[QUOTE=Capt Ryan;69212]Hello. I am in the process of mapping out my career path.
I currently run small diving and fishing boats in Southern California with a 50 ton master near coastal and a few other endorsements as a second captain/ deckhand/ galley and whatever else I can do to get out on the water and build time.I will have the accrued sea time for a 100 ton after this season. I am about to step up to the big leagues and go to the GOM ( that’s my goal, anyways). My next cert is STCW- I will have that by July. My question is about these “three year apprentice mate training programs approved by the commandant” I keep hearing about on the coast guard site. Do these exist? If so, where? I would love to find one of these because the hawsepipe is my path. The person that answered the phone at the NMC was clueless. Couldn’t help me. What companies, if any, offer these? Thanks for your input, guys.[/QUOTE]
I assume you are referring to the third mate requirement/alternative in 46 CFR 11.407(a)(3) (this is an alternative to either an academy, or 3 years sea time via the hawsepipe). I’m not aware of that language beingg used anywjhere but for 3rd Mate and 3rd Assistant Engineer.
Although the regs allow it as an option, currently none exist.