If you are planning to upgrade your Florida Captain’s License by 2025, one mandatory requirement is that you need to pass a new DOT physical. Whether you’re moving up from OUPV to Master, increasing tonnage, or changing your credential type, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requires a valid medical certificate to prove you are physically fit for duty.
In this guide, we’ll explain what kind of medical exam is necessary, why you need to have one and how to clear the process without delays.
Why Is a New Physical Required?
Upgrading your maritime license means taking on greater responsibility; possibly:
- Navigating larger vessels
- Operating offshore
- Managing a crew
The USCG aims to guarantee that mariners are healthy and fit to do their job in more demanding conditions.
A physical exam helps verify:
- Your overall health status
- Adequate vision and hearing
- Absence of conditions that could impair performance
- Drug-free status, as per DOT standards
What Medical Requirements Apply in 2025?
To qualify for the Coast Guard’s medical standards in advance of applying for a license upgrade, mariners must follow several specific steps:
- Medical Exam (Physical)
A complete medical exam is required for all upgrades. It must be performed by a licensed clinician, such as:
- A doctor (MD or DO)
- A nurse practitioner (NP)
- A physician assistant (PA)
This exam must have taken place within the 12 months preceding submission of your application to upgrade. This is officially referred to as a Physical Examination for Marine Captain Florida when performed in the state.
- CG-719K Form
This is the official USCG Medical Evaluation Report. After your physical exam, your provider must complete and sign this form.
- Vision Test
Good eyesight is essential for safe navigation. The standards include:
- Distance vision: Minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye (corrected or uncorrected)
- Color Vision: Ability to distinguish between red, green and amber.
- Hearing Test
You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to hear spoken instructions and onboard alarms.
- DOT Drug Test
- A valid DOT 5-panel drug test is also required and must be taken at a certified testing facility.
- Must be completed within 6 months of your application
- Results should be included with your application or sent to the USCG
This is commonly known as Drug Testing for Marine Captain Florida, and it can be obtained through certified marine-specific exam clinics throughout the state.
How to Complete the USCG Medical Requirements (Step-by-Step)
Upgrading your captain’s license? Here’s a simple guide to help you complete the medical process without stress:
Step 1: Download the CG-719K Form
Go to the official U.S. Coast Guard website and download the CG-719K Medical Evaluation Report form. You’ll need to print it and bring it to your exam.
Step 2: Schedule Your Physical Exam
Book an appointment with a licensed medical examiner who understands Coast Guard medical standards. Not all doctors are familiar, so it’s worth asking ahead of time.
Step 3: Check Your Vision & Hearing
These tests are typically performed during your physical. If not, you may be sent to a specialist for them to be done as separate tests.
Step 4: Take a DOT Drug Test
- Go to a DOT approved testing facility and take a drug test.
- Keep a copy of your results. You’ll need it for your application.
Step 5: Submit Your Completed Medical Form
After your doctor signs the CG-719K, submit it to the USCG:
- Either by email
- Or include it with your full license application
Where Can You Get the Physical?
You can get your physical done at:
- Primary care clinics
- Walk-in medical centers
- DOT-certified exam locations
- Maritime medical examiners familiar with the USCG process
Always confirm that the provider is licensed in the U.S. or a U.S. territory and that they are familiar with the CG-719K form before your visit. For local mariners, a Marine Captain Medical Examiner Florida specialist is often the most efficient option.
Common Questions About Medical Exams for Captain’s License Upgrade
Do I really need a new physical if I already have a license?
Yes. For any major upgrades or renewals, you need a current physical (within 12 months) that is signed off by the USCG.
What if I have a medical condition?
There are many conditions that do not automatically disqualify you, but for which you may have to provide additional documentation or be evaluated. The USCG treats every case on an individual basis.
Can I use a previous drug test?
Only if it’s a DOT-approved test completed within the past 6 months. Otherwise, you’ll need a new one.
Don’t Wait, Get Started Early
Medical delays are one of the top reasons maritime applications are held up. To stay on track:
- Start your medical process 2 to 3 months ahead of your intended application
- Make sure all documentation is done and signed properly
- Choose a provider experienced with USCG medical forms to avoid mistakes
Your Path to a Successful Upgrade
If you are renewing your Captain’s License in Florida in 2025, then YES, you do require a new physical exam. The purpose is to attest you are physically fit, orientated, and accountable for greater responsibility at sea.
The procedure isn’t complex, but it does require attention to detail:
- Download and bring the CG-719K form
- Use a licensed examiner
- Complete your drug test
- Submit everything to the USCG on time
Need a USCG Physical in Florida?
If you need a trusted clinic for your USCG medical exam, Sea Medicine, led by Dr. Weinberg, is here to help. They specialize in thorough, compliant physicals, including DOT drug testing and CG-719K form completion.
Whether you’re upgrading or renewing your captain’s license, Sea Medicine ensures a smooth and professional medical evaluation.
Contact Sea Medicine today at aweinberg@medavex.org or call us at (727) 648-2402 to schedule your USCG physical and keep your license upgrade on track.
