Convince me to go for 3rd mate unlimited

Professional Mariner Forum
38

I love this: Mate of Unlimited Tonnage Limited to 2000 Tons.

Echoing some of the excellent voices here: It’s up to you. It’s a lot of work. What do YOU want to do?

If you have no interest working on big ships, then you have answered your own questions. If you want to get on ATBs and bigger tugs, then you have answered your own questions. Do you want STCW and all of the training and classes and other requirements that come with it? (All of the STCW training classes will pay for themselves after a year or less sailing as Mate on a 1600 or unlimited vessel.)

39

That’s not the title of the endorsement that would be issued. It’s Third Mate of ocean self-propelled vessels of less than 2,000 GRT.

40

Study Advice based on th OP – Deck and Engineering Guide for the Administration of Merchant Marine Examination;

The following information is found in the Deck and Engineering Guide and can directly affects your preparation and examination results.

1.2.2 Materials Allowed in the Examination Room …Page 8

It is my recommendation that these materials be downloaded and become part of your examination preparation. Identify where these references and materials have significant impact on each examination module. They can represent critical information or tools to resolve specific examination questions. E.g. Identifying what questions could be resolved using a maneuvering board.

Consider how other references can be used and the limitations of each. E.g. use of Bowditch 2019 ed. Volume II will lack certain formula details and does not contain examples that were previously provided in the1981ed.

1.2.3 Challenges and Comments …Page 9

Be prepared to utilize the NMC Challenges and Comments sheets. Know the challenge process utilized whenfailing an examination module by a single question. The REC will allow the mariner to review the failed module. Do So.

After reviewing the examination, consider submitting possible challenges or comments on two of best questions of those you missed.

When challenging a question, you will need to focus on the inherent problem with the question that would prevents it from being answered correctly. Remember, your submission can only use those reference materials found in the exam room. Your statement will be submitted in writing and needs to contain all the details regarding the discrepancy with the question and the possible reasons for the challenge, including all calculations, and what is believed to be the correct answer. The challenges or comments must be made prior to leaving the examination room.

Challenges on the Navigation Rules module questions require an in-depth knowledge of the rules. There are no available exam room reference materials for this exam module to support your challenge.

1.3.1 Retest Policy … …Page 10

Focus on retest, reexamination or examination timeout policies.

41

Study Advice based on the OP – Topics for Deck Endorsements

This tip focuses on using USCG Coast Guard credentialing subjects and topics for deck endorsements found in 46 CFR 12.405 - Able Seafarer, 46 CFR 12.407 - Lifeboat Operator, and 46 CFR 11.910 table 2 - Deck Officers. The above CFR citing are the cornerstone of a mariner’s examination preparation. Each topic identifies the core of professional knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or in other training communities as knowledge, understanding, and proficiency (KUP)for a specific credential endorsement.

Given the Coast Guard has ceased public disclosure of examination questions and other information related to exams on September 1, 2016. The replacing of examination database was proceeded by the Coast Guard unveiling of sample examinations in 2016 based on credential endorsement. Current documents are found on the National Maritime Center website examination portal. The mariner should monitor this website to obtain and download periodically updates of sample examination that can be utilized to identify other possible sample questions that were not represented on current samples but were noted in previous releases between 2016 - 2024.

Sidebar:

To the best of my knowledge the Coast Guard does not maintain an archive of previous sample exam releases.

This leads me to another method accessing potential sample endorsement questions.

This starts with a different perspective of using specific regulatory examination topic assigned to a credentialing endorsement to drill down to identifying questions assigned to a specific examination topic.

As a demonstration of this process take the time to open the deck rating sample exams for Able Seafarer. Here the examination title reveals the (1) Exam Code: AB01 (2) Endorsement: Able Seafarer (3) Modules: Q450 - Q451.

Located just below the exam module hyperlink are the major topic headings in exam examination module in accordance with 46 CFR 12.405.

The examination module Q450 Navigation Rules of the Road reflects examination topics for (1) Nautical Terms, (2) Navigation Compasses, (3) Operation and Function of Launching Devices, (4) International and Inland regulations for vessels lights and sound signals, and (5) Aids to Navigation.

Now opening the Q450 examination module, here we find a total of 50 questions supporting the examination topics. This where the mariner can relate the exam question to its category. The style of questions presented here by topic will also be utilized in other credentialing examinations.

Use the same review process for Q451 Deck General Safety and then coordinate the 50 questions style to the exam topics presented.

Now having a understanding of the process, expand it to deck officer endorsements identified in 46 CFR 11.910 table 2. This time focused on identifying examination topic and assignment to the various deck officer endorsements. Again, this method refers an examination topic that can span some of, if not all 24-deck license.

