- USCG – United States Coast Guard
- MMC – Merchant Mariner Credential
- OUPV – Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels
- STCW – Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping
- TWIC – Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- CG-719K – USCG Medical Examination Form
- NASBLA – National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
- MROP – Marine Radio Operator Permit
- FCC – Federal Communications Commission
- COLREGs – International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- ABYC – American Boat and Yacht Council
- AIS – Automatic Identification System
- BUI – Boating Under the Influence
- CFVSE – Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination
- COLREGS – International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- COTP – Captain of the Port
- EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
- GRT – Gross Register Tonnage
- IMO – International Maritime Organization
- NASBLA – National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
- NMC – National Maritime Center
- OICNW – Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch
- QMED – Qualified Member of the Engine Department
- RFPNW – Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch
- SAR – Search and Rescue
- SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea
- VHF – Very High Frequency (radio)