[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.