I’m currently planning to sign onto MSC as an entry level OS. One of my main goals is to get my NVIC 14-14 assessments done, I won’t need all of them as most I can get satisfied from the course I plan to take following my first assignment at MSC. But I’ll need these ones:
2.2.B
Describe anchoring operations
2.2.C
Describe characteristics and function of deck fittings
2.2.D
Describe characteristics and function of line handling equipment
2.3.A
Describe berthing operations
2.3.B
Describe unberthing operations
2.4.A
Demonstrate anchoring procedures
4.6.A
Demonstrate use of anchoring equipment
4.8.C
Demonstrate rigging and unrigging a gangway
4.10.A
Demonstrate use of cargo-handling gear and equipment access arrangements
5.5.D
Adjust tension on mooring lines
8.1.A
Demonstrate surface preparation techniques
8.2.A
Demonstrate painting techniques
8.3.A
Demonstrate lubrication of shipboard equipment
8.3.B
Demonstrate inspection of shipboard equipment
8.6.A
Demonstrate use and maintenance of hand and power tools
I’ve talked to MSC recruiters on the phone and they told me I should be able to obtain these at MSC on my first assignment and it’s likely that they will place me as an OS in the Deck dept. because of my sea time (600~ sea days on oceans as deckhand). However they couldn’t guarantee me anything, not surprising.
I’m wondering if anyone has gotten their NVIC assessments done at MSC. I worry that I may get placed into a position where I’m not responsible for something, for example like anchoring operations… And it will make it so I cannot get my assessments done on the ship.
I’m concerned because I’m trying to get my AS-D endorsement before the end of 2026, under the reduced sea time requirements. So I only have maybe one or two shots to get my assessments done and do the coursework that’s about 3 weeks in total for AS-D and RFPNW and a few others I’ll need. I’ve heard some say that they are likely to extend the reduced seatime for AS-D that is set to end on dec 22, 2026… But so far I’ve heard no guarantees.
Anyone get their NVIC 14-14 Assessments for AS-D done at military sealift command? Were the mates pretty open to signing off and helping to get those done?
What courses? There are none required for AS-D and RFPNW, apart from Proficiency in Survival Craft/Lifeboat which you would need for the national AB endorsement.
Really? I learn something every day here. The extension came from Congress, so whether it gets extended is on them.
You can get the national AB without STCW AS-D. If you have 600 days as deckhand/OS you can probably get some level of national AB now. You can add STCW AS-D later. However, part of the extension is that you don’t have to get your sea time for AS-D while holding RFPNW. If you don’t already have RFPNW, and if the temporary reduction is not extended, that might be a problem. If you don’t have RFPNW now, I’d focus on getting that done first, then work on AS-D. If the temp policy is not extended, you won’t be able to count sea time for AS-D until the later of either getting RFPNW sea time or finishing the assessments for RFPNW. I’d focus on that possibility now and go to AS-D next.
Whether or not you can do assessments for RFPNW and AS-D probably depends on whether MSC will give you duties that involve what is being assessed, and/or if you are able to do them on your own time and/or in addition to your other duties. It will probably be more productive to talk to the Chief Mate on your ship rather than the personnel office ashore.
I’m looking at a bundled course at Maritime Professional Training.
It includes STCW RFPNW assessments, PSCRB, Personal Survival Techniques PST, Basic Fire Fighting, Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) (VSPSD) (PDSD), and a few others as well as courses for national AB and AS-D.
Once I get the handful of NVIC 14-14’s I need posted above. These courses will cover the rest including the 6-14’s and remaining 14-14’s and I can send in for both AB-unlimited and AS-D
I could get AB-unlimited right now based on my sea time, but I’m not sure I could self study and pass without a course. And if I’m going to MSC or SIU for NVIC 14-14’s I figured I might as well wait until they will pay for such upgrade classes so I don’t have to fork out the money out of pocket. MSC in particular will pay for class fee’s hotel/food/airfare for upgrade classes after I’ve done an assignment with them.
You may be thinking too far ahead. You need most if not all of that training before you get AB/AS-D. As I noted above focus on that and getting RFPNW first.
Yes, MSC does sign people off on all their required tasks. They even developed their (almost) stupid mariner proof version booklets, to guide the mates through the proper process. Both for the RFPNW and AB Deck. I signed off many people, before retiring. As part of the new hire classes, you’ll do a RFPNW specific class. That’s required before AB, so don’t get you panties in a wad too soon. You still need lots of sea time, and with all the OS’s, it’s hard to get the time on watch that’s required.
When I talked to NMC on the phone they told me I had the required sea time (over 600 sea days as deckhand) under the current requirements to qualify for AS-D and Able Seaman-Unlimited. But I would first need the NVIC assessments for AS-D and to take cg approved classes.
Is this not going to be the case if I go to MSC? I was hoping to simply get the required assessments done at MSC, then come out of the first assignment and do CG approved classes, pass the exams and send in for AB unlimited, AS-D, RFPNW STCW, and personal survival craft lifeboat endorsements all at once before the end of 2026 when the reduced sea time requirements are set to expire. Then re-apply and sign back onto MSC as an AB
Once you have all the qualifications, MSC will pay for any classes you need to upgrade. Once AB endorsement is in hand, you’ll be promoted. Don’t wast your time and money trying to game the system, when it will work for you better as designed.
Once you have all the qualifications, MSC will pay for any classes you need to upgrade. Once AB endorsement is in hand, you’ll be promoted. Don’t wast your time and money trying to game the system, when it will work for you better as designed.
I don’t think I am trying to game the system, I’m upfront with MSC recruiter about just needing the NVIC 14-14 assessments so I can get endorsements and the recruiter I spoke with told me they would pay for classes.
Once I get the 10 or so assessments signed off that I need the rest I can get from the classes and I do plan to do the endorsement classes after my first assignment is complete so that they are covered by MSC and I can upgrade. The recruiter told me that this is a good plan and did not mention any problems in what I plan to do.
I simply want to utilize the seatime I already have so that I can upgrade asap.