Below you will find some of my insights and responses as to making the transition from M2M. My first guidance is to research the credentialing process diligently. Your observation is correct “crazy how different this compared to the military.” I found it so when I made the transition.
I want to go back to your statement “Currently I meet the minimum requirements to take 1st A/E exam”.
You indicated in your June post that NMC provided you with an Awaiting Information (AI) Letter in it you were provided what was needed for “Approval to Test” for 1 AE exam.
Are you receipt of your Approval to Test Letter from the NMC for 1st AE?
Up to this point I have some concerns. So, let’s go over what should have been provided in the NMC AI letter.
Service Requirements:
In reading the thread, I see no comment that you currently hold or held an MMC as a A/E. This is your starting point to qualify for the license you are requesting.
(1) One of the requirements for 1st A/E. Using the NMC Checklist or 46 CFR 11.512, I see the requirement for 360 days of service as an assistant engineer while holding 2nd A/E, or 360 days of service as a Chief Engineer (limited).
(2) Moving back to 2nd A/E. Using the NMC Checklist or 46 CFR 11.514, I find 360 days of service while holding a MMC as 3rd A/E, OF WHICH 180 days of service as 3rd A/E.
(3) Finally refer to 3rd A/E NMC Checklist or 46 CFR 11.516 which requires 1080 days of service in the engine room with 720 days as QMED or equivalent position.
I believe you meet the requirements of this license. I recommend you look at the post by jdcavo in Apr 11, 2022 What counts as an “Equivalent Position” - the term “equivalent position” is meant to refer to military service being equivalent to service on a commercial vessel, see 46 CFR 10.232(d)(1).
Propulsion Mode and Cross Over Requirements:
Also he posted - Whichever propulsion mode you apply for, at least one-third of the required service be on the mode you are applying for. If you don’t have this, you would need to take a course for that propulsion mode. See 46 CFR 11.502.
Service in Lower Shipboard Positions:
You have been provided guidance that an officer endorsement lets you serve in lower capacities, so 1st AE can serve as 2nd or 3rd.
A follow-on question would be “does the officer endorsement include endorsements for QMED position or is the qualified ratings Endorsements tested separately?”.
Later, I willing provide additional comments based on my experience in making my transition from the military to a maritime deck officer but first I need to know what the NMC evaluator has actually qualified you for.
Also, I am sure that others will also will continue to provide their comments and recommendations for you.