So I went to upgrade my 100 ton master to 200 ton master.
Jump through all the hoops, to meet all the requirements.
Submitted all my packet, knowing it could be a wait.
It sat for several weeks, waiting for assignment for review.
It finally went to review, and I was notified there were things that needed before it could be issued.
One was verification of my updated STCW. (I did not apply to renew this), but I’m assuming because it was on my prior ticket that they would automatically ask this.
I submitted an additional 576 days of sea time towards my 200 ton. I was informed that I needed additional time to meet the 720 day requirement.
When I called, and asked, is it my initial sea time that was used for my 100 ton ticket credited towards the 720 days required. I inquired that the initial Sea time along with the extra 576 days should be more than sufficient…?
She replied that I did not include the original Sea time in my upgrade packet. My understanding was that once you have submitted, and documented Sea time that you don’t resubmit, as it would be like double dipping. She said they need to verify the initial sea time. My response was you’ve already verified it by issuing my initial license… Correct? She said “we don’t use a license as verification of Sea time“. So now they have to request the archives division to verify my initial Sea time, or I have to resubmit all the original Sea time to meet the requirements. I’m currently stationed in Panama City Panama and this is not something that is convenient or easily done.
Talk about bureaucracy… Just saying
You didn’t mention how much time has elapsed since your first license, but I will presume it’s been a while.
The archive is your best hope – it saved me once. I think you should make a request that they pull your “legacy file”. If they find it, your problem should be resolved.
Thanks yes I’m hoping my legacy file is still available.
It’s been five years and my 100 ton needs to be renewed, so I chose to upgrade. I didn’t have the tonnage requirements for my 500 ton.
I guess the good news is, I still have all of my paperwork from the original filing, just not an easy thing to get to where I am at the moment
on official NMC website there is a section for a request of records from a previous submission for MMC.
I had an old OUPV Masters and I sent in a records request late last year. FYI: It took about 2-3 weeks but they sent me everything including my sea time forms which I had originally submitted about a decade ago.
Hi there,
Thank you for the reply!
Yes I guess I will just have to be patient.
It just seems like extra unnecessary red tape/delay.(as I obviously had the required sea time to get my lic. in the first place)
Also not clear at all during the application process.
Further more conflicting answers from different USCG (contractors)
I was concerned after submitting my packet that I had forgotten to update my first aid.
I called, and chatted online with them regarding whether there was any acceptable courses that would qualify in Panama, or Mexico.
After a lot of run around I found an "approved"course online, and a zoom exam.
Come to find out now, I didn’t even need to do this for my upgrade.
And maybe make copies or take pics with your phone when you get the documents.
If all you have is Master 100 and are applying for Master 200 without any STCW, there is no requirement to update or keep First Aid/CPR current Your employer might have that requirement, but the USCG does not.
Yes , thanks for the reply.