | Staff Officers (AB) (-)
Obtain Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) (International) & National Ratings
Training in: Basic Training, Lifeboatman, Medical Person in Charge, E.T.T., Crisis Management
Engine Crew | QMED Oiler & Jr. Engineer (+)
Engine Crew | QMED Oiler & Jr. Engineer (-)
Obtain Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) (International) & National Ratings
Training in: Basic Training, Lifeboatman, QMED Oiler, Ratings forming part of a engine watch, Refrigeration, Fast Rescue Boat
