I’ve always thought that guys pushing barges of the size that we push should gain unlimited tonnage time for the unit so they can test for unlimited licenses. The problem with the licensing system is that even if I wanted an unlimited tonnage license I’m only getting sea time for the tug which is, i…

[image] ATB’s Any vessel OVER 1600 tons must have an Unlimited tonnage Master and Mate to operate. Well, just to bring up an exception: U.S. fishing vessels up to 5000 GRT can be operated with fishing vessel deck officers licenses of the appropriate tonnage. Seperate issue: [image] ATB’s …

Leadslead, The hawsepipe guys, of which I was a smaller community of mariners before I retired, had their hands full. I get some of the pain for not being recognized for the task at hand that perhaps the licensing authorities did not recognize. A disgrace, but is the requirements now none the less. …

So although It may seem odd that a tug master can navigate what is effectively a thousand foot long ship with a limited license, their safety record doesn’t indicate that radical change is needed in the licensing department.

Most of the big rigs I handled were about 500 to 760 ’ overall with 3200 to 7200 HP with 24’ to 34’ draft on the barge loaded, about 16 to 20’ on the tug. Had to be rather cautious with steering and speed navigating the channels and approaching the dock. We were under powered but made it work someho…

I don’t think the tests or exams should be any easier. My point is that if you should require an unlimited license for a particular unit you should get unlimited tonnage for working on that unit. Even a 3rd mate out of an academy cannot get his masters license on an ATB because his seatime is on ves…

[image] leadsled: cannot get his masters license on an ATB because his seatime is on vessels under 200 tons Tonnage over 100 GRT is acceptable for an unlimited license. And you can use the aggregate tonnage of the ATB for half of the required service. See 46 CFR 11.402 and 11.211(d) .

If you are filling a billet as mate (not 3rd mate, 2nd mate, or Chief Mate) and you sea service doesn’t reflect the time that way will the CG accept that?

[image] leadsled: If you are filling a billet as mate (not 3rd mate, 2nd mate, or Chief Mate) and you sea service doesn’t reflect the time that way will the CG accept that? Depends on what you are applying for. If you want a specific answer, you need to ask a specific question. Lack of detai…

You’re right that I haven’t researched the unlimited license path for a while. I tested for my 1600 ton Master Oceans under the old rules. I was under the impression that they were still the same. I will go back to the CFRs and read up. I’d like to test for my 3rd Mate just to have it even though ri…

ATBs Licensing

Professional Mariner Forum

Capt_Phoenix March 4, 2020, 1:43am 4

Any barge, no matter how large, can be towed or pushed by a tug with just a Master of Tow in command. 10,000 GRT is just the cutoff for being required to have a pilot.

Topic		Replies	Views
ATB's qualify as unlimited tonnage? Professional Mariner Forum	26	7881	July 25, 2015
The Line Between Limited and Unlimited Professional Mariner Forum	34	6275	February 25, 2013
Tug & Barge Seatime under new rules? Professional Mariner Forum	47	9254	August 31, 2014
Closing the ATB "loop-hole"? Professional Mariner Forum	93	14301	July 25, 2015
ATB time count towards 3rd mate unlimited? Maritime Training & Licensing	65	5296	February 10, 2022

ATBs Licensing

Related topics