When most people think of the consequences of a DUI conviction, they think of license suspensions or criminal consequences. For most people, these consequences will be the most significant results of a potential DUI conviction. In Oregon, these consequences are government by ORS Chapter 813. There are additional potential consequences if someone has or is thinking about getting a Coast Guard Issued License or Merchant Marine Documents (MMD). These consequences are governed by Federal Law.
Coast Guard Credentials, in either the form of a license or MMD, are required for most jobs in the maritime industry. The United States Coast Guard oversees the licensing process at the Regional Exam Center (REC) level. A DUI conviction could impact someone's ability to obtain or keep Coast Guard Credentials.
When an applicant applies for Coast Guard Credentials, he is required to disclose all criminal history including any past DUI convictions. The local REC will run a national background check on the applicant. If the applicant has a prior DUI, the director of the REC will make a determination regarding the applicant's suitability. Factors that will be considered are: the number of convictions, the severity of the incidents, the time since the conviction, and the applicant's recovery. To aid the REC in this determination, the applicant will be required to submit court records from his criminal case.
A DUI conviction can also impact existing Coast Guard Credentials. If the Coast Guard finds out about a DUI conviction, they will hold an investigation. At the very latest, a DUI conviction will become an issue when it is time to renew an MMD or Coast Guard license.
As a DUI lawyer, I dealt with these issues more often when I was practicing in Seattle. These issues can be important to people in the Portland area as well though. If Coast Guard Credentials are an issue for you, please make sure your DUI attorney knows.
