The USCG Physical & Drug Test (CG-719K): What to Expect

You can ace the exam and still stall your license over paperwork from a doctor's office. The CG-719K physical and the CG-719P drug test are required for nearly every credential, and they're the steps applicants understand the least. Here's what actually happens and how to avoid surprises.

The CG-719K Medical Certificate

The CG-719K is a standardized medical and physical evaluation form completed by a licensed medical practitioner — a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. You don't need a special "maritime doctor," though many clinics that serve mariners know the form cold and can move faster.

What it covers:

• Vision: distance acuity (correctable to 20/40 in each eye for deck officers) and color vision — you must be able to distinguish the colors used in navigation lights and signals. Color vision is a common sticking point; there are alternative tests if you fail the standard plates.
• Hearing: you must be able to hear well enough to perform duties, with or without aids.
• General physical: blood pressure, heart, lungs, range of motion, and overall fitness to do the work of a mariner.
• Medical history: conditions like diabetes, cardiac issues, seizures, sleep apnea, and certain medications get extra scrutiny — not automatic disqualifiers, but they may require additional documentation or a waiver.

What Can Hold You Up

Most conditions don't disqualify you outright; they trigger a review where the NMC wants more information. The applicants who get delayed are usually the ones who show up with a condition and no supporting documentation. If you have a flagged condition, bring records, a treating physician's letter, and current test results so the evaluator can clear you in one pass.

The CG-719P Drug Test

Separately, you need a DOT 5-panel drug test — a urinalysis screening for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. A negative result is required to be issued or renewed.

A few practical notes:

• It must be a DOT-compliant test at a certified collection site, not a drugstore kit.
• Marijuana matters regardless of state legality — the Coast Guard follows federal rules, and a positive will stop your application.
• If you're already in a random testing program through an employer, proof of participation may satisfy the requirement; check what the NMC accepts for your situation.

Pro Tips to Avoid Delays

1. Bundle the visits. Many maritime clinics do the CG-719K and the DOT drug test in one appointment — cheaper and faster than two trips.
2. Do it inside the validity window. The physical has a shelf life for your application; don't get it so early it expires before you submit, and not so late it bottlenecks everything.
3. Bring your glasses/contacts and any medical records. If you correct to standard with lenses, wear them. If you have a flagged condition, over-document it.
4. Budget realistically. The physical typically runs $100–$250 and the drug test $50–$100, depending on the provider.

Where This Fits in the Bigger Picture

The medical and drug test are two line items in a longer process — course, sea time, TWIC, application, and the exam. Map the whole cost and timeline with the cost & timeline estimator, track your sea time in parallel, and when the written exam is what's left, the Binnacle School question bank has you covered across every category.

Binnacle School is a study and planning resource and is not affiliated with the USCG or the National Maritime Center. Medical standards and accepted documentation change — confirm current requirements at uscg.mil/nmc.