Why do you guys insist that the 30 day wonder thing is reality? If he gets on a tug as an Observer/AB he can’t possibly get all he needs for a fully completed TOAR in 30 days unless its pencil-whipped. No self respecting DE would let an observer handle his boat during a critical operation after just a brief introduction. In 30 days, the “observer” would have to handle the boat every time it moved, every operation critical or not. Each situation that must be signed off has to be performed competently before the eyes of the DE. How many times will a repeat scenario occur in 30 days? I don’t see how any TOAR can be properly and honestly accomplished in any period less than a year. The number of skills that need to be demonstrated, the weather conditions under which they must be performed don’t occur in such a limited time frame, How frequently do each of these opportunities arise over the course of a year? Barely enough to honestly sign a man off. Thirty days, nfw. Really, ship assist work is just one thing to be demonstrated as well as restricted visibility operations, bridge transits, towing in heavy weather, pushing, towing alongside, fair tide transits, high wind…etc. This isn’t my first rodeo and I know that thirty days won’t cover a fraction of these scenarios. No disrespect intended for the Unlimited Master seeking to lateral over to towing vessels, but the time to get a towing endorsement is a bit more than just thirty days. Be honest, as 2M on those tugs, how much boat handling did you actually do? How long were you aboard before the old man let you handle the boat for dockings and sailings? How many times did you get to practice before he cut you loose and stopped looking over your shoulder? Would you trust a mate on watch who had a TOAR signed off in 30 days? Really, a 3M fresh out of the academy can get the TOAR pencil whipped as easily as anyone and then report aboard as a qualified Mate, until he does his first job that is…C’mon be honest.