Two things that helped me; I used vertical lines for the dots and horizontal lines for the dashes when I wrote them down, second thing I took the test first thing in the morning rather than waiting till later in the day. Most brains are more attentive and less clouded in the morning than in the afternoon…[QUOTE=Jemplayer;47368]I have the letters memorized and if I’m looking at the dots and dashes on a page I can tell you, but as soon as you start flashing at me I get lost.
What I tried doing was just looking at the screen at writing down the dots and dashes by feel, but that didn’t work because my dots and dashes would start looking the same.
Then it dawned on me to just write L for long and S for short. Even if they look REALLY bad you can write those by feel and look nothing alike. And BOOM I had it. Also I would write them going down as this helps keep me from bunching them up if I write them across. I made a 100 on my exam and I have strong dyslexic tendencies, so give it a try and see how it works for you.
Now I will warn you when you try to use the Hawspiper disk on the final exam you will get all the codes right, but I had a hell of a time finding there meaning in the copy of the International Code of Signal’s they have on the disk. Also unlike on the disk the exam all the important stuff repeats twice, so that helps big time.[/QUOTE]
The STCW Code will be changed per the 2010 amendements to STCW on January 1, 2012, with full implementation by January 1, 2017.
For flashing light, the STCW sets a minimum standard, and never required the present format of 5-letter groups and coded signals. That’s our domestic policy, The format of the exams will remain as is until we change the policy (yes, it is being considered).
Portions of basic safety training, proficiency in survival craft, advanced fire fighting, and fast rescue boats must be refreshed ashore every five years
Creation of new ratings of Able Seafarer-Deck and Able Seafarer-Engine
Establishing ECDIS as a separate endorsement (a restriction just like ARPA is now)
Requirement for leadership and management training for management level - Chief Mate/Master and Chief Engineer/Second Engineer (1st AE)
Requiremnent for medical fitness certification every 2 years
Competency tables for tank vessels
Requirement for security awareness training and training for personnel with designated security duties
[QUOTE=New3M;49823]Don’t quote me on this, but I don’t think the blinker light requirements have anything to do with STCW, I think it’s the USCG that requires it.[/QUOTE]
The format/make-up of the exam/course is set by Coast Guard policy, but it is definitely in STCW, that is why it’s required (one time only) for STCW ebdorsements for 500/1600 GRT. Tabble A-II/1 of STCW includes the competency [I]Transmit and receive information by visual signalling[/I].
The current 46 CFR 11.401(h) reqiuores it for every original issue or upgrade of an unlimited tonnage endorsement, but STCW requires it for all OICNW endorsements for 200 GRT/500 GT or more.
[QUOTE=jdcavo;50262]The format/make-up of the exam/course is set by Coast Guard policy, but it is definitely in STCW, that is why it’s required (one time only) for STCW ebdorsements for 500/1600 GRT. Tabble A-II/1 of STCW includes the competency [I]Transmit and receive information by visual signalling[/I].
The current 46 CFR 11.401(h) reqiuores it for every original issue or upgrade of an unlimited tonnage endorsement, but STCW requires it for all OICNW endorsements for 200 GRT/500 GT or more.[/QUOTE]
Hey, I said don’t quote me on it…
Sorry. I also hate taking the test - passed it somehow for my 2/M…still not really sure how that happened!
Portions of basic safety training, proficiency in survival craft, advanced fire fighting, and fast rescue boats must be refreshed ashore every five years
Requirement for medical fitness certification every 2 years
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!
Please tell me that there will be a one week course that covers all of that. That’s 4 weeks and over $5 grand to take the classes when you include hotel, food, and lost wages!
[QUOTE=Jemplayer;50297]You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!
Please tell me that there will be a one week course that covers all of that. That’s 4 weeks and over $5 grand to take the classes when you include hotel, food, and lost wages![/QUOTE]
I was wondering when we would see the 2 year medical come into play…They already have 2 year physicals for commercial drivers which is a real pain in the ass…
[QUOTE=jdcavo;50259]The STCW Code will be changed per the 2010 amendements to STCW on January 1, 2012, with full implementation by January 1, 2017…[/QUOTE]
A calrification. Those dates are the effective dates for the STCW. In order to implement them in the U.S. it will be necessary to publish implementing regulations. That hasn’t been done of yet, in November 2009 the Coast Guard gave notice that it was reconsidering a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for, among othe reasons, the 2010 amendments to STCW. A supplemental notice of proposed riulemaking (SNPRM) has not yet been published.
I have attached the checklist for the Master 500 Near Coastal, Flashing Light is required unless previously met.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for contacting the National Maritime Center
Cathy Pascal
Security Assistance Corp.
Call Center Specialist III
Contractor to U.S. Coast Guard
National Maritime Center
100 Forbes Dr. Martinsburg, WV 25404
§ 888-427-5662
(F) 304-433-3416 IASKNMC@uscg.mil</PRE>
</PRE>
So much for that…
To update: I got a call from someone at the nmc today who was handling my paperwork. I asked about flashing light and she said you don’t need it until after 1600 master. She didn’t specify near coastal or oceans one way or the other.