Is there anyway to get AB limited rather then Special with time on vessels only under 100 ton? I have over 1200 days of sea time and over 360 of those are as master or mate on 72-98 GRT vessels. But the requirement for AB limited is 540 days on vessels over 100 ton. I’ve been searching through the CFRs and everything, but can’t seem to find a loop hole. I hold my 100 ton inland, but trying to open up some new doors for myself with the AB. Should I just apply for limited and see what happens? Worst case they only give me Special, right?
Apply for AB UNLTD, 1080 days is the only requirement (plus Lifeboat). Make sure all sea service letters specify NC or inland, etc.
[QUOTE=Alex13;150829]Is there anyway to get AB limited rather then Special with time on vessels only under 100 ton? I have over 1200 days of sea time and over 360 of those are as master or mate on 72-98 GRT vessels. But the requirement for AB limited is 540 days on vessels over 100 ton. I’ve been searching through the CFRs and everything, but can’t seem to find a loop hole. I hold my 100 ton inland, but trying to open up some new doors for myself with the AB. Should I just apply for limited and see what happens? Worst case they only give me Special, right?[/QUOTE]
See 46 CFR 12.403. On Able Seaman-Limited it’s pretty clear, the time [U]must [/U]be on vessels over 100 GRT. No exceptions or “loop holes.” You either need to get time over 100 GRT, or apply for one of the other AB endorsements.
Applying for something you know you can’t get just wastes everyone’s time. For you, it means you will wait longer to get the endorsement you are qualified for.
AB unlimited 1080 days no tonnage requirement.
Thanks for the replies. Forgot to mention my time is only inland as well, and it looks like you need oceans time for the unlimited. Guess I’ll just get the ab special/ lifeboatman and go from there.
Just seems crazy how I could test for 500 ton master inland with my sea time now, without ever running a boat over 100 tons, but can’t get the bigger AB endorsements.
Anyway, thanks again.
I was able to get my unlimited back in July. They will use a percentage off your 100 ton time, but I had to have seatime on vessels over 100 tons. I dont remember the exact percentage. If I remember right you could use 25% of your 100 ton time. Hope that helps. Good luck!
[QUOTE=SeaMonkey6969;151478]I was able to get my unlimited back in July. They will use a percentage off your 100 ton time, but I had to have seatime on vessels over 100 tons. I dont remember the exact percentage. If I remember right you could use 25% of your 100 ton time. Hope that helps. Good luck![/QUOTE]
I am confused by this. Are you saying they accepted a percentage of your “under 100gt sea time” towards an AB Limited or are you saying they gave you a percentage credit of your “Over 100gt time” towards your AB Unlimited??