I currently hold a chief limited 4000hp Near coastal, DDE unlimited, and OSV 3000t/ unlimited HP license. Per the new stcw, there will no longer be a geographical boundary ( NC vs oceans ) on chief limited. Its just that; Chief limited 4000 hp ( for example ). The STCW rule says that with the elimination of the boundary rule, a person currently holding the chief limited can remove the restriction with no further service or exam required.
Also, I read a “rumor” on Gcaptain that stated the tonnage restrictions on OSV licenses were also eliminated. I do not recall seeing that in the STCW rule posted Dec. 24, 2013. However, the NMC website checklist for Chief OSV no longer differentiates between 3000 / 6000 ton etc. Just “National Chief OSV”.
NMC has told me to remove the restrictions that I want, the only method is to earn a Chief unlimited license, sent me a checklist and application package, and that’s that. Has anyone tried to remove any of the restrictions yet, and what paperwork do you have to submit? Even if the rules state the restrictions are gone, that doesn’t do someone any good if they are still printed on your license, from a human resources / compliance officers point of view. Thanks.
I sent my application off to upgrade from Chief OSV 3000 ITC to 6000 ITC 2 months ago. My license came back with the National Chief OSV and the OICEW covers the STCW/International side. As of March 24th, there will no longer be tonnage restrictions on engineer OSV licenses. The only restrictions will apply will be for horsepower only. I emailed the USCG for clarification because I thought they made a mistake on my new license.
I don’t know how this will play out in the long run, with everyone holding the same license, it will eliminate any advantage that the Chief 6000 ITC has had previously! 
Well that’s good to know, they HAVE recognized it at some point. As far as the OSV restrictions go, there definitely will be some people losing their advantage for tonnage, but maybe the HP restrictions will still help. OSV work isn’t my industry so im not familiar; what percentage of guys do you think are sailing on a HP restriction?
[QUOTE=ForkandBlade;139174]I sent my application off to upgrade from Chief OSV 3000 ITC to 6000 ITC 2 months ago. My license came back with the National Chief OSV and the OICEW covers the STCW/International side. As of March 24th, there will no longer be tonnage restrictions on engineer OSV licenses. The only restrictions will apply will be for horsepower only. I emailed the USCG for clarification because I thought they made a mistake on my new license.
I don’t know how this will play out in the long run, with everyone holding the same license, it will eliminate any advantage that the Chief 6000 ITC has had previously! :([/QUOTE]
Well, I’m glad to see the Engineers are finally getting screwed just like the Mates.
Welcome to world of working your way all the way to the top of the licensing structure and then having it mean it jack shit b/c the USCG is handing them out like dum-dums at the bank.
Makes no difference to me they’ve pretty much been giving them away from the start. The issue was getting the observer time on a vessel over 3000itc when most companies had a limited # of vessels that size. Now that they are the norm it’s seems reasonable the CG made this move.
Strange how all this looks familiar. Dec '75 I tested for a C/E M&O 2500 hp and also received a 6K hp waiver. The M&O was good for up to 500 GT. In the following couple of years, I tested for C/E motor towing any hp and 1000 gt, and uninspected motor any hp. Around '78 the M&O licenses were raised to 1000 gt. During the over-building boom around '80, there was a shortage of licensed personnel so “tear-sheet licenses” came into being creating a glut of “qualified personnel”. After I sat for 2nd asst, 1st and Chief Motor, it was around '86 that anyone with a M&O chief or MT chief were issued a chief ltd for up to 1600 gt. Then the oilfield bottomed out and the mad rush of the “qualified” hands ran over each other to cross the 333 picket line.
I’ve seen several cycles in the 15 years I worked in the oilfield but none with a peak this high. With all of the shale production, I hope the next down cycle doesn’t have the same amplitude.
[QUOTE=Johnny Canal;139216]Well, I’m glad to see the Engineers are finally getting screwed just like the Mates.
Welcome to world of working your way all the way to the top of the licensing structure and then having it mean it jack shit b/c the USCG is handing them out like dum-dums at the bank.[/QUOTE]
They may be leveling the playing field a bit against those with the higher tonnage restriction, I absolutely see that. However, they did just add a year of sea time to the requirement for those seaking a chief engineer limited, which will work in the favor of those outside of the OSV license structure. The coast guard giveth, and the coast guard taketh away…