Credentialing of Seaman

(a) The applicant for an MMC, whether for an original, renewal, duplicate, raise of grade, or a new endorsement on a previously issued MMC, must establish that they satisfy all the requirements for the MMC and endorsement(s) sought before the Coast Guard will issue the MMC. This section contains the general requirements for all applicants. Additional requirements for duplicates, renewals, new endorsements, and raises of grade appear later in this part.

(b) The Coast Guard may refuse to process an incomplete MMC application. The requirements for a complete application for an original MMC are contained in § 10.225 of this part, the requirements for a renewal MMC application are contained in § 10.227 of this part, the requirements for a duplicate MMC application are contained in § 10.229 of this part, and the requirements for an application for a new endorsement or raise of grade are contained in § 10.231 of this part.

(c) Applications are valid for 12 months from the date that the Coast Guard approves the application.

(d) The application may be submitted in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard that may include in person, by mail, or other electronic means. A complete MMC application, which is described in §§ 10.223, 10.225, 10.227, 10.229, and 10.231 may include—

(1) The application, consent for National Driver Register (NDR) check, oath, and the evaluation fee required by § 10.219 of this part;

(2) The applicant's continuous discharge book, certificate of identification, and MMC if expired;

(3) Proof, in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard, which may include forms or other means, that the applicant passed the applicable vision, hearing, medical, or physical exam as required by subpart C of this part, or an unexpired medical certificate issued by the Coast Guard;

(4) Copies of course completion certificates or other evidence of course completion;

(5) Evidence of sea service, or an accepted substitute for sea service, if required;

(6) For an endorsement as a Medical Doctor or Professional Nurse as required in § 11.807 of this subchapter, evidence that the applicant holds a currently valid, appropriate license as physician, surgeon, or registered nurse, issued under the authority of a state or territory of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia. Any MMC issued will retain any limitation associated with the medical license;

(7) Any certificates or other supplementary materials required to show that the mariner meets the mandatory requirements for the specific endorsement sought, as established in parts 11, 12 or 13 of this subchapter; and

(8) An open-book exercise, in accordance with § 10.227(e)(1) of this part.

(e) The following requirements must be satisfied before an original or renewal MMC, or new endorsement or a raise of grade added to a previously issued MMC, will be issued. These materials will be added to the individual's record by the Coast Guard:

(1) Determination of safety and suitability. No MMC will be issued as an original or reissued with a new expiration date, and no new officer endorsement will be issued if the applicant fails the criminal record review as set forth in § 10.211 of this part.

(2) NDR review. No MMC will be issued as an original or reissued with a new expiration date, and no new officer endorsement will be issued if the applicant fails the NDR review as set forth in § 10.213 of this part.

(3) Information supplied by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). No MMC or endorsement will be issued until the Coast Guard receives the following information from the applicant's TWIC enrollment: the applicant's fingerprints, FBI number and criminal record (if applicable), photograph, proof of citizenship, or Nationality with proof of legal resident status (if applicable). If the information is not available from TSA, the mariner may be required to visit a Regional Exam Center or a TWIC enrollment center to provide this information.

(f) Upon determining that the applicant satisfactorily meets all requirements for an MMC or an endorsement thereon, the Coast Guard will issue the properly endorsed MMC to the applicant. The Coast Guard will not issue an MMC until it has received proof that the mariner holds a valid TWIC.

(g) When a new MMC is issued, the mariner must return any previously issued and unexpired MMC, License, MMD, COR, or STCW endorsement to the Coast Guard, unless the new MMC is being issued to replace a lost or stolen credential.

(h) No MMC will be issued if the applicant fails a chemical test for dangerous drugs as required in §§ 10.223, 10.225(b)(5), 10.227(d)(5), and 10.231(c)(6).

(i) A mariner may obtain a ceremonial license when applying for their credential or Document of Continuity.

(a) The Coast Guard may conduct a criminal record review to determine the safety and suitability of an applicant for an MMC and any endorsements. An applicant conducting simultaneous MMC transactions will undergo a single criminal record review. At the time of application, each applicant must provide written disclosure of all prior convictions not previously disclosed to the Coast Guard on an application.

(b) A criminal record review is not required for applicants seeking a duplicate MMC under § 10.229.

(c) Criminal convictions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will provide to the Coast Guard the applicant's FBI number and criminal record generated in the TWIC review process. This information will be used by the Coast Guard to determine whether the applicant has a record of any criminal convictions.

(d) When a criminal record review leads the Coast Guard to determine that an applicant is not a safe and suitable person or cannot be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of the MMC or endorsement applied for, the application may be denied.

(e) If an application is denied, the applicant will be notified in writing of that fact, the reason or reasons for denial, and advised that the appeal procedures in subpart 1.03 of part 1 of this chapter apply. No examination will be given pending decision on appeal.

(f) No person who has been convicted of a violation of the dangerous drug laws of the United States, the District of Columbia, any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or a foreign country, by any military or civilian court, is eligible for an MMC, except as provided elsewhere in this section. No person who has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of a dangerous drug, or has ever been convicted of an offense described in section 205 of the National Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended (49 U.S.C. 30304) because of addiction to or abuse of alcohol is eligible for an MMC, unless they furnish satisfactory evidence of suitability for service in the merchant marine as provided in paragraph (l) of this section. A conviction for a drug offense more than 10 years before the date of application will not alone be grounds for denial.

