Does time on ATBs count towards getting a 3M unlimited? I can’t seem to quite get a straight answer on this. I have 1050 days and am currently on a vessel over 1600grt, but want to apply for a 3M when I get home in October by trying to use my ATB time.
Any input is appreciated.
See 46 CFR 11.211(d).
For ease of reference for others:
(d) Service on Articulated Tug Barges (ATBs) and Integrated Tug Barges (ITBs). Service on ATB or Dual Mode ITB units is creditable for an original deck officer endorsement or raise of grade of any deck officer endorsement. Service on an ATB or Dual Mode ITB with an aggregate tonnage of 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT or more is creditable on a two-for-one basis (2 days experience equals 1 day of creditable service) for up to 50 percent of the total service on vessels of 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT or more required for an unlimited officer endorsement. The remaining required service on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT must be obtained on conventional vessels or Push Mode ITBs.
Yes. ATB time counts the same as conventional on the wire combined tugboat and barge time. 1/2 a day for a day.
Good luck getting the Coalminer’s Daughters at the NMC to actually accept your combined tonnage seatime. Be prepared for at least six months to process your application.
Yes it counts but depending how much you have on ATBs you may get a tonnage restriction.
I’m looking to start the process in October. Decided to get back in the game and work as a relief in the UNOLS system. So far, good time. The vessel I am on is unlimited tonnage.
Wonder if it will be a tonnage restriction based on the ATB combined unit or from the highest tonnage vessel independent of the barge.
What is UNOLS?
I don’t think anyone knows the answer to that, especially not the Coalminer’s Daughters at the NMC.
Give it up. It was lame the first time, and hundreds of repetitions later, it,s still feckin’ lame.
How about LANDLUBBERS at the NMC in the mountains of West Virginia?
With so many decent paying jobs available now, why would anyone pursue these low pay university research vessel jobs?
I’ve been onboard for 10 days now and I love it here. They treat me great, way better than I was treated on tugs or anywhere else in this industry. I’ll try to stay here for a while then move on.
Sometimes it is not all about the money.
Very true. Where we work and what we do is a huge part of life for a Mariner.
I’ve recently turned down better paying jobs. I’m already making good money and I enjoy working for the current owners and managers.
No, that’s not the case. An ATB is a tug and your sea time is the tonnage of the tug. You can count the combined tonnage of tug and barge on a 2 for 1 basis for up to half of the required unlimited tonnage time.* Third mate unlimited requires 1,080 days on vessels over 100 GRT and half of that time needs to be on vessels over 1,600 GRT. So with 540 days of sea time on a vessel over 100 GRT and 540 days sea time towing a barge with combined tonnage over 1,600 GRT you still need 240 days of sea time on a vessel that’s actually over 1,600 GRT for 3rd mate unlimited.
*I have heard of people getting their full unlimited license with just combined tug and barge time. That’s not supposed to happen but you might gamble $100 evaluation fee by applying and hoping the evaluator makes a mistake in your favor.
Some ATBs will get you unlimited time combined. There’s only a few though.
Did you read my whole comment?
I thought because ATBs are"rigidly" connected they were considered a “ship”?
Not a tug towing a barge?
Is that not correct?