What AB license would i get if i have all my sea time on inland and western rivers towboats, and how would i obtain an AB Unlimited license? And also what are the hitches like offshore and pay rates.
I think the guys will say use the search function on thia site. Or email IASKNMC@uscg.mil How many days do you have, what size vessel? You want to work offshore, towing in harbors? But to answer your question somewhere between $1 and $200,000.00 a day.
I have 1080 days on inland and western rivers areas. I have all of those days on Towboats anywhere from 100 tons to 600 tons. I am trying to get an AB license from that because I am looking to go to offshore tugs like ATBs and get unlimited 1600 Master
[QUOTE=“mississippimariner4life;124857”]I have 1080 days on inland and western rivers areas. I have all of those days on Towboats anywhere from 100 tons to 600 tons. I am trying to get an AB license from that because I am looking to go to offshore tugs like ATBs and get unlimited 1600 Master[/QUOTE]
You qualify for at least AB limited but you will also need Stcw among a few other nuggets. Good luck
[QUOTE=mississippimariner4life;124845]What AB license would i get if i have all my sea time on inland and western rivers towboats, and how would i obtain an AB Unlimited license? And also what are the hitches like offshore and pay rates.[/QUOTE]
46 CFR 12.05-7(a)
Thanks yall!
Any one correct me if I’m wrong but as a A/B unlimited all I needed was 720 12hr days cause that’s what you get on OSV’s so I got the unlimited rating. Then I worked 200ton blue water tugs for about 2 years and decided to get my 200ton apprentice mate in towing shortly after my company down sized selling of our three tugs. That put me back on OSV’s as 100ton master. Not really liking these small stink pots so I go to ECO only to be told I need the RFPNW along with my STCW so I can work as an A/B on their tugs. Can’t work as apprentice mate at ECO on their tugs cause they are 500ton Zdrive bigger then my endorsements… So I’m still on 100ton Stink Pots until I either up grade to 500 ton or go get my RFPNW so I can get back into towing. Someone with more experience and knowledge give me some tips please what would you do?
[QUOTE=sailorben76;125132]Any one correct me if I’m wrong but as a A/B unlimited all I needed was 720 12hr days cause that’s what you get on OSV’s so I got the unlimited rating. Then I worked 200ton blue water tugs for about 2 years and decided to get my 200ton apprentice mate in towing shortly after my company down sized selling of our three tugs. That put me back on OSV’s as 100ton master. Not really liking these small stink pots so I go to ECO only to be told I need the RFPNW along with my STCW so I can work as an A/B on their tugs. Can’t work as apprentice mate at ECO on their tugs cause they are 500ton Zdrive bigger then my endorsements… So I’m still on 100ton Stink Pots until I either up grade to 500 ton or go get my RFPNW so I can get back into towing. Someone with more experience and knowledge give me some tips please what would you do?[/QUOTE]
You’re confusing STCW with domestic endorsements. RFPNW is an STCW endorsement, and for vessels operating internationally, you probably need that in addition to your domestic AB endorsement.
If you’re looking to work as amate on a vessel where STCW is required, you need more than RFPNW. Yopu need officer incharge of a navigational watch (OICNW).
In addition to the above, companies are free to require additional endorsements or qualifications above the minimum manning requirement.
You probably have enough days for a 500-ton master near coastal and a 3,000 ton osv license… as long as you have the 720 as master/mate/equivalent. I have had a few friends and know of a bunch more that have gone from 100 to 500 master, it seems to be more streamlined and efficient (less $$$ too) than going to mate’s licenses etc, assuming you have the days. from there its just adding some sea-time to get the 1600.
1080 days of service on Ocean or Near Coastal waters, OF WHICH: 11.418
Service on Great Lakes & Inland waters MAY substitute for up to 540 days of the required
service, AND
720 days of service MUST have been as a master, mate; master or mate (pilot) of towing
vessels, or equivalent supervisory position while holding an endorsement as master, mate,
master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, AND
360 days of the service as Master, Mate, or equivalent supervisory position, must have been
on vessels over 50 GRT
If you do indeed qualify to go this route, it would behoove you todo it QUICK, as there is a major CFR change in the pipe, and this route may or may not be available once that change goes into effect.
I have the OICNW and have more then enough time to upgrade to 500ton. I believe this is the route I’m going to take. Thanks for the info y’all!
Definitely get that application together ASAP and lock in the current regulations while you still can. No benefit to waiting!
Also, yo can take the assessments in a simulator and your license should cover the seatime. That’s what I did last year with a 100ton master near coastal. I did that at MAMA in Norfolk. Cost about $300 and took about an hour.