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)?

Professional Mariner Forum
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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 based on graduation from a mechanical or electrical engineering course of an ABET-accredited school of technology, combined with 6 months of qualifying service in the engine department.

The exact regulation states: “Graduation from the mechanical or electrical engineering course of a school of technology accredited by the ABET, together with 6 months of service in the engine department of steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels”

What I’m trying to determine is how NMC interprets the education requirement when the applicant’s degree is ABET-ETAC Accredited (Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission) as opposed to ABET-EAC Accreditation (Engineering Accreditation Commission).

Specifically, does NMC consider an ABET-ETAC accredited B.S. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology to satisfy §11.516(a)(5), or does NMC interpret the regulation as requiring a traditional Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering program accredited through ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)?

The wording “school of technology” is part of what makes me unsure how this is interpreted. The regulation does not specifically say EAC or ETAC, and it does not expressly state that engineering technology programs are excluded.

Any information is gladly appreciated

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@FutureMariner Good luck with this question & I hope you find you answer. The following is what I asked Chatgpt a few months ago.

“Does the United States Coast Guard publish a list of ABET Accredited colleges that they approve for Mechanical Engineering Technology students to attend to qualify for testing for 3rd Assistant Engineer?”

Chatgpt answered, “No” for me. Then gave a long complicated follow-up answer. My understanding of the CFR & take away from the AI answer was MET from ABET ETAC. It would be so much easier if USCG/NMC just published a list? Probably better for future mariners to try to ask the NMC before enrolling at a ABET school & praying it’s still the same 4 yrs later when they graduate. Again, good luck.

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Chat GPT essentially told me “maybe”. Then went on to justify arguments for and against accepting my degree. So I did email NMC. Hopefully they say yes.

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The us govt. initiated a position called ''electronic engineering technition", I asked a over qualified guy holding that if he was going to go for 3ae but he said no, did’t elaborate. I think the USCG as well as mariners like to sea some sea days!

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If the degree does qualify it would still require 180 days of sea time to test for 3AE