(g) The Coast Guard will use table 1 to § 10.211 of this section to evaluate applicants who have criminal convictions. The table lists major categories of criminal activity and is not to be construed as an all-inclusive list. If an applicant is convicted of an offense that does not appear on the list, the Coast Guard will establish an appropriate assessment period using the list as a guide. The assessment period commences when an applicant is no longer incarcerated. The applicant must establish proof of the time incarcerated and periods of probation and parole to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard. The assessment period may include supervised or unsupervised probation or parole.

(h) When an applicant has convictions for more than one offense, the minimum assessment period will be the longest minimum in table 1 to § 10.211 of this section and table 10.213(c) in § 10.213 based upon the applicant's convictions; the maximum assessment period will be the longest shown in table 1 to § 10.211 of this section and table 10.213(c) of § 10.213 based upon the applicant's convictions.

(i) If a person with a criminal conviction applies before the minimum assessment period shown in table 1 to § 10.211 of this section of this section or established by the Coast Guard under paragraph (g) of this section has elapsed, then the applicant must provide, as part of the application package, evidence of suitability for service in the merchant marine. Factors that are evidence of suitability for service in the merchant marine are listed in paragraph (l) of this section. The Coast Guard will consider the applicant's evidence submitted with the application and may issue the MMC and/or endorsement in less than the listed minimum assessment period if the Coast Guard is satisfied that the applicant is suitable to hold the MMC and/or endorsement for which they have applied. If an application filed before the minimum assessment period has elapsed does not include evidence of suitability for service in the merchant marine, then the application will be considered incomplete and will not be processed by the Coast Guard.

(j) If a person with a criminal conviction submits their MMC application during the time between the minimum and maximum assessment periods shown in table 1 to § 10.211 or established by the Coast Guard under paragraph (g) of this section, then the Coast Guard will consider the conviction and, unless there are offsetting factors, will grant the applicant the MMC and/or endorsement for which they have applied. Offsetting factors include such factors as multiple convictions, failure to comply with court orders (e.g., child support orders), previous failures at rehabilitation or reform, inability to maintain steady employment, or any connection between the crime and the safe operation of a vessel. If the Coast Guard considers the applicant unsuitable for service in the merchant marine at the time of application, the Coast Guard may deny the application.

(k) If a person with a criminal conviction submits their MMC application after the maximum assessment period shown in table 1 to § 10.211 of this section or established by the Coast Guard under paragraph (g) of this section has elapsed, then the Coast Guard will grant the applicant the MMC or endorsement for which they have applied unless the Coast Guard considers the applicant still unsuitable for service in the merchant marine. If the Coast Guard disapproves an applicant with a conviction older than the maximum assessment period listed in table 1 to § 10.211 of this section , the Coast Guard will notify the applicant in writing of the reason(s) for the disapproval. The Coast Guard will also inform the applicant, in writing, that the reconsideration and appeal procedures contained in subpart 1.03 of this chapter apply.

(l) If an applicant has one or more alcohol or dangerous drug related criminal or NDR-listed convictions, if the applicant has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug, or if the applicant applies before the minimum assessment period has elapsed for their conviction, the Coast Guard may consider the following factors, as applicable, in assessing the applicant's suitability to hold an MMC. This list is intended as a guide for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may consider other factors appropriate to a particular applicant, such as:

(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;

(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous;

(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant's sobriety, reliability, and suitability for employment in the merchant marine including parole or probation officers;

(4) Steady employment; and

(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.

(a) No MMC will be issued as an original or reissued with a new expiration date, and no new officer endorsement will be issued, unless the applicant consents to a check of the NDR for offenses described in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the NDR Act (i.e., operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or a controlled substance; and any traffic violations arising in connection with a fatal traffic accident, reckless driving, or racing on the highways).

(b) The Coast Guard will not consider NDR-listed civil convictions that are more than 3 years old from the date of request unless that information relates to a current suspension or revocation of the applicant's license to operate a motor vehicle. The Coast Guard may determine minimum and maximum assessment periods for NDR-listed criminal convictions using table 10.213(c) of this section. An applicant conducting simultaneous MMC transactions is subject to only one NDR check.

(c) The guidelines in table 1 to paragraph (c) will be used by the Coast Guard in evaluating applicants who have drug or alcohol related NDR-listed convictions. Non-drug or alcohol related NDR-listed convictions will be evaluated by the Coast Guard under table 1 to § 10.211 of this part as applicable. The Coast Guard may consider non-drug or alcohol related NDR-listed convictions that are more than 3 years old from the date of the request when the information relates to a current suspension or revocation of the applicant's license to operate a motor vehicle.

(d) Any application may be denied if information from the NDR check leads the Coast Guard to determine that the applicant cannot be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of the endorsement for which the application is made. If an application is denied, the Coast Guard will notify the applicant in writing of the reason(s) for denial and advise the applicant that the appeal procedures in subpart 1.03 of part 1 of this chapter apply. No examination will be given pending decision on appeal.

(e) Before denying an application because of information received from the NDR, the Coast Guard will make the information available to the applicant for review and written comment. The applicant may submit records from the applicable State concerning driving record and convictions to the Coast Guard processing the application. The Coast Guard will hold an application with NDR-listed convictions pending the completion of the evaluation and delivery by the individual of the underlying State records.

(f) If an applicant has one or more alcohol or dangerous drug-related criminal or NDR-listed convictions, if the applicant has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug, or if the applicant applies before the minimum assessment period for their conviction has elapsed, the Coast Guard may consider the following factors, as applicable, in assessing the applicant's suitability to hold an MMC. This list is intended as a guide for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may consider other factors which it judges appropriate to a particular applicant, such as—

(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;

(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous;

(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant's sobriety, reliability, and suitability for employment in the merchant marine, including parole or probation officers;

(4) Steady employment; and

(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.

