A USCG Medical Examiner is a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who performs the physical and medical evaluations required for U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) and officer licenses. Unlike the FMCSA NRCME, the USCG does not maintain a central registry of credentialed examiners — any appropriately licensed U.S. medical provider may perform the exam, but they must follow the evaluation criteria detailed in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 04-08, "Medical and Physical Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials." The examination uses Form CG-719K (and the abbreviated CG-719K/E for entry-level ratings), assesses vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal fitness, screens for disqualifying conditions, and includes a drug-screen requirement (CG-719P, Periodic Drug Testing form). Credentialed mariners are re-examined every 5 years. For occupational-health clinics serving ports, harbor pilots, ferries, fishing fleets, and inland-waterway operators, the USCG exam is a high-value, regulated service line distinct from the FMCSA DOT physical.