D/S is a junior at the academy, was arrested for a DUI but blew under the legal limit. Not sure if it will be dismissed or lowered to a reckless/negligent driving charge. With the outcome unknown is this to be reported immediately or after the case outcome is known? Would having a reckless or negligent driving charge be rules for dis-enrollment or prevent one from sitting for their license exams?
There is a very good chance it will delay your sitting for a license exam. If you are convicted, when you apply for the Third Mate or Third AE license, you will need to provide:
(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;
(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous;
(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant's sobriety, reliability, and suitability for employment in
the merchant marine including parole or probation officers;
(4) Steady employment; and
(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.
[46 CFR 10.211(l)]
Note that the Coast Guard defines "conviction" very broadly:
...
If an applicant pleads guilty or no contest, is granted deferred adjudication, or is required by the court to attend classes, make contributions of time or money, receive treatment, submit to any manner of probation or supervision, or forgo appeal of a trial court’s conviction, then the Coast Guard will consider the applicant to have received a conviction. [46 CFR 10.107]
Be very mindful of this definition when considering any plea arrangements. If you retain a lawyer, make sure they are aware of it.
Inn addition to the above, a DUI conviction may make it extremely difficult to find employment with a towing company that makes voyages to Canada.