The follow-on step is to relate an examination topic to a specific question or questions representing on those specific exam code found the National Maritime Center sample exams portal.

The purpose is to breakdown questions styles into two groups. The first group usually has a simple memory response which are identified as maritime vocabulary, equipment nomenclature and system relationships question. This type of questions should be answered in about one minute.

The second group of questions may require searching an exam room references which may requires more time to resolve e.g., Light Lists, Coast Pilots, Pub 117, Code of Federal Regulations etc..; utilize a maneuvering board to graph out a problem; or the use of Bowditch Vol II to resolve calculations by tables or formula(s).

Sidebar:

Not all formulas used in examination modules are found or represented in Bowditch Vol II 2019 Ed.

The time management focus is critical given that each exam model has a completion time of 3 hours and 30 minutes or 220 minutes. Certain exam modules have 70 questions providing a little over 3 minutes to respond to each question.

Examination preparatory software. I recommend the use of USCG Examination software as a knowledge gap analysis assessment to but not as a primary training or teaching tool.

I have concerns over allegations of mariner’s completing chart plot examinations scoring 100% in less that 6 minutes. There seems to be an inherent problem when resolving examination questions without any computations on the chart, or no use of scratch paper, maneuvering boards, or referring to references’ publications.

Mariners should be cautioned that most private USCG software relying on previously released in 2015 representing USCG public examination databases is approaching 10 years since it was removed from public access. It is also reasonable that certain questions represented 2015 have been removed or modified.

As a mariner and maritime instructor, I can argue that the existing private testing software has relevance if properly used. Knowing the process on how to do a specific task has more importance that knowing the answer to a question.

Example: To reeve a right-angle threefold purchase start with the . (C) middle sheave top block.

Again, having the ability to reeve this tackle or at least knowing where to find the procedure seems more important than having focused on the short-term response to the question and the answer being C. Especially, as a supervisor needing to utilize this block and tackle system in the realistic working application for a specific job.

The use of a preferred examination software to verify your knowledge of a solution and the process used to resolve the situation presented has more advantages that trying to memorize 25 different questions that utilize the same process or mathematic formula for each question being asked.

Caution, memorizing questions and answers to represent professional knowledge, competency, or qualification for a position is nothing more than creating preconditions which can set up the mariner for a future cascading catastrophic event. Being observed completing a 70 questions safety exam in 5 minutes with a passing score of 86% indicates that the mariner spent only about 4 seconds to answer each question. (OIG report 24-08).

This may become problematic during an incident or accident investigation suggesting the lack of individual regulatory qualifications as one element of a total breach of the safe operation of a vessel and the safety management system identified in 46 USC Ch. 32, 46 USC § 30705 Seaworthiness, the ISM Code, and 33 CFR Part 96.

43

Kind of but not really. He should qualify for Mate OSV (no tonnage restriction but trade restricted to OSVs only) when he qualifies for Mate 1,600 so apply for that also on the same application. It’s the same test. You can’t really go and higher than that without working on large OSVs. (You can qualify for Chief Mate OSV less than 1600 GRT with non OSV mate time but why bother?)

45

You need time as a mate over 3,000 GT to get higher licenses on those.

46

See 46 CFR 11.211(h).

47

Study Advice based on the OP – Research, Research, Research

Basic research aligns with the President Ronald Reagan phrase “Trust but Verify”. The mariner’s research journey starts with being able to verify other mariners’ professional comments, opinions or facts. Using this method you don’t need to convince anyone but yourself.

Start your research in developing a self-assessment survey.

Fundamentally there are two self-assessment surveys to consider,

(1) Professional Knowledge and

(2) an Individual Learning Style Survey.

Professional knowledge survey:

When upgrading an endorsement, it may be reasonable to consider conducting a professional knowledge background self-assessment. As follows:

Gather Self-Assessment Reference Materials

(1) Download all available exam room reference materials that apply to an individual endorsement and determine your proficient at using the electronic or making a pdf version them. Other referenced exam room reference materials not supported by a hyperlink should be search for online or purchased, e.g. use of maneuvering boards to resolve graphic style questions and charts for the chart plotting modules.

This open-book exam room process allows the mariner the ability to verify mainly regulatory and navigation information that that has not been encountered previously. All references should be capable of being used before and during the endorsement preparatory phase. This, allows the mariner to demonstrate familiar with the various methods to resolve problems presented when upgrading and eventually using the new skill in future situations at sea.

