[QUOTE=CoastalDPO;61055]Can I sail as mate on a 200GRT or less tug boat with a third mate unlimited? Is the third mate equivalent to a 1600 ton mate? I understand that I will have to have the towing endorsement but I am just wondering about equivalency with the term “third mate”.[/QUOTE]
The answer is no, the above posts are correct for vessels that do not engage in towing. If you want to be in charge of a navigational watch on an uninspected towing vessel you will need to have a completed TOAR, and 30 days aboard a towing vessel.
Ideally you will add the towing endorsement to your license at the next renewal.