Can an Assistant Engineer (Limited) work as a DDE?

Professional Mariner Forum
1

Like the title says, Can an Assistant Engineer (Limited) work as a DDE? I am considering the two-year program at SUNY Maritime to get my AE (Limited) and the limit is not on horsepower but GRT, at 1600 GRT. Does that mean I could work as the Designated Duty Engineer on most tugboat jobs? It seems as if all the qualifications of DDE fall beneath that of AE Limited.

Thanks in advance

2

It would depend on what the tug’s COI/manning document says (if applicable.) Most tugs are under 200 grt
a lot of companies run licensed engineers on their boat as a preference, not a requirement so its not uncommon to see an assistant in a ‘chief’ role by themselves.

However, a DDE can be a sole engineer on a vessel…an assistant can only be an assistant. I’ve seen some vessels COI requiring chief engineer with a note that a dde is sufficient.

DDE unlimited is the same test as assistant engineer limited. Years ago when I applied i asked for it at the same time and was issued it once i passed the exams.

3

ok great. thanks for the info.

4

If the tug requires a licensed engineer then no.

Apply for DDE Unlimited concurrently with Assistant Engineer Limited and see what they say, the service requirements are identical.

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5

AE limited is the same test as DDE unlimited. They issue you two licenses (or rathe one sticker with two lines in it) after you pass this test. So, the answer is “yes”.

8

Assuming you apply for both. To the OP, APPLY FOR BOTH. Even though both are the same test, you won’t get both unless both DDE unlimited and Assistant Limited are on the application.

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9

See the definition of “ chief engineer” in 46 CFR 10.107. DDE fits that. Note also that for STCW the corresponding endorsement is chief engineer. As used in STCW in the full title for OICEW, “designated duty engineer” has a different meaning.

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10

Thanks for the details. Do you know if someone holding assistant engineer limited can work as QMED?

11

Before 2014, yes. But now you need to have the QMED endorsement in your MMC. See Policy Letter 04-18 for the explanation and what you need to do to add the endorsement.

12

Thanks so much for the letter. It looks like I would only have to take the Q800 to fulfill the Oiler and Junior Engineer elements of QMED.