A U.S. Coast Guard License must be renewed every 5 years and can be renewed 12 months prior to its expiration date. There are three choices for renewing a U.S. Coast Guard License: Show 360 days of operation since your last renewal Take a very difficult Coast Guard exam Attend a 1 day Renewal/Refresher Course that meets the requirements The Nautical School is approved by the Coast Guard to teach a one day Renewal/Refresher Course for Deck Licenses. Renewal classes generally begin at 9 AM and end at 6 PM, and are usually held on a Saturday or Sunday. There is a one year grace period which you can renew your license, however during that time the license may not be used. Requirements include: Coast Guard Application, physical exam and a drug test. You do NOT need First Aid & CPR Training to renew your license. At the end of the class, there is a refresher exam after which a Certificate of Completion will be issued. This certificate is mailed (or walked in) to the Coast Guard along with your application. The Coast Guard then mails your new license to you.