[QUOTE=Capt. Schmitt;53047]In many sectors of the industry I am sure this is true, but it does not apply to what I was referring to. All the mate is is a deckhand who can take a watch underway. The captain does all boat handling, the mates work the deck with the rest of the crew. They are able to train a green mate just as easily as a green deckhand.[/QUOTE]
This is the problem with ‘pencil whipping’ a 30 day wonder. What you are talking about is NOT a ‘real’ mates job, but a ‘sea mate’ What Ca; is referring to is an actual, stand alone, competent qualified Mate. There IS a huge difference. But the TOAR program is being abused, even twisted to let less than competent guys like this slide through. Since a completed TOAR does not differentiate between what is expected of you as a ‘sea mate’ or as a real Mate.