Until April 15, 2009, the Coast Guard may conduct a security check on an applicant for an MMC, utilizing the criminal record review discussed in § 10.211 of this part.

(a) Applicant Locations. Applicants for an MMC may apply to any of the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) or any other location designated by the Coast Guard. Applicants may contact the National Maritime Center at 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, by telephone 1-888-427-5662 or 304-433-3400, or by email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil. A list of locations approved for application submittal is available through the Coast Guard website at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.

(b) Exam Locations. (1) Coast Guard units abroad may conduct exams for ratings at locations other than the RECs, but are not prepared to conduct practical examinations.

(2) The Coast Guard may designate additional exam facilities/locations to provide services to applicants for MMCs.

(a) Use table 1 to § 10.219(a) to calculate the mandatory fees for MMCs and associated endorsements.

(b) Fee payment procedures. Applicants may pay—

(1) All fees required by this section at the time the application is submitted; or

(2) A fee for each phase as follows:

(i) An evaluation fee when the application is submitted.

(ii) An examination fee before the first examination section is taken.

(iii) An issuance fee before issuance of the MMC.

(c) If the examination is administered at a place other than a Regional Examination Center (REC), the examination fee must be paid to the REC at least one week before the scheduled examination date.

(d) Unless the Coast Guard provides additional payment options, fee payment must be for the exact amount and must be made by electronic payment in a manner specified by the Coast Guard. For information regarding current forms of electronic payment, go to the National Maritime Center's (NMC) website, https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/.

(e) Unless otherwise specified in this part, when two or more endorsements are processed on the same application the fees will be as follows:

(1) Evaluation fees. If an applicant simultaneously applies for a rating endorsement and a deck or engineer officer's endorsement, only the evaluation fee for the officer's endorsement will be charged. If an applicant simultaneously applies for a staff officer or radio officer endorsement along with the deck or engineer officer endorsement, only the evaluation fee for the deck or engineer officer's endorsement will be charged. No evaluation fee is charged for an STCW endorsement.

(2) Examination fees. One examination fee will be charged for each exam or series of exams for an original, raise of grade, or renewal of an endorsement on an MMC taken within 1 year from the date of the application approval. An examination fee will also be charged to process an open-book exercise used to renew an MMC. If an officer endorsement examination under part 11 of this chapter also fulfills the examination requirements in part 12 of this chapter for rating endorsements, only the fee for the officer endorsement examination is charged.

(3) Issuance fees. Only one issuance fee will be charged for each MMC issued, regardless of the number of endorsements placed on the credential. There is no fee for a Document of Continuity.

(f) The Coast Guard may assess additional charges to anyone to recover collection and enforcement costs associated with delinquent payments or failure to pay a fee. The Coast Guard will not provide credentialing services to a mariner who owes money for credentialing services previously provided.

(g) Anyone who fails to pay a fee or charge established under this section is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $6,500 for each violation.

(h) No-fee MMC for certain applicants. For the purpose of this section, a no-fee MMC applicant is a person who is a volunteer or a part- or full-time employee of an organization that is—

(1) Charitable in nature;

(2) Not for profit; and

(3) Youth oriented.

(i) Determination of eligibility. (1) An organization may submit a written request in a manner prescribed by the Coast Guard that may include mail, email, or electronic means to U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25404, at email IASKNMC@uscg.mil, in order to be considered an eligible organization under the criteria set forth in paragraph (h) of this section. With the written request, the organization must provide evidence of its status as a youth-oriented, not-for-profit, charitable organization.

(2) The following organizations are accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the requirements of paragraph (h) of this section and need not submit evidence of their status: Boy Scouts of America, Sea Explorer Association, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, and Young Men's Christian Association of the United States of America.

(j) A letter from an organization determined eligible under paragraph (h) of this section must also accompany the person's MMC application to the Coast Guard. The letter must state that the purpose of the person's application is solely to further the conduct of the organization's maritime activities. The applicant will then be eligible under this section to obtain a no-fee MMC if other requirements for the MMC are met.

(k) An MMC issued to a person under paragraph (h) of this section will be endorsed restricting its use to vessels owned or operated by the sponsoring organization.

(l) The holder of a no-fee MMC issued under paragraph (h) of this section may have the restriction removed by paying the appropriate evaluation, examination, and issuance fees that would have otherwise applied.

(m) For members of the uniformed services, a qualified applicant under this section is exempt from paying evaluation, examination, or issuance fees for an MMC as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(1) For purposes of paragraph (m) of this section, qualified applicant means an individual who, at the time of submission of an application, is—

(i) A member of the uniformed services listed in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(5) on active duty;

(ii) A member of the Selected Reserve, as described in 10 U.S.C. 10143(a), of a reserve component named in 10 U.S.C. 10101; or

(iii) A member of the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service established in 42 U.S.C. 204(a)(1).

(2) For purposes of paragraph (m)(1)(i) of this section—

(i) For the members of the armed forces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(4), active duty is defined by 10 U.S.C. 101(d)(1);

(ii) For the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, active duty has the same meaning as found in 33 U.S.C. 3002(b)(1); and

(iii) For the members of the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, active duty has the meaning defined in 42 CFR 21.72(f).

(a)(1) MMCs with officer Endorsements. Only individuals with valid U.S. citizenship may apply for officer endorsements, except individuals applying for endorsements as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) authorizing service on undocumented vessels in accordance with § 11.201(d) of this subchapter.

