So In the past it has been you could go from 1600 mate to 3rd mate without testing , now it seems the check list has changed and can now do the same from master 1600 ? Does anyone have an updated deck and engineering exam guide? @jdcavo any insight ?
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This is welcome news and a long overdue common sense change in policy that reduces unnecessary burdens and expenses for the USCG as well as mariners.
Thank you President Trump.
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Another policy letter, this one on recent service for officer endorsements:
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If I’m reading this correctly I can add 3rd mate, near coastal to my license since I already hold 1600 master, near coastal by simply submitting for it when I go to renew
Am I reading it correctly?
Correct
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Sweet. I’ll never use it but I’ll be applying for it when I renew.
Looks like the only thing holding me up is 360 days as master on a vessel bigger than 200 grt.
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Long overdue change for sure!
But umm… Not to sound alarmist, but between this and the sea service adjustment happening on its heels, it almost seems like maybe we’re getting things pre-staged for a scenario where we would need a bunch more unlimited officers in a hurry… like say, sea lift?
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It’s been 100 GRT since 2014. See 46 CFR 11.402(a)(1).
You do sound alarmist.
The Mate 500/1600 to 3rd Mate is not new. Freighterman might be able to tell you about the discussion of this at a NMERPAC meeting in Seattle in early 2024. It was being considered as far back as 2016.
The recent sea service policy is nothing more than levelling the playing field. Since 2015, ex-military mariners have had a 7-year recency period while other mariners had only 3.
Not everything is part of a nefarious conspiracy.
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Thanks. I thought the checklist said the 200 grt condition, maybe I misread it.
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If we’re hurting for mariners so badly, they should get rid of the crossover exam for 2M Unlimited to 1600ton master as well.
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MSC already needs the help. They’re decommissioning ships and keeping new builds in the yards after completion because they can’t crew them.
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My take from this move is that we need more unlimited officers. An instructor once told me vessels are getting bigger, docks ain’t. At the end, can you do the job? Currently in the wind farm there is lots of foreign assets, we can also build more ships for that industry.
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I think it would be a 3M with a tonnage limitation though unless you meet the sea service requirements for unlimited. Am I reading it correctly??
Right..but that other link just says time over 100 grt?
Yes it does. The CFR quoted by JDCavo above says “all service” must be on vessels over 100 GRT, the checklist is referring to service “as master” of vessels over 200 GRT. (46 CFR 11.407) A wee bit confusing.