Illustrations / Diagrams

Deck Examination Illustration Book: Commandant Publication P16721.6A 1992 Ed represents the last printed version of the book provided by the USCG. Along with the public releases of the full question data base on the internet illustration updates were provided but ceased in 2016.

However, there exist the ability to purchase hard copy third party versions of the this book e.g., Volume 6 - Deck Examination Book by Captain Joseph Murphy II, or other marine training providers which provided corrections to 2016. The downloadable version is available at SeaSources.net. All illustrations after 2016 will require updating for self-use to reflect currently illustrations being used. Example: new releases D052NG, D056NG, D058NG, D062NG, and D063NG.

Having this material in hand will establish, what is not included in the exam room references materials and will requiring familiarization or revisiting missing professional knowledge e.g., Deck General and Deck Safety examination modules: terms, equipment, nomenclature, use, and possible required formulas.

(2) Consider downloading Ship Knowledge by Calin Tavi at Academia.edu PDF to provide an overview of generic ship nomenclature. Recommend obtaining a used nautical dictionary to clarify maritime sea language. Suggest one of the following “Encyclopedia of Nautical Knowledge”, Oxford Companion to Ships on the Sea, or International Maritime Dictionary.

(3) Other professional resource and career advice tips and hyperlinks to pdf materials have been presented in previous threads.

Conduct self-assessment surveys.

(1) Professional Knowledge Self-Assessment Survey focus on comparing knowledge topics and subtopics requirements required for a specific USCG examination. This information is detailed in credentialing regulations, amplified in an Approval to Test Letter, outlined in credential examinations provided at National Maritime Centers’ Sample Exam portal and detailed in each examination module,

From this information create a self-assessment survey on each topic and subtopic presented in each examination module by using a scale of 0 – 7.

Where 0 represents having no knowledge of the topic and 7 of having a deep professional understanding of the topic.

(2) Individual Learning Style Survey focusses on knowing how you specific learn and applying it to learning professional knowledge requirement for a credential endorsement. There are three primary learning styles: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic (Tactile).

Visual Learner

Are you a visual learner? You see it: you understand it. This supports the use of developing hardcopy or PPT flash cards. This extends to the use of USCG illustrations AKA diagrams to identifying each component found in the illustration and related knowledge requirements that can apply.

Three examples of visual learning style using supporting illustrations are:

Topic 1: Marlinespike Seamanship - Illustration D030DG

  • Knots Identify principal knots, bends, splices, and hitches by name.
  • Know its’ use and how to tie each.
  • Have supporting background knowledge:
    • Terms – small stuff, hawsers, standing part, bitter end, turn, round turn, underhand loop, overhand loop, marlinespike hitch etc.
    • Knowledge of line, wire construction and tools used
    • Splicing of line and wire -Wire Clips D058DG

Topic 2: Blocks and Tackles - Illustration D029DG

  • Names, including nicknames Watch or Handy Billy tackle
  • Have supporting background knowledge:
    • Nomenclature – parts e.g., cheek, sheeve, becket, individual block construction
    • Consistent Terms – reeving, over hauling, chock-a-block, two block, fleeting, reeving line, rigged to advantage, rigged to disadvantage, etc.
    • Procedures and calculation formulas.

Topic 3: Navigation Rules – Illustrations

  • Identify the various situations presented by an illustration.

    • D006RR – represents the day shape vessel Restricted in Ability to Maneuver
    • D056RR – represents the lights of vessel Restricted in Ability to Maneuver
    • D056RR – represents the lights of vessel Restricted in Ability to Maneuver stern view.
    • D085RR – represents the lights of vessel Restricted in Ability to Maneuver as part of dredging operations.

  • Have supporting background knowledge:

    • Pecking Order Rule 18
    • Whistle Signal - Rule 35 (c) and (d) Underway and at anchored

Auditory Learning:

Are you an audio learner? You hear it: you remember it. This supports the use of a tape recorder. Primarily used for recording of deck machinery nomenclature and uses, mnemonic aids, formulas, etc. Usually broken down by examination module and use when have a short moment during the day, waiting for an event or when traveling to and from work.

Kinesthetic / Tactile Learner:

Are Kinesthetic AKA Tactile Learner? Hands on: you remember it. This is supports touching, manipulating, or writing (notetaking). Used for repetitively using a formula or writing out a mnemonic aid or noting procedures that apply.

Application reinforcement:

Application of any new a job-specific task requires the use and application of the skill in a real or simulated environment. Example: Determine compass error by terrestrial range can be reinforced when running along the coastline, or when entering or leaving a port.

During my maritime career, I have used a combination of all three of the primary learning styles to study for examinations, when preparing for a future or a new position aboard ship.