(2) All other MMCs. All other applicants, except as noted in § 12.809 of this subchapter, must be either:

(i) A citizen of the United States;

(ii) An alien, as defined under section 101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) (the Act), who is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, as defined by section 101(a)(20) of the Act.; or

(iii) A foreign national who is enrolled in the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).

(b) Proof of citizenship or alien status must be submitted to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with the applicant's TWIC application in accordance with 49 CFR 1572.17(a)(11).

(c) TSA and the Coast Guard may reject any evidence of citizenship that is not believed to be authentic. Acceptable evidence of citizenship may be an original or a copy certified as true by the agency responsible for issuing the document of the following:

(1) If the individual is applying for an officer endorsement (with the exception of those applying for an MMC endorsed only as Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vehicle (OUPV) of an undocumented vessel), the individual must provide an original of any one of the following documents:

(i) Certified copy of a birth certificate, issued by a State, county, municipality or outlying possession of the U.S. bearing an official seal;

(ii) U.S. passport (expired or unexpired);

(iii) Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Immigration and Naturalization Service;

(iv) Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Immigration and Naturalization Service; or

(v) Merchant Mariner's Document issued by the Coast Guard after February 3, 2003, that shows that the holder is a citizen of the United States.

(2) If the individual is applying for a rating endorsement and they hold one of the documents listed in paragraph (c)(1)(i) through (v) of this section, these documents are also acceptable as evidence of citizenship. If the individual does not hold any one of those documents listed in paragraph (c)(1)(i) through (v), the individual must provide an original unexpired foreign passport and an original of any one of the following documents:

(i) Permanent resident card (form I-551) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services bearing the certification that the alien was admitted to the United States as an immigrant,

(ii) A declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States issued by a naturalization court; or

(iii) A certificate issued by the consular representative of the country of which the alien is a citizen or subject.

(3) If the individual is the holder of or applying for a rating endorsement and the individual does not hold any of the documents listed in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this section, proof of enrollment in the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in the form of an original letter from the USMMA, signed by the Superintendent attesting to the individual's enrollment along with an unexpired foreign passport issued by the government of the country in which the alien is a citizen or subject, with a valid U.S. visa affixed to the passport, will be acceptable evidence of lawful status in the United States.

(4) If the individual is applying for an MMC endorsed only as OUPV of an undocumented vessel, the individual must provide an original of any one of the documents enumerated in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (v) or (c)(2)(i) or (ii) of this section, or proof of acceptable alien status as provided in 49 CFR 1572.105.

(a) If the Coast Guard is satisfied by the documentary evidence submitted that an applicant is entitled by experience, training, and knowledge to an endorsement or increase in the scope of any MMC held, any limitations that were previously placed upon the MMC by the Coast Guard may be changed or removed. Such an increase in scope may include a change in horsepower or tonnage limitations, or geographic route restrictions.

(b) Modifications or removal of limitations or scope to MMC endorsement(s) under this section will not change the expiration date of the mariner's MMC unless the applicant renews all endorsements that would appear on the MMC under § 10.227 of this part.

(c) A complete application for modification or removal of limitation of scope must contain the following:

(1) A completed signed application;

(2) Proof that the mariner either holds a valid TWIC or has applied for a TWIC.

(3) All supplementary materials required to show that the mariner meets the mandatory requirements for the transaction sought:

(i) The mandatory requirements for officer endorsements are contained in part 11 of this subchapter.

(ii) The mandatory requirements for rating endorsements are contained in part 12 of this subchapter.

(iii) The mandatory requirements for tank vessel endorsements are contained in part 13 of this subchapter.

(iv) The mandatory requirements for STCW endorsements are contained in parts 11, 12, and 13 of this subchapter.

(4) The appropriate fee as set forth in § 10.219 of this part; and

(5) Any expired MMC held by the applicant. If still valid at the time of application, the applicant must surrender the old, original credential to the Coast Guard within 30 days of issuance of the new credential. If requested at the time of submission, the old MMC may be returned to the applicant after cancellation.

(d) No limitation on any endorsement may be changed before the applicant has made up any deficiency in the experience prescribed for the endorsement or endorsement desired and passed any necessary examination.

(a) An applicant must apply as an original if the MMC sought is—

(1) The first credential issued to the applicant;

(2) The first credential issued to applicants after their previous credential has expired beyond the grace period and they do not hold a Document of Continuity under § 10.227(g) of this part or an equivalent unexpired continuity endorsement on their license or MMD; or

(3) The first credential issued to applicants after their previous credential was revoked pursuant to § 10.235 of this part.

(b) A complete application for an original MMC must contain the following, except as otherwise noted in § 10.227(i) of this subpart:

(1) A completed, signed application.

(2) Proof that the mariner either holds a valid TWIC or has applied for a TWIC.

(3) All supplementary materials required to show that the mariner meets the mandatory requirements for all endorsements sought as follows:

(i) The mandatory requirements for officer endorsements are contained in part 11 of this subchapter.

(ii) The mandatory requirements for rating endorsements are contained in part 12 of this subchapter.

(iii) The mandatory requirements for tank vessel endorsements are contained in part 13 of this subchapter.

(iv) The mandatory requirements for STCW endorsements are contained in parts 11, 12, and 13 of this subchapter.

(4) The appropriate fee as set forth in § 10.219 of this part.

(5) Evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an exemption from testing in § 16.220 of this subchapter.

(6) Where sea service is required, documentary evidence in accordance with § 10.232 of this part.

(7) Proof, documented on CG-719-K or CG-719-K/E, as appropriate, that the applicant passed all applicable vision, hearing, medical, and/or physical exams as required by subpart C of this part or a valid medical certificate issued by the Coast Guard.

