Yes! You can use AI to fill out U.S. Coast Guard Form CG-719K, Application for Medical Certificate

Applicants often upload only the signature pages or the exam pages and omit “instruction” pages because they assume they aren’t required. The CG-719K instructions explicitly state all 10 pages must be submitted, and missing pages commonly trigger a rejection or delay at the National Maritime Center. Avoid this by scanning and submitting the entire packet in order (pages 1–10), even if some pages are “N/A” for your situation.

People frequently enter only a Social Security Number when they already have a Mariner Reference Number, or they leave the field blank entirely. The form states the Coast Guard will not accept an application without a reference number or an MMC, so this can cause an immediate non-acceptance. Use your Mariner Reference Number if you have ever held a Coast Guard credential; otherwise provide the SSN as allowed and ensure it matches your identity documents.

Applicants often put a PO Box in the Home Address because it’s their preferred mailing address, but the form clearly says PO Box is not acceptable for the Home Address (principal place of residence). This can lead to follow-up requests, processing delays, or returned correspondence if addresses don’t align. Enter a physical residential street address for Home Address, and use the Delivery/Mailing Address field for a PO Box if needed.

A very common oversight is leaving “Endorsement Held or Sought” blank because applicants think it’s only for current credential holders. The form states that if nothing is selected, the Coast Guard will not accept the application, resulting in a preventable rejection. Check all that apply (e.g., Deck, STCW, Engine, Food Handler, Pilot, Entry-level with lookout duties) and add an explanation in “Other” when necessary.

Applicants and medical practitioners frequently mix formats (DD/MM vs MM/DD), omit leading zeros, or sign with a date that doesn’t match the exam date or medication reporting window. Inconsistent or unclear dates can trigger clarification requests and can undermine the 30/90-day medication reporting requirements tied to the applicant’s signature date. Always use MM/DD/YYYY everywhere, and ensure signature dates align logically with the exam and the medication history timeframe.

People often answer “No” because a condition is controlled, “in the past,” or they think it’s not relevant (e.g., prior surgery, sleep apnea, mental health treatment, repatriation, or hospitalizations). The instructions require “Yes” if there was diagnosis/treatment, current observation, or the condition is present regardless of treatment, and omissions can lead to delays, requests for records, or potential enforcement issues due to the 18 USC § 1001 attestation. Avoid this by answering broadly and honestly, then letting the Medical Practitioner document status, limitations, and treatment in Section III(b).

Even when applicants correctly check “Yes,” the follow-up narrative is often missing key elements like diagnosis date, current status, treatment, limitations, and whether documentation is attached. The form requires the Medical Practitioner to discuss each “Yes” item and to attach recommended evaluation data for conditions subject to further review, and missing details commonly result in “Needs Further Review” and additional evidence requests. Ensure each “Yes” item number is addressed in III(b) with dates and specifics, and check the “Attached” box when you include extra pages or test results.

Applicants frequently mark PR or MW incorrectly—either checking PR without having previously reported it to the Coast Guard, or checking MW without providing the waiver letter and required follow-up documentation. This creates confusion for reviewers and can delay processing while the Coast Guard verifies prior records or requests missing waiver materials. Only mark PR if it was previously reported to the Coast Guard, mark MW only if you have an active waiver, and provide a copy of the waiver letter plus any waiver reporting requirements.

Many applicants list only prescriptions and forget over-the-counter meds, vitamins, dietary supplements, or “as needed” drugs, and they often omit dose, frequency, or the condition being treated. The form requires reporting medications taken within 30 days before signing and those used 30+ days within the last 90 days, and incomplete lists can trigger follow-up or raise concerns if conditions imply medications that aren’t listed. Use the exact reporting windows, include all substances (Rx/OTC/supplements), and provide dose, frequency, and purpose; the Medical Practitioner should add duration and side effects in comments.

A common error is writing “passed” without documenting the test method, number of errors, or corrected vs uncorrected acuity, or allowing color-enhancing lenses despite the stated prohibition. Missing the test type and error count can invalidate the color vision section and lead to retesting requests. Ensure distance vision is recorded for each eye (uncorrected and correctable-to if applicable), select the exact color vision test used, and record the number of errors and pass/fail per the listed standards.

Applicants and clinics often perform an audiogram but fail to record aided/unaided values, averages, or the functional speech discrimination test when thresholds require it, or they leave the “normal/abnormal/hearing aid required” selection unclear. The instructions specify when additional testing is required (e.g., unaided threshold > 30dB in the better ear) and incomplete data can cause delays or a request for repeat testing. Follow the flow: document whether hearing is normal by forced whisper >5 feet; if abnormal, complete the appropriate audiogram fields and add speech discrimination at 65dB when required, including aided and unaided results.

This form is frequently rejected because the Medical Practitioner doesn’t initial/date each page where indicated, doesn’t sign the attestation in Section IX, omits license number/state/credential (MD/PA/NP), or the applicant forgets to sign Section X and date it. Since both parties attest under 18 USC § 1001, unsigned or partially signed forms are treated as incomplete and can’t be processed. Before submission, do a final checklist: MP initials/dates on each required page, MP signature and license details in Section IX (with office stamp/address), and applicant signature/date in Section X (and Section XI only if authorizing consents).