Ecdis

Hello, I have been hearing some rumors that the USCG has pushed back the requirement for Ecdis training has anybody else heard this? I have also heard that it will only be needed when I go for either my next upgrade or renewal? Thanks

[QUOTE=thetruth;61372]Hello, I have been hearing some rumors that the USCG has pushed back the requirement for Ecdis training has anybody else heard this? I have also heard that it will only be needed when I go for either my next upgrade or renewal? Thanks[/QUOTE]

Since we have not yet published rules to implement the 2010 STCW, it’s not really accurate to say we “pushed back” a requirement that at present, doesn’t exist. In any event, the 2010 STCW and our supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) would not require anyone who currently has an STCW endorsement to have the ECDIS training before January 1, 2017.

Thanks for the clarification

Note that my previous response rewfers to the ECDIS requirements in STCW 2010 and whether Coast Guard approved training is required for an ECDIS endorsement or a restriction to vessels without ECDIS. It is not intended to address any exisiting requirement for familiarization or other training that must be provided by a vessel/company for the equipment on a the vessel.

If one takes an ECDIS class now, wil it be valid for STCW endorsement when the rules are passed?

We PROPOSED in the SNPRM that a course that is Coast Guard approved would be acceptable. If you’ve already taken a course that isn’t approved, then under the rule we proposed, it would not be acceptable. If the course is approved now, under the proposed rule we would accept it when the proposed future requirement takes effect.
(Did I mention that we have only proposed this rule, it’s not yet final or effective?)

So, I have taken an ECDIS course that is USCG approved, how long does one have to apply so that it counts, is there an expiration if you do not submit it to the NMC in over a year?

There is no ECDIS requirement yet, so submitting it does nothing. I have no idea if when they require it how old a class they will accept. Since everything is still being written I expect no one can answer that question yet.

Read this

http://www.professionalmariner.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=56D87F3961EA429D81C9973CDE222EF1

[QUOTE=Scallywag;62096]So, I have taken an ECDIS course that is USCG approved, how long does one have to apply so that it counts, is there an expiration if you do not submit it to the NMC in over a year?[/QUOTE]

The only courses whose certificate expire one year after issue are those courses approved to be taken in lieu of testing at an REC. Any course that does not substitute for an exam you take an an REC will not expire in a year.

I see that the ECDIS course I took at California Maritime Academy (as a cadet) is not on my MMC. Does that course, and it’s certificate have an expiration date? Like the 5 year radar observer endorsement?

If you didnt have it would appear as a restriction on your MMC, as in not valid after 2017 on ECDIS equipped vessels. Or something Like that