# Fastest Way To Get 180 Days of Engine Seatime From Entry-Level **URL:** \ **Category:** Marine Engineering\ **Created:** [September 4, 2026, 12:43am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/fastest-way-to-get-180-days-of-engine-seatime-from-entry-level/77244 "2026-09-04T00:43:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 2
**Author:** ![Sand\_Pebble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c2a13f/32.png) [@Sand\_Pebble](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Sand_Pebble)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 12:33pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/fastest-way-to-get-180-days-of-engine-seatime-from-entry-level/77244/2 "2026-09-04T12:33:35Z")
With the mariner shortage, (especially engineers) I’m sure many of the big OSV operators would be willing to work with you to get you seatime if they thought you’d hang around after passing the 3AE. Tugs & OSV’s work 12 hour days so that would be faster than 8 hr days. Since you will need to take +$30K in STCW courses try to find a union or company that pays or have their own school. You didn’t mention passport. Make sure you have a passport. Also, will you graduate with Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer Technology degree? Below are a couple of threads discussing what you plan on doing. > [@Mechanical Engineering Technology vs Mechanical Engineering degree](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mechanical-engineering-technology-vs-mechanical-engineering-degree/75339): > > I got a buddy who is currently in school for mechanica engineering technology. He found out that since it’s ABET accredited, he’ll be able to get his National 3rd Engineer’s License 46 CFR 11.516 Graduation from the mechanical or electrica engineering course of a school of technology accredited bv the ABET, together with 6 months of service in the engine department of steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels; After looking at it, does mechanical engineering technology even count, or is… > [@Is it possible to qualify for Third Assistant Engineer under 46 CFR §11.516(a)(5) with an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology degree that has ABET-ETAC Accreditation (Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission)?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/is-it-possible-to-qualify-for-third-assistant-engineer-under-46-cfr-11-516-a-5-with-an-electrical-and-electronic-engineering-technology-degree-that-has-abet-etac-accreditation-engineering-technology-accreditation-commission/76836): > > Im in the United States. Im pursuing this degree at Wayne State University. I’m trying to get a definitive answer about the education pathway to Third Assistant Engineer Unlimited under 46 CFR §11.516(a)(5) I have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology from Wayne State University. The degree program is accredited by ABET through the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) Section 11.516(a)(5) provides a pathway to Third Assistant Engineer bas… --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/fastest-way-to-get-180-days-of-engine-seatime-from-entry-level/77244)._