I got a buddy who is currently in school for mechanica engineering technology. He found out that since it’s ABET accredited, he’ll be able to get his National 3rd Engineer’s License 46 CFR 11.516 Graduation from the mechanical or electrica engineering course of a school of technology accredited b…

I decided that this was the way to go, but I believe that it has to be one of the listed engineering programs with specific program accreditation and that a technology program will not do it. I think you overstated the required sea time. Also, certain options, like marine engineering and NA only r…

This could be an interesting way for a young person to start in the industry without going to an expensive academy or trudging up the longer route of the hawespipe. $40k for in-state tuition to get a Mechanical Engineering Technology ABET degree compared to $120k at the least expensive, out-of-state…

You still have to pay for the expensive and time consuming OICEW classes. This probably totals 30-40k when you include travel/lodging expenses.

This should be all understood. Regardless of OICEW Classes and seatime, we live in the day of starlink and fully accredited online colleges. For example, my buddy is attending all of this online, WHILE sailing as a wiper. He’s earning seatime, experience, and cash to pay for schooling. Mind you, ro…

[image] ordelees: You still have to pay for the expensive and time consuming OICEW classes. If I were a high school graduate considering the ABET mechanical engineer technology degree to obtain a 3A/E Domestic, I would be more concerned about the USCG changing the rules or some disgruntled NM…

Most (all?) of the OICEW classes are not offered online. Not sure what you’re talking about.

The tuition for my buddy’s degree is 50k. The tuition for OICEW, including his Airbnb n food, is probably gonna be 35k max (17 week program STAR). That’s 85k minimum for this route. Still awfully cheaper than an academy. One could obviously do it cheaper by living in their car or something and buyi…

Mechanical Engineering Technology vs Mechanical Engineering degree

Professional Mariner Forum

Sand_Pebble May 5, 2026, 11:31am 4

While searching on the forum I only seen a couple mentions of this ABET Accredited Mechanical Engineer Technology to USCG 3A/E Domestic Only License. Thread linked below. It looks like @johnny.dollar took this pathway.

Mr. dollar. How long did it take you to obtain the STCW OICEW? For classes, was it just MEECE, ERM, Leadership & Management along with the safety training? How was the NMC? Did they give you a lot of pushback since this path is seldom used?

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Mechanical Engineering Technology vs Mechanical Engineering degree

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