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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Nov. 21, 2024

2025 Motorcycle Safety Training Reimbursement Program is open

By Erich Biswell, Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Safety Program Manager

There is no better time to receive your required motorcycle training while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. As our Safety and Health Manual mandates, all Coast Guard uniformed members, active duty and active reserve, when operating on-road motorcycles shall be trained to do so by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or state standard. This training can sometimes be costly, so we offer a reimbursement program with specific procedures. 

What is required for reimbursement request: 

  • An electronically completed OF1164 form (Claim for Reimbursement for Expenditures on Official Business). This form must include the requesting member’s electronic signature. 
  • A PDF copy of the members receipt indicating the member has paid in full for the course.  
  • Card or certificate indicating successful course completion. MSF or state cards with the vender’s name, course name, date of completion, and student’s name.    

What is required to qualify for reimbursement: 

  • Member must schedule appropriate training course (Basic/Advanced) as their schedule allows. 
  • Member shall pay for the course with their personnel funds and retain an electronic receipt. Only $350 is allowed for reimbursement, although training may exceed that amount. 
  • Complete the motorcycle safety training and receive a course completion card/certificate. 
  • Submit reimbursement package as stated above to mctrngreimbusement@uscg.mil

Each request for reimbursement is reviewed by the Motorcycle Safety Program Manager for accuracy. Next, the Motorcycle Safety Program Manager forwards the request to FORCECOM and FINCEN for processing. 

When should I plan to take a motorcycle safety class? 

As an active-duty member of the Coast Guard, you should take a safety class before you begin riding solo; then take a course every 5 years. Commercial venders such as motorcycle dealerships and local universities are our primary resource for training. If members can locate a DoD course, they may elect to take that in place of an outside vender. 

Courses must include classroom instruction as well as on course ride time. Online courses shall not take the place of classroom instruction and one-on-one instructor feedback. 

As a best practice, members transferring OCONUS or to remote locations should plan to complete their training prior to transferring. Training facilities may be limited at best. 

NOTE:  FY25 Motorcycle Reimbursement Program is processing requests as they are received. The cutoff date for FY25 will be September 5th, 2025. All requests for reimbursement must be received by that date.  

For further guidance, see the Motorcycle Safety page on CGPortal. 

Please forward all questions to Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Safety Program Manager Mr. Erich Biswell at erich.biswell@uscg.mil or (571) 607-8219.  

-USCG-