# Article in Popular Mechanics that applies to Mariners **URL:** \ **Category:** Professional Mariner Forum\ **Created:** [September 4, 2020, 11:54pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/article-in-popular-mechanics-that-applies-to-mariners/56601 "2020-09-04T23:54:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 69
**Author:** ![johnny.dollar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@johnny.dollar](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/johnny.dollar)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2020, 10:37am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/article-in-popular-mechanics-that-applies-to-mariners/56601/69 "2020-09-14T10:37:54Z")
Forum consensus and information was incorrect back then, and it is incorrect today. 1080 days wasn’t needed before Dec 31, 2016 (as stated in this thread) and it isn’t needed today. National Crossover from 3rd A/E satisfied the sea time requirement to earn OICEW for **multiple engineers** I know that are currently sailing. They were eligible for the 3rd A/E with 180days in engine department and ABET ME or EE degree. > [@3 A/E without OICEW Shipping Ideas](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/3-a-e-without-oicew-shipping-ideas/15959): > > I’m testing for my 3rds Unlimited Motors license in a few weeks. I’m getting my license through one of the CFRs that allows you to test with a specific engineering degree and 180 days of engine room time. I’ve been sailing deep sea as a QMED with RFPEW, but am still far short of the sea time required for OICEW. So, I’ll have my 3rds but not the STCW equivalent. Anyway, I’m trying to think of gigs where I could sail with my license as an assistant engineer but that don’t require OICEW. So far I’… --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/article-in-popular-mechanics-that-applies-to-mariners/56601)._