(8) Consent to a Coast Guard check of the NDR for offenses described in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended.

(9) The oath as required in paragraph (c) of this section.

(c) Oath. Every person who receives an original MMC must first solemnly swear or affirm, that they will faithfully and honestly, according to their best skill and judgment, without concealment or reservation, perform all the duties required by law and obey all lawful orders of superior officers. This affirmation remains binding for any subsequently issued MMC and endorsements added to the MMC, unless specifically renounced in writing.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, an applicant for renewal of a credential must establish possession of all of the necessary qualifications before the MMC will be renewed.

(b) A credential may be renewed at any time during its validity and for 1 year after expiration.

(c) No credential will be renewed if it has been suspended without probation or revoked as a result of action under part 5 of this chapter or if facts that would render a renewal improper have come to the attention of the Coast Guard.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, a complete application for renewal must contain the following:

(1) A completed, signed application.

(2) Proof that the mariner either holds a valid TWIC or has applied for a TWIC.

(3) The appropriate fee as set forth in § 10.219 of this part.

(4) Any expired or uncanceled MMD, MMC, License, STCW endorsement, Certificate of Registry (COR), or Document of Continuity held by the applicant. If one or more of these credentials are still valid at the time of application, a copy—front, back, and all attachments—will satisfy this requirement.

(5) Evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an exemption from testing in § 16.220 of this subchapter.

(6) Applicants seeking a national endorsement must either hold an unexpired medical certificate or submit a medical certificate application.

(7) Consent to a Coast Guard check of the NDR for offenses described in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended.

(e) Renewal requirements. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(8) of this section and § 13.120 of this subchapter, the applicant must meet the following professional requirements for renewal:

(1) The applicant must either—

(i) Provide evidence of at least 1 year of sea service during the past 5 years;

(ii) Pass a comprehensive, open-book exercise covering the general subject matter contained in appropriate sections of subpart B of this part;

(iii) Complete an approved refresher training course;

(iv) Provide evidence of employment as a Qualified Instructor or in a position closely related to the operation, construction, or repair of vessels (either deck or engineer as appropriate) for at least 3 years during the past 5 years. An applicant for a deck officer endorsement with this type of employment must also demonstrate knowledge on an applicable Rules of the Road open-book exercise; or

(v) Provide evidence of being a Qualified Instructor who has taught a Coast Guard-approved or -accepted course relevant to the endorsement or credential being applied for, at least twice within the past 5 years, therefore meeting the standards needed to receive a course completion certificate for that course.

(2) The qualification requirements for renewal of Radar Observer endorsement as contained in § 11.480 of this subchapter.

(3) Additional qualification requirements for renewal of an officer endorsement as First-Class Pilot as contained in § 11.713 of this subchapter.

(4) An applicant for renewal of a Radio Officer endorsement must, in addition to meeting the requirements of this section, provide a copy of a currently valid License as first- or second-class radiotelegraph operator issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

(5) An applicant for renewal of an endorsement as Medical Doctor or Professional Nurse must, in addition to meeting the requirements of this section, provide evidence that they hold a currently valid, appropriate license as physician, surgeon, or registered nurse issued under the authority of a State or territory of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia. Any such renewal will retain the limitations placed upon the medical License by the issuing body. There are no professional requirements for renewal of an endorsement as Marine Physician Assistant or Medical Technician.

(6) An applicant for renewal of an endorsement as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels, in addition to the other requirements in this paragraph, must also submit satisfactory evidence of—

(i) Having completed a practical demonstration of maneuvering and handling a towing vessel to the satisfaction of a Designated Examiner; or

(ii) Ongoing participation in training and drills during the validity of the MMC being renewed.

(7) An applicant seeking to renew a tank vessel endorsement must meet the additional requirements listed in § 13.120 of this subchapter.

(8) There are no professional requirements for renewal for the following endorsements:

(i) Staff officers (all types).

(ii) Ordinary Seafarer.

(iii) Wiper.

(iv) Steward's Department.

(v) Steward's Department Food Handler (F.H.).

(vi) Cadet.

(vii) Student Observer.

(viii) Apprentice Engineer.

(ix) Apprentice Mate (issued under part 12 of this subchapter).

(x) Person in Charge of Medical Care.

(xi) Medical First-aid Provider.

(xii) GMDSS At-sea Maintainer.

(xiii) GMDSS Operator.

(f) Except as otherwise provided, each candidate for a renewal of an STCW endorsement must meet the applicable requirements of part 11, subpart C, and/or part 12, subpart F.

(g) Document of Continuity. (1) Applicants for renewal of national endorsements, who are unwilling or otherwise unable to meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, including but not limited to the medical and physical standards of subpart C of this part, suitability standards of § 10.211 of this part, drug tests, professional requirements, and TWIC, may apply for a Document of Continuity issued by the Coast Guard. Documents of Continuity do not expire and are issued solely to maintain an individual's eligibility for renewal. A Document of Continuity does not entitle an individual to serve as a merchant mariner. A holder of a Document of Continuity may obtain a properly endorsed, valid MMC at any time by satisfying the requirements for renewal as provided in paragraphs (d), (e), or (f) of this section as applicable. When a valid MMC is issued to replace a previously held Document of Continuity, the previously issued Document of Continuity becomes void.

(2) Applications for a Document of Continuity must include the following:

(i) The endorsements to be placed into continuity.

(ii) An application including a signed statement from the applicant attesting to an awareness of the limited purpose of the Document of Continuity, their inability to serve, and the requirements to obtain an MMC.

