MARITIME ACADEMY GRADUATE
The Direct Commission Maritime Academy Graduate Program is available to individuals who hold a degree from a qualifying state or federal Maritime Academy and hold a Third Mate or Third assistant Engineer license, or a degree major in Marine Environmental Protection or a related field. Maritime Academy Graduates have education and training that enhances the Coast Guard's ability to carry out its operational missions. Individuals selected will serve as a Coast Guard Reserve Officer on full-time active duty.
As a Coast Guard Officer, you will join a growing team of marine safety specialists enforcing U.S. and international laws and regulations. You will inspect commercial ships and port facilities, investigate marine casualties, check for dangerous or illegal cargo, conduct harbor safety patrols, and license and certify marine personnel. Later, you may be able to serve in other mission areas of the Coast Guard to broaden your experience.
Rank and Length of Service:
You will attend a five-week Direct Commission Officer School in New London, CT at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. You will have the privilege of being a Coast Guard Officer from the outset. No Boot Camp. No Officer Candidate School.
Full-time active duty lasts for a period of three years, after which you may apply for extensions. Based on experience, education and qualifications, selected applicants will be commissioned as Lieutenant junior grade (O-2), or Ensign (O-1) in the Coast Guard.
If you elect to remain in the Coast Guard after your original three-year contract, you may integrate into the regular Coast Guard after selection for Lieutenant (O-3).
Click here for the DCO School Reporting Guide.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have reached their 21st but not their 41st birthday as of 30 September of the fiscal year in which the selection panel convenes. To be considered for appointment to Lieutenant junior grade, applicants must also have sailed for one or more years on board vessels of the United States in the capacity of a licensed officer
- Applications may be initiated during the applicant's final year at the maritime academy, if all other requirements are met
- Have graduated from a qualifying state or federal Maritime Academy and hold a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer license, or a degree major in Marine Environmental Protection
- Not be on active duty in any other U.S. Armed Service. However, you may apply while on active duty, provided you submit a discharge statement. Applicants in an Inactive Reserve program must submit a conditional release
- Pass a Coast Guard physical
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Be able to perform unrestricted service on a 24-hour, 7-day-per-week basis. Any person who is a conscientious objector, whether or not so classified, is not eligible
- GPA: Have at least a 2.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Training:
After one year of your initial three-year contract, you will have the opportunity to apply for full-time university graduate or post-graduate training. If accepted, the Coast Guard will pay all tuition expenses and salary while studying.
After the Program:
For those who prefer not to remain on active duty after the initial three years, this program provides valuable experience in the maritime field. The challenge of regulating day-to-day maritime operations, and the supervisory experience you will receive in the Coast Guard are highly regarded in the private sector.
How to Apply:
To find a recruiter near you or to obtain additional information about the DCO-MARGRAD Program, click on our Recruiter Locator page or fill out our Request Form and more information will be sent to you. If you would like to speak directly with your local recruiting office, call our toll-free number 1-877-NOW-USCG and you will be connected to an office near you.