Hi, I had seen a couple topics created about this previously with no outcome documented, so I am bringing this up again. I will be working in the Bering Sea as a fisheries observer contracted through NOAA/NMFS. I read online that observers are not legally considered “seamen” due to insurance coverage issues and related costs to boat owners. I would like to get my captain’s license someday and was hoping to use my observing time towards the required sea time. I am checking with my local Coast Guard office, but thought I would ask here as well.
You may be able to use it for an endorsement as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV, aka "six-pack’), but not anything else. The requirements for that endorsement are “experience in the operation of vessels.” For all other endorsements, the regulations specify service tin the deck department or in a specific capacity on a vessel. You would not meet those.
Ok, the six-pack is actually what I was thinking of getting. I will definitely try to keep track of the vessels I am on just in case I can use them. But, am thinking about feeling out the situation before I ask for the captain to fill out more paperwork! Thanks for your input.
That interpretation is extremely liberal if applied to observers. I don’t see how an observer focusing on fish stocks with no crew duties can qualify as gaining experience in the operation of a vessel. “Experience in the operation” sounds pretty clear cut. An observer can acquire a general knowledge of operations by watching but experience is gained by doing.
Don’t let my comment discourage you. It was directed at jdcavo because I think the interpretation is a stretch but he is in a better position than I am to say what the CG may accept for a OUPV. I do know they accept time spent operating your own private boat toward that license. Make sure you keep good records.