QUESTION:
I'd like to verify that someone actually does have their captain's license. Where can I find that information?

ANSWER:
As far as I know, the only way you will know is to ask the person to see his license. I wrote to the US Coast Guard, and following is their reply:

"There isn't a web site available to the general public for mariner credentialing verification. To verify a mariner credential pls sends an e-mail asking for such assistance to Peggy.R.Celestin@uscg.mil.
Coast Guard mariner credentialing and Regional Examination Center (REC) contact information is available on the Internet at www.uscg.mil/STCW.

Regards,

Jim Cratty
Licensing and Evaluation Branch
U. S. Coast Guard
National Maritime Center
4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 630
Arlington, VA 22203-1804"