If the COI for and COD for a tug states routes permitted as oceans , shouldn’t the operators have to have oceans endorsements? Even if only operating the tug inland or near coastal. It’s never come up as an issue with COI renewals or sub m inspections . But just seemed it would be manned based on that
I’m going to need some popcorn for this one. I expect a lot of people are going to accurately recount very different experiences.
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Not required.
Most companies have very few ocean licenses on the payroll.
When they get a contract for an oceans voyage they often have to: (1) just do it illegally with their regular guys that don’t have oceans; (2) shuffle their people around to put ocean licenses on the boat; or (3) bring in outside contract mariners that have oceans.
I sometimes do ocean voyages as a temp contract captain with oceans (and full STCW).
A friend of mine has done several Panama Canal transits on a Near Coastal license.
Hawaii and Puerto Rico voyages require an oceans license, but most people don’t know that.
A tug only needs to be crewed for the type of voyage it’s doing.
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Last line key. Also goes for equipment EXCEPT at renewal.
Are you on a multi-service or multi-route vessel?
Manning: The fundamental manning difference between OSVs and freight and industrial vessels is that OSVs are allowed to use a “two-watch system” when engaged on a voyage of less than 600 miles (46 USC 8104(g)). Towing vessels are also allowed to use a two-watch system when engaged on a voyage of less than 600 miles. With limited exceptions, other seagoing merchant vessels over 100 GT (including freight and industrial vessels) are required to use a three-watch system when at sea (46 USC 8104(d)). Thus, multi-service vessel COIs will have to be structured such that appropriate manning is specified for different vessel services and voyage lengths.
and
The COI (or SMD/SML) for a multi-service and/or route vessel should be structured such that appropriate manning is specified for each vessel service and voyage length, including any operational limitations. For example, when appropriate a COI (or SMD/SML) may include manning scales for voyages of 600 miles and more as well as voyages of less than 600 miles. This highest manning level is specified in the ‘manning block’ and all subordinate levels detailed under the ‘routes permitted and conditions of operations’ section of the COI.
If you are only on inland waters, seems you don’t need oceans on your license. The vessel can only sail oceans when its crew has oceans is what I gather
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