(3) If not all MMC endorsements are to be converted into a Document of Continuity, a new MMC will be issued with the active endorsements. Once the new MMC and/or Document of Continuity is issued the previous MMC is no longer valid and must be returned to the Coast Guard.

(4) STCW endorsements may not be placed in continuity. If an individual continues to maintain a valid MMC while placing specific national endorsements into continuity, those STCW endorsements associated with the national endorsements that were placed in continuity are no longer valid.

(5) No credential expired beyond the 12-month administrative grace period in paragraph (h) of this section can be converted into a Document of Continuity.

(6) A holder of a Document of Continuity may obtain a properly endorsed, valid MMC, including STCW endorsements, at any time by satisfying the requirements for renewal as provided in paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section.

(h) Administrative grace period. A credential may be renewed up to 12 months after expiration. For a credential to be re-issued by the Coast Guard more than 12 months after its expiration, an applicant must comply with the requirements of paragraph (i) of this section. When an applicant's credential expires during a time of service with the Armed Forces and there is no reasonable opportunity for renewal, including by mail, this period may be extended. The period of military service following the date of expiration which precluded renewal may be added to the 12-month grace period. The 12-month grace period and any extensions do not affect the expiration date of the credential. An MMC, and any endorsements thereon, is not valid for use after the expiration date.

(i) Re-issuance of expired credentials. (1) If an applicant applies for re-issuance of an endorsement as deck officer, engineer officer, or qualified rating more than 12 months after its expiration, instead of the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section, the applicant must demonstrate continued professional knowledge by completing a course approved for this purpose, or by passing the complete examination for original issue of the endorsement. The examination may be oral-assisted if the expired credential was awarded based on the results of an oral exam. The fees set forth in § 10.219 apply to these examinations. In the case of an expired Radio Officer endorsement, the endorsement may be issued upon providing evidence of a valid first- or second-class radiotelegraph operator license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

(2) An endorsement for Chief Purser, Purser, Senior Assistant Purser, Junior Assistant Purser, Medical Technician, Marine Physician Assistant, Medical Doctor, or Professional Nurse that has been expired for more than 12 months must be renewed in the same way as a current endorsement of that type. There are no additional requirements for re-issuing endorsements for Chief Purser, Purser, Senior Assistant Purser, Junior Assistant Purser, Medical Technician, Marine Physician Assistant, Medical Doctor, or Professional Nurse that have been expired for more than 12 months.

(3) Applicants applying for re-issuance of an endorsement as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels more than 12 months after expiration of the previous endorsement must complete the practical demonstration of maneuvering and handling a towing vessel required under (e)(6)(i) of this section.

(4) Applicants applying for re-issuance of an endorsement as any tank vessel rating more than 12 months after expiration of the previous endorsement must meet the requirements in § 13.117 of this subchapter.

(a) Upon request and without examination, a mariner may be issued a duplicate credential and medical certificate after submitting an application with an affidavit describing the circumstances of the loss. The Coast Guard will only issue the duplicate credential, MMC and/or medical certificate, after confirming the validity of the mariner's credentials and the validity of the mariner's TWIC.

(b) The duplicate credential will have the same authority, wording, and expiration date as the lost credential.

(c) If a person loses a credential by shipwreck or other casualty, a duplicate credential will be issued free of charge. The term “other casualty” includes any damage to a ship caused by collision, explosion, tornado, wreck, flooding, beaching, grounding, or fire; or personal loss associated with a federally declared natural disaster.

(d) If a person loses a credential by means other than those noted in paragraph (c) of this section and applies for a duplicate, the appropriate fee set out in § 10.219 of this part must be paid.

(e) No application from an alien for a duplicate credential will be accepted unless the alien complies with the requirements of § 10.221 of this part.

(f) Applications for duplicate credentials will not be subject to a criminal record review.

(a) This section applies to applicants who already hold a valid credential and want to make either of the following transactions:

(1) Add a new endorsement.

(2) Obtain a raise of grade of an existing endorsement.

(b) If an applicant for new endorsement or raise of grade meets the renewal requirements under § 10.227 of this subpart for every endorsement listed on the MMC and requests renewal, the applicant will receive a credential valid for 5 years. When an applicant does not meet the renewal requirements for every endorsement held, the applicant's new endorsement will be issued with the expiration date that is the same as the current MMC.

(c) A complete application for a new endorsement or raise of grade must contain the following:

(1) A completed, signed application.

(2) Proof that the mariner either holds a valid TWIC or has applied for a TWIC.

(3) All supplementary materials required to show that the mariner meets the mandatory requirements for the new endorsements sought as follows:

(i) The mandatory requirements for officer endorsements as contained in part 11 of this subchapter and paragraph (d) of this section.

(ii) The mandatory requirements for rating endorsements as contained in part 12 of this subchapter.

(iii) The mandatory requirements for tank vessel endorsements are contained in part 13 of this subchapter.

(iv) The mandatory requirements for STCW endorsements as contained in parts 11, 12, and 13 of this subchapter.

(4) The appropriate fee as contained in § 10.219 of this part.

(5) Any expired or uncanceled MMD, MMC, license, STCW endorsement, or COR held by the applicant. If one or more of these credentials are still valid at the time of application, a copy—front, back, and all attachments—will satisfy this requirement.

(6) Applicants for the following endorsements must produce evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an exemption from testing in § 16.220 of this subchapter:

(i) Any officer endorsement.

(ii) The first endorsement as National Able Seafarer, Lifeboat Operator, Lifeboat Operator-Limited, Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED), or a tank vessel endorsement.

