Seaman Book for USA seafarers
Seaman Book for USA seafarers
Get your Seaman Book for USA Seafarers—Fast and Trusted
Atomiq Group provides support with the seaman book for USA seafarers living in the United States, helping them apply for an international seaman book without leaving the country. Whether you plan to work on foreign-flag or internationally trading vessels, this service streamlines the process from start to finish. Whether you sail on merchant ships, offshore units, cruise vessels, or yacht fleets, the team prepares and processes your documents with compliant flags such as Panama, Palau, Belize, and Liberia, ensuring a smooth and professional application experience.
Why USA Seafarers Need an International Seaman Book
Atomiq Group supports US-based mariners who work on ships registered outside the United States, where a flag-state seaman book (SIRB) is required in addition to national licenses and STCW. An international seaman book helps you prove sea service, rank, and experience when joining new companies, renewing contracts, or applying for visas and port entry clearances.
With a recognized seaman book, you can:
- Join Panama, Palau, Belize, Liberia and other foreign-flag vessels that trade to and from US ports
- Maintain a clear, continuous sea-service record to support promotions and license upgrades
- Speed up employer background checks, audits and port-state control inspections
Who This USA Service Is For
This dedicated process is built for:
- US citizens and green-card holders joining foreign-flag commercial, offshore, cruise or yacht vessels
- Foreign seafarers living, studying or working in the USA who want to apply using their US address
- Offshore oil and gas crews, rig workers and project technicians travelling from US airports to join international units
Whether you are a cadet, rating, officer, or offshore professional, the documentation route is customized to your experience and preferred flag.
Documents USA Applicants Usually Need
Requirements vary by flag, but most USA-based applicants must provide:
- Passport copy and recent passport-size photograph
- Any existing CDC or national seafarer ID
- STCW Basic Safety Training and other mandatory safety/security certificates
- Medical fitness certificate meeting STCW and flag-state standards
- Sea-service records or experience letters (for experienced crew)
Your file is checked to ensure it matches current flag-state rules before submission, reducing delays and refusals.
Seaman Book for USA seafarers: Step-by-Step Guide to a Simple Application Process
The process is streamlined into four steps:
- Choose your flag: Select Panama, Palau, Belize, Liberia, or another suitable registry based on vessel type and employer requirements.
- Gather documents: Collect passport, photographs, STCW certificates, medical reports, and sea-service records.
- Submit for verification: Your documents are reviewed for accuracy and submitted to the flag administration.
- Receive your seaman book in the USA: After approval, the seaman book is issued and delivered directly to your US address.
Benefits for USA-Based Seafarers
- Apply from within the USA without visiting embassies or flag offices
- Get guidance on the best flag for your rank and career path
- Reduce risk of rejection through expert document screening
- Maintain a globally accepted sea-service record for future promotions and job opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for a foreign-flag seaman book while living in the USA?
Yes, Many seafarers in the USA apply for seaman books from flags like Panama, Palau, Belize, and Liberia using their US address. Applications can be processed remotely as long as your documents meet the requirements. - Do I still need STCW certificates if I already have experience?
Yes. Valid STCW certificates are mandatory for most flags and employers. If yours have expired, you may need refresher courses. - How long does it take to receive the seaman book in the USA?
Timeframes depend on the flag administration and document readiness, but well-prepared applications are usually processed efficiently. - Can I use the same seaman book for different companies and countries?
Yes. A recognized seaman book can be used across multiple employers and routes, as long as you meet each vessel’s certification and visa requirements. - Does an international seaman book replace my visa?
No. A seaman book does not replace immigration documents or crew visas such as C1/D. You may still need the appropriate visa depending on your travel and vessel joining point.
