Given your initial post statement, I am following up my previous response by going beyond credentialing to developing general shipboard knowledge.
My guidance is similar to other threads found on gCaptain regarding developing a professional foundation and background.
Consider the current USCG Policy letter 02-24 on the sea time requirements for advancement to the next national level in deck department. While perusing your MMC credential looking ahead to obtaining some general shipboard knowledge thru professional reading.
Professional Reading assist in shipboard OJT instruction regarding: Sea Language / Nautical Terms / Equipment nomenclature/Knots/Helm Commands etc… as defined in 46 CFR 12.405 and 46 CFR 12.407 or 46 CFR 12.409.
For the moment here are few electronic suggestions:
Sidebar: Army Deck Mariners (88K) are required to set for their USCG endorsements and licensure so their manuals have some good information.
- o U.S. Maritime Service Manuals Preliminary Training, Engineering Branch, Deck Branch
- o Army Marine Crewman’s Handbook TC 4-15.51 2018 Ed
- o Army Marine Crewman’s Handbook FM-55-501 1999 ed
- o Army Rigging Techniques, Procedures, and Applications FM 5 125
- o Army Rigging Techniques, Procedures, and Applications FM 5-125/3 1995 Ed.
- o Army Cargo Specialist Handbook TC4-13
- o Knights Modern Seamanship 7th Ed
- o Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook.
- o IALA Buoyage System
- o U.S. Aids to Navigation Systems Plates
- o U.S. Aids to Navigation System
- o NMC National Checklist
- § Lifeboatman
- § Able Seaman
Hopefully this will get you started down the path you are looking for.