(7) Where sea service is required, documentary evidence in accordance with § 10.232 of this part.

(8) Applicants seeking a new endorsement must either hold an unexpired medical certificate or submit a medical certificate application.

(9) Consent to a Coast Guard check for offenses described in section 205(a)(3)(A) or (B) of the National Driver Register Act of 1982, as amended.

(d) Additional requirements for an applicant seeking a raise of grade of an officer endorsement are as follows:

(1) Sea service acquired before the issuance of an officer endorsement is generally not accepted as any part of the service required for a raise of grade of that endorsement. However, service acquired before issuance of an officer endorsement will be accepted for certain crossovers, endorsements, or increases in scope of an MMC, as appropriate. In the limited tonnage categories for deck officers, total accumulated service is a necessary criterion for most raises of grade; therefore, service acquired before the issuance of such officer endorsements will be accepted.

(2) An applicant remains eligible for a raise of grade while on probation as a result of action under part 5 of this chapter. A raise of grade issued to a person on probation will be subject to the same probationary conditions imposed against their other credentials. The offense for which they were placed on probation will be considered on the merits of the case in determining fitness to hold the endorsement applied for. No applicant will be examined for a raise of grade during any period when a suspension without probation or a revocation imposed under part 5 of this chapter is effective against their credential or while an appeal from these actions is pending.

(3) Professional examination. (i) When the Coast Guard finds an applicant's experience and training for raise of grade is satisfactory, and the applicant is eligible in all other respects, the Coast Guard will authorize a professional examination.

(ii) Oral-assisted examinations may be administered in accordance with § 11.201(j) of this subchapter.

(iii) The general instructions for administration of examinations and the lists of subjects for all endorsements are found in part 11, subpart I; part 12, subpart E; and part 13, subpart A of this subchapter.

(a) Documenting sea service. (1) Sea service may be documented in various forms such as certificates of discharge, pilotage service and billing forms, and service letters or other official documents from marine companies signed by the owner, operator, Master, or Chief Engineer of the vessel. The Coast Guard must be satisfied as to the authenticity and acceptability of all evidence of experience or training provided.

(2) Documentary evidence produced by the applicant, unless in the form of a Certificate of Discharge conforming to § 14.307 of this subchapter, must contain all of the following information:

(i) Vessel name(s) and official numbers listed on the registration, certificate, or document issued.

(ii) Gross tonnage of the vessel.

(iii) Propulsion power and mode of propulsion of the vessel.

(iv) The amount and nature (e.g., Chief mate, Assistant Engineer, etc.) of the applicant's experience.

(v) Applicable dates of service for each vessel, and the ports or terminals if applicable.

(vi) The routes upon which the experience was acquired.

(vii) For those seeking to renew a Radar Observer endorsement, whether the vessel is equipped with radar and if the mariner served in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes.

(viii) For those seeking service credit on towing vessels in accordance with § 11.211(e) of this subchapter, the aggregate tonnage of the tug and barges during the mariner's service.

(ix) Any other information necessary to determine the applicability of STCW to the vessel.

(x) Whether the vessel is manned and equipped in accordance with SOLAS.

(xi) Where required for an officer endorsement, time served as bridge watchkeeping or engine watchkeeping duties under the supervision of a qualified officer.

(3) An MMC endorsement, in certain cases, may be considered as satisfactory evidence of any qualifying experience for obtaining other endorsements.

(4) For service on vessels of less than 200 GRT, owners of vessels may attest to their own service and provide proof of ownership. Those who do not own a vessel must obtain letters or other evidence from credentialed personnel or the owners of the vessels listed.

(5) If the required sea service is associated with watchkeeping functions and the performance of duties, as required in §§ 11.323, 11.329, and 11.333, the service must be documented as having been carried out under the direct supervision of the appropriate person. If the required sea service is associated with the performance of duties, as required in §§ 11.470, 11.472, and 11.474, the service must be documented as having been carried out under the supervision of the appropriate person.

(6) An applicant who has been acting as a Pilot may submit a letter from a pilot's association attesting to the applicant's sea service. For those Pilots seeking to renew a Radar Observer endorsement, the association's letter should indicate that the vessels piloted were equipped with radar, and that radar was used by the Pilot for navigation and collision avoidance purposes. Pilots not part of an association may submit other relevant records indicating service, such as billing forms. For a raise-of-grade, Pilots must comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(b) Service toward an oceans, near-coastal, or STCW endorsement will be credited as follows:

(1) Service on the Great Lakes will be credited on a day-for-day basis up to 100 percent of the total required service.

(2) Service on inland waters, other than Great Lakes, that are navigable waters of the United States, will be credited on a day-for-day basis for up to 50 percent of the total required service.

(3) Service on vessels to which STCW applies, whether inland or coastwise, will be credited on a day-for-day basis. For establishing credit for sea service, the waters of the Inside Passage between Puget Sound and Cape Spencer, Alaska will be credited for a near-coastal and STCW endorsement.

(c) Service toward a near-coastal or a Great Lakes endorsement will be credited on a day-for-day basis and in accordance with the individual requirements for the specific credential.

