Serving Mariners Since 1994

Navigate Your Coast Guard Credentials
with Confidence

The USCG licensing process is complex. One missed form, one overlooked requirement, and your application stalls for weeks. With 40+ years of combined maritime licensing expertise, Sea K's gets it done right the first time.

Individual Mariners Maritime Companies
What We Do

Full-Service Maritime Credentialing

From your first Merchant Mariner Credential to advanced endorsements, we handle every detail so you can focus on what you do best — being on the water.

New MMC Applications

First time Merchant Mariner Credentials including OUPV (6-pack), Master, entry-level ratings and all other original credentials. We guide you from day one.

Renewals

Your MMC expires every 5 years. We review and submit paperwork to ensure a seamless renewal so your credentials never lapse.

Upgrades & Raises of Grade

Ready to advance? We handle upgrades from AB, QMED, Mate, Master, Engineer and every raise in grade in between.

STCW Endorsements

International waters require STCW endorsements. We navigate the additional requirements for global maritime compliance.

Corporate Fleet Services

One point of contact for your entire crew's credentials. We manage bulk applications, renewals, and compliance for maritime companies.

Document Organization

TWIC cards, medical certificates, sea service records, training certificates — we compile and organize everything the Coast Guard requires.

Why Sea K's

The Authority
Mariners Trust

When your livelihood depends on your credentials, you need more than a form-filler. You need someone who knows the Coast Guard's credentialing process inside and out — because he helped run it.

Chuck Kakuska spent 25 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander and Chief of the Regional Examination Center in Toledo, Ohio. He's been on both sides of the desk — and that makes all the difference.

Applications prepared correctly the first time — no costly delays or rejections

Direct knowledge of USCG requirements, regulations, and evaluation standards

Personal service — you work directly with Chuck, not a call center

40+
Years of Maritime
Licensing Expertise
25
Years of Active
USCG Service
30+
Years in
Private Practice
LCDR
Retired Lieutenant
Commander, USCG
The Process

Three Steps to Your Credentials

1

Consultation

Call or email to discuss your situation. Chuck will assess your experience, determine which credentials you need, and outline exactly what's required.

2

Document Preparation

We compile your sea service records, training certificates, medical documentation, and prepare your complete application package for the National Maritime Center.

3

Submission & Follow-Up

We submit your application to the USCG and track its progress. If the Coast Guard has questions or needs additional documentation, we handle it — keeping you informed every step of the way.

For Maritime Companies

Your Crew's Credentials,
Our Responsibility

Managing credentials for an entire fleet is a full-time job. Expiration dates, changing regulations, new hires who need original MMCs — it's a lot to track. That's where Sea K's comes in.

We serve as your single point of contact for all crew credentialing needs. From onboarding new mariners to ensuring your veterans stay current, we handle the paperwork so your team stays on the water and your company stays in compliance.

Discuss Your Fleet's Needs

Corporate Services Include

Bulk Application Management
Process multiple crew credentials simultaneously
Renewal Processing
Review and submit completed application packages to the Coast Guard
Compliance Assurance
Stay audit-ready with properly documented credentials
New Hire Onboarding
Get new crew members credentialed and water-ready fast
Dedicated Account Management
Direct line to Chuck for all credentialing questions
Charles 'Chuck' Kakuska, LCDR USCG (Ret.)
About

Charles "Chuck" Kakuska

LCDR, USCG (Ret.) • President, Sea K's Maritime Licensing Service

Chuck Kakuska dedicated 25 years to the United States Coast Guard, serving our nation's maritime interests and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Throughout his distinguished career, he developed deep expertise in merchant mariner credentialing — the complex process of evaluating, testing, and certifying the men and women who operate America's commercial vessels.

His final duty assignment was as Chief of the Regional Examination Center in Toledo, Ohio, where he oversaw the credentialing process for mariners across the Great Lakes region. It was this role that gave him an unparalleled understanding of what the Coast Guard looks for — and what trips applicants up.

After retiring from the USCG in 1994, Chuck founded Sea K's Maritime Licensing Service to put his expertise to work for individual mariners and maritime companies. For over 30 years, he has been the trusted go-between for sailors who need their credentials handled right — without the headaches of navigating the process alone.

Get What You Deserve.
— Chuck Kakuska, LCDR USCG (Ret.)
Get In Touch

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're an individual mariner or managing a fleet, the first step is a conversation. Call or email to discuss your credentialing needs — there's no obligation.

Location

Temperance, Michigan

Serving mariners nationwide

Send a Message

We typically respond within one business day.

Message Received

Thank you for reaching out. Chuck will be in touch shortly.