I was wondering how i could eventually get to C/E unlimited with out working as a 1st A/E on a ship. Do i just try and stay on vessels over 4000 H.P.? Ive met a few people that hold a C/E unlimited and have never step foot on a ship they just worked on OSV’s, yachts and tugs. As someone like my self who isn’t really interested in ships (only because of the long hitches) how can i get from 1st A/E to C/E unlimited?
Look at the definition of First Assistant Engineer in 46 CFR 10.107 and consider how that fits with the service requirements for Chief Engineer in 46 CFR 11.510.
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I’ve no interest in sailing deep sea either. I got some large OSV time as an assistant, but have mostly sailed on tugs and ATBs.
This last renewal, I forgot to add that my chief unlimited has a 5000 HP restriction. I’m not sure how that calculation came about since for the last 10 years i’ve only been on vessels over 4000 hp. I didn’t bother digging into the evaluators reasoning behind it either.
Did you ask to have it increased or removed? If not that’s probably why.
Most of my time is large OSV’s. A couple ATB’‘s and tractor tugs (ship docking). I was C/E on one of the 312’ diesel electrics for the big orange boat company for around 3 years. I got it before it left the shipyard. This was during the down turn in 2015 or whatever so everyone was on edge about possibly being laid off. I learned so much in the 3 years i was on that 312. It really helped to build my confidence as a C/E. Also gave me a nice ulcer lol. Ive also been C/E and assistant on several different 280’ and 300’ CP boats. I was also C/E on the Emery Zidell for Centerline for a minute. I love ships and have always wanted to work on them. Drill ship is a option i guess but i dont want to sit in the middle of the GOM on DP for months on end. Im actually starting to enjoy this research vessel gig and hopefully it will lead to other larger research vessels.
I see what you mean.
The licensing consultant i hired emailed me yesterday afternoon and said with all the time ive got on 10,000 HP tugs as C/E i can get my 1st A/E any HP. So its now becoming clear to me i was over thinking all this. that’s a bad habit of mine lol.
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Knowing you have the largest license you can get in your trade. And knowing you dont have to test again would be a comforting thought.
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“I went the same route as you are asking, except I sat for 3rd Assistant Engineer at the same time I sat for Chief Limited“
I thought 3AE was equivalent to Assistant Limited, 2AE was Chief Limited, Near Coastal and 1AE was Chief Limited, Oceans? Are these no longer in use?
I hold a C/ E limited oceans. I was told I have to test for my 1st A/E unlimited.