# MCA unlimited to USCG unlimited **URL:** \ **Category:** Maritime Training & Licensing\ **Created:** [September 5, 2019, 8:20am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606 "2019-09-05T08:20:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Harry\_Sinfield](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/harry_sinfield/32/10066_2.png) [@Harry\_Sinfield](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Harry_Sinfield)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2019, 8:20am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/1 "2019-09-05T08:20:51Z")
Good day folks, I saw a similar post on this however the information was from 2013 so I’m hoping you can help with fresh information. I am soon to be a U.S citizen through marrying an American woman. I currently hold an MCA OOW unlimited license and am finding it extremely difficult to find a U.S company that will accept it. Even for positions far lower than my current. Therefore I am trying to find out information if it is at all possible to gain the USCG equivalent without having to essentially become a cadet again and take the exams and orals. I understand that my sea time would could but this is not an option for me. Failure to gain the USCG equivalent, could anyone offer other alternatives such as gaining the USCG Chief Mates 3000? All your help is greatly appreciated! I’m stuck! ---
**Author:** ![Chief\_Seadog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/67e7ee/32.png) [@Chief\_Seadog](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Chief_Seadog)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2019, 12:09pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/2 "2019-09-05T12:09:38Z")
After citizenship, your sea time and license will allow you to sit for a equivalent USCG license but your will have to take all the exams and all STCW certifications. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Phoenix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/capt_phoenix/32/281_2.png) [@Capt\_Phoenix](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Capt_Phoenix)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2019, 4:10pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/3 "2019-09-05T16:10:47Z")
Any USCG license you qualify for, regardless of tonnage, will require you to take the full exams for that license. ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2019, 2:42pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/4 "2019-11-19T14:42:48Z")
Hello Thanks for the Support. In this case, after getting my green card, Am I allowed to sit for the USCG exams? Or do I need to wait till I attain my citizenship. I already have an Indian OOW COC. Which are the USCG courses I have to undergo for getting an OOW license under USCG standards. Also how much would be the total expenses including the classes and Exams.? Can someone kindly help me out with this information ? ---
**Author:** ![Lee\_Shore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Lee\_Shore](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Lee_Shore)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2019, 3:54pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/5 "2019-11-19T15:54:29Z")
Anything above an OUPV (six-pack) requires citizenship. ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2019, 4:35pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/6 "2019-11-19T16:35:17Z")
Thanks for your kind repky. Any idea about the classes & exams I have to take? Also the duration and expense for the same. Do I have to start my training from cadetship all over again? ---
**Author:** ![Lee\_Shore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Lee\_Shore](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Lee_Shore)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2019, 4:52pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/7 "2019-11-19T16:52:51Z")
The online Coast Guard NMC site has checklists. In your case, you should probably talk to a license consultant so you don’t waste time and money. Some have been recommended on this forum. Let your fingers do the walking… ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Phoenix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/capt_phoenix/32/281_2.png) [@Capt\_Phoenix](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Capt_Phoenix)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2019, 6:18pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/8 "2019-11-19T18:18:43Z")
> [@Abijith](#): > > Can someone _ **please** _ help me out with this information? I fixed it for you. ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 10:37am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/9 "2019-11-20T10:37:16Z")
Any idea how much is the wages for an American dynamic positioning operator in US flag offshore vessels? ---
**Author:** ![NH\_Domer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/nh_domer/32/8494_2.png) [@NH\_Domer](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/NH_Domer)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 1:16pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/10 "2019-11-20T13:16:10Z")
> [@Abijith](#): > > Any idea how much is the wages for an American dynamic positioning operator in US flag offshore vessels? Wayyy more than you were making back in India. ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2019, 2:31pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/11 "2019-11-20T14:31:21Z")
Will all my seatime as Indian 2nd officer be counted towards the certification of USCG unlimited? Do I have to complete the deck cadet onboard training programme again ? ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Phoenix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/capt_phoenix/32/281_2.png) [@Capt\_Phoenix](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Capt_Phoenix)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2019, 11:41pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/12 "2019-11-21T23:41:29Z")
> [@Abijith](#): > > Will all my seatime as Indian 2nd officer be counted towards the certification of USCG unlimited? If it’s properly documented it should. > [@Abijith](#): > > Do I have to complete the deck cadet onboard training programme again ? No but you’re going to have to take so the STCW classes in the US. ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 8:20am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/13 "2019-11-22T08:20:39Z")
Do I have to take all the stcw courses which I have already taken in India? Will there be any return examinations or it’s just the assessment and certification ? ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 8:23am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/14 "2019-11-22T08:23:10Z")
I am already a DPO in India & wages are 250USD per day. Are the pay rolls better for an American dynamic Positioning officer serving in US flag vessels? Any information regarding their wages as a 2nd mate dynamic Positioning officer? ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 8:32am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/15 "2019-11-22T08:32:10Z")
Hello Buddy. May I have your e- mail I’d or any contact details? This is with respect to your concern which I am also going through. Paul ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Phoenix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/capt_phoenix/32/281_2.png) [@Capt\_Phoenix](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Capt_Phoenix)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 11:03am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/16 "2019-11-22T11:03:30Z")
> [@Abijith](#): > > Do I have to take all the stcw courses which I have already taken in India? You have to take so the STCW courses required in the CFR. > [@Abijith](#): > > Will there be any examinations Yes, you have to take all the exams as well. > [@Abijith](#): > > Are the pay rolls better for an American dynamic Positioning officer serving in US flag vessels? Yes but you have to get a job as one, there are a lot of unemployed DPOs so that’s not likely. ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 1:05pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/17 "2019-11-22T13:05:27Z")
Sir, you being the appropriate person to answer this question, let me ask you Do you think there will be any advantage or a better growth in my career by transferring (after completing all the required exams and trainings) my Indian OOW license to USCG OOW credentials after acquiring my Citizenship ? My goal is to work as a dynamic Positioning operator in US flag Offshore vessels. I am already holding a dynamic Positioning unlimited certificate. Kindly give me your valuable reply on this. Thanks Paul ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Phoenix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/capt_phoenix/32/281_2.png) [@Capt\_Phoenix](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Capt_Phoenix)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 3:47pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/18 "2019-11-22T15:47:49Z")
> [@Abijith](#): > > after acquiring my Citizenship How long until that’s done? 5-10 years? ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2019, 4:06pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/19 "2019-11-22T16:06:22Z")
Yes captain, I presume in 5 years maximum. By then I can clear my masters from India or UK. ---
**Author:** ![Abijith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Abijith](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Abijith)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2019, 8:49am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606/20 "2019-11-27T08:49:25Z")
Hello Captain, Any suggestions from your side for my request above? Do you think all the struggle is going to worth it on a long run. Is the offshore market going to be better being an American dynamic positioning officer? [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mca-unlimited-to-uscg-unlimited/52606.md?page=2)