Whats up guys. I’m a trucker trying to get into the industry. A quick back story. I’m 36 and at 19 i got arrested for trafficking marijuana. I sold a small amount to a guy i worked with in a restaurant who ended up being an informant. The charge has an enhancement of “within 1000 yards of a school district”. This means it can never be expunged. This was originally a felony charge but they dropped it down to a misdeamenor in my plea deal.
My question is would i be able to work international waters with this 16 year old charge? Ive heard having a a record means you would be stuck to domestic waters only because other countries wont let you in their country. Would really love to work deep sea and do the international routes if possible. Thanks guys.
Maybe. You will be subject to additional scrutiny when you apply for your merchant mariner credential (MMC). See 46 CFR 10.211(f) and (l):
(f) No person who has been convicted of a violation of the dangerous drug laws of the United States, the District of Columbia, any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or a foreign country, by any military or civilian court, is eligible for an MMC, except as provided elsewhere in this section… A conviction for a drug offense more than 10 years before the date of application will not alone be grounds for denial.
(l) If an applicant has one or more alcohol or dangerous drug related criminal or NDR-listed convictions… the Coast Guard may consider the following factors, as applicable, in assessing the applicant’s suitability to hold an MMC. This list is intended as a guide for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may consider other factors appropriate to a particular applicant, such as:
(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;
(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous;
(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant’s sobriety, reliability, and suitability for employment in the merchant marine including parole or probation officers;
(4) Steady employment; and
(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.
Given that it was 17 years ago, you may be good. But you may be asked to provide that additional information.
The above is for obtaining an MMC. It is possible you may be denied entry to another country. I have no credible knowledge of how that might apply to you. Others here might have some knowledge of this.
Thanks for your response. I already have my TWIC and have applied for my MMC which I’m waiting to hear back on. I’m just looking at whats ahead if i get approved. I have an associates degree in IT and have applied to Cal Maritime academy as a transfer student and was accepted. Of course all depending on if I get approved for MMC. I’m just trying to get an idea of how limited my career options would be if approved for MMC since the school is quite expensive. Im looking for something to dedicate the next 30+ years to.
Personally I don’t think you’ll have a problem though they may ask for a reference or something. They already have your NDR which is important [that stuff doesn’t die, ever] and likely NCIC records and if it’s clean except for whatever happened 17 years ago there should be of no consequence. Just be persistent and polite. Acquaint yourself with the CFRs regarding this issue, the CFRs are pretty clear. You will then be able to ask intelligent questions when the arise.
Good luck
If CG denies your MMC, contact your congressman. Many years ago I had some CG related issues of my own ( but not drug related ) and the guy really helped.