The SLC is valid for 3 years and is easily renewable. To renew, log 10 sailings in the past 2 years or 5 in the past year and retake and pass the free SLC exam online. The renewal cost is $45 for an additional 3 years.
The new renewal date awarded will also include that you must have taken the free SLC online exam within the past two years of that date. So if you are not given 3 years - that's ok, just pass the free SLC exam anytime and you will get the additional number of time you paid for.
As you can imagine, we have the responsibility of keeping everyone as competent and current in their knowledge as possible. This is why we set up such renewal parameters.