Upgrading from mate to master 500/1600 tons

Professional Mariner Forum
1

I have a 1600-ton oceans mate license. That test I is also good for 3rd mate unlimited, subject to additional sea time.
My question: would the 500-ton inland master test also take care of 500 and 1600 master near coastal test - subject to additional sea time. As many of you can relate, I don’t want to have to wait another three or four months AFTER getting my necessary sea time, to sit for the 500 master near-coastal license.

Thanks

2

Well I got an answer to my question. And the answer is no, or most probably no. There would not be a reason to have international lights and rules on an inland exam.

3

The international rules apply in some areas where an inland license can be used. Most inland licenses are valid for int’l rules. Unless the license says not valid where the international rules (COLREGS) apply, it is good for the int’l rules.
You can check yourself what exams you take. The Deck Exam Guide is at http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/mmic_deckexquest.asp . Going from inland to near coastal or oceans would be listed as an "increase in scope."
The difference in the exams is not only rules, there are differences on every exam module.

4

A good example is Puget Sound, WA. An Inland license is all that is required, but the Intl. COLREGS apply, even on the ship canal and Lakes Unon and Washington.

5

I was in a similar position a few years back, 500 t ocean mate, and ended up taking the 500t Inland Master. The inland master test was much easier and shorter (four sections vs 6 or 7) than the ocean mate test. There’s also a little-known endorsement allowing operation on sheltered waters of British Columbia due to treaty signed in the '30’s-I’m not sure of the exact wording as I don’t have my ticket in front of me. I believe i was able to add that on because I already had my OICNW assesments signed off, as well as having passed the international & inland rules of the road section? The evaluator at the Seattle REC was the one that offered to add it on at the time i was getting my new license, an unlikely situation with the new centralized NMC.