(d) Sea service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and civilian service on vessels owned by the United States as required experience. (1) Sea service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States will be accepted as required experience for an original, raise of grade, renewal, or increase in scope of all endorsements. In most cases, military sea service will have been performed upon ocean waters; however, inland service, as may be the case on smaller vessels, will be credited in the same manner as conventional evaluations. The applicant must submit an official transcript of sea service or history of assignments as verification of the service claimed when the application is submitted. A DD-214 is not acceptable evidence of sea service. The applicant must also provide the Coast Guard with other necessary information as to tonnage, routes, propulsion power, percentage of time underway, and assigned duties upon the vessels on which they served. Such service will be evaluated by the Coast Guard for a determination of its equivalence to sea service acquired on merchant vessels and the appropriate grade, class, and limit of endorsement for which the applicant is eligible. Normally, 60 percent of the total time onboard is considered equivalent underway service; however, the periods of operation of each vessel may be evaluated separately. In order to be eligible for a Master or Chief Engineer unlimited endorsement, the applicant must have acquired military service in the capacity of commanding officer or engineer officer, respectively.

(2) Applicants for management-level, operational-level or support-level STCW endorsements must demonstrate competence in accordance with part 11, subpart C; part 12, subpart F; and part 13, subpart F of this subchapter.

(3) Service in deck ratings on military vessels such as seaman apprentice, seaman, boatswain's mate, quartermaster, or Radarman/Operations Specialist are considered deck service for the purposes of this part. Service in other ratings may be considered if the applicant establishes that their duties required a watchstanding presence on or about the bridge of a vessel. Service in engineer ratings on military vessels such as fireman apprentice, fireman, engineman, machinists mate, machinery technician, or boiler tender are considered engineer service for the purposes of this part. There are also other ratings such as electrician, hull technician, or damage controlman, which may be credited when the applicant establishes that their duties required watchstanding duties in an operating engine room.

(4) In addition to service on vessels that get underway regularly, members of the Armed Forces may obtain creditable service for assignment to vessels that get underway infrequently, such as tenders and repair vessels. Normally, a 25-percent factor is applied to these time periods. This experience can be equated with general shipboard familiarity, training, ship's business, and other related duties.

(5) Sea service obtained on submarines is creditable, as if it were surface vessel service, for deck and engineer officer and qualified ratings endorsements under the provision of paragraph (a) of this section. For application for deck officer and qualified ratings endorsements, submarine service may be creditable if at least 25 percent of all service submitted for the endorsement was obtained on surface vessels (e.g. if 4 years' total service were submitted for an original officer endorsement, at least 1 year must have been obtained on surface craft in order for the submarine service to be eligible for evaluation).

(6) Service gained in a civilian capacity as commanding officer, Master, Mate, engineer, or Pilot, etc., of any vessel owned and operated by the United States, in any service in which a credential or officer endorsement as Master, Mate, engineer, or Pilot was not required at the time of such service, will be evaluated by the Coast Guard for a determination of equivalence.

(e) Sea service on vessels that do not get underway. This requirement applies to service obtained on vessels mandated by the Certificate of Inspection (COI) which are in operation but do not get underway or occasionally get underway for short voyages. Service while the vessel is not underway must be credited as follows:

(1) Engineering department. Service may be credited day-for-day for up to 50 percent of the service credit for renewal, raise of grade, and original issue for each day the engineering plant is operational.

(2) Deck department. Service may be credited as follows:

(i) Original issue and raise of grade. Service is creditable on a 3-for-1 basis (12 months of experience equals 4 months of creditable service) for up to 6 months of service credit.

(ii) Renewal. Service in any capacity in the deck department is creditable as closely related service under § 10.227(e)(1)(iv). When submitted in combination with underway service, service is creditable on a 3-for-1 basis (12 months of experience equals 4 months of creditable service) for up to 6 months of service credit.

(f) Foreign sea service. (1) Experience and service acquired on foreign vessels is creditable for establishing eligibility for an original or renewal of an officer, rating, or STCW endorsement, subject to evaluation by the Coast Guard to determine that it is a fair and reasonable equivalent to service acquired on merchant vessels of the United States with respect to grade, tonnage, horsepower, waters, and operating conditions. This experience and service is also creditable to meet recency requirements.

(2) Experience and service acquired on foreign vessels while holding a valid U.S. endorsement is creditable for establishing eligibility for a raise of grade of an officer, rating, or STCW endorsement, subject to evaluation as specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section. This experience and service is also creditable to meet recency requirements.

(3) An applicant who has obtained qualifying experience on foreign vessels must submit satisfactory documentary evidence of such service (including any necessary official translation to the English language) in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.

(g) Closely related service. The Coast Guard may accept evidence of employment in a position closely related to the operation, construction, or repair of vessels (either deck or engineer as appropriate) as meeting the sea service requirements for renewal under § 10.227(e)(1)(iv). Service as port engineer, port captain, shipyard superintendent, Qualified Instructor, or similar related service may be creditable for service for raise of grade of an engineer or deck officer endorsement; however, it may not be used for obtaining an original management-level endorsement. The service is creditable as follows:

(1) Port engineer, port captain or shipyard superintendent experience is creditable on a 3-for-1 basis for a raise of grade (e.g., 12 months of experience equals 4 months of creditable service). For a raise-of-grade, this credit is limited to 6 months of service.

(2) Service as a qualified instructor in a Coast Guard approved course or a training program is creditable on a 2-for-1 basis for a raise of grade (e.g., 12 months of experience equals 6 months of creditable service). For a raise-of-grade, this credit is limited to 6 months of service.

(h) Day. (1) Except as noted otherwise, for the purpose of calculating service in this subchapter, a day is equal to 8 hours of watchstanding or day-working not to include overtime.

(2) On vessels authorized by 46 U.S.C. 8104 and 46 CFR 15.705, to operate a two-watch system, a 12-hour working day may be creditable as 1 1/2 days of service.

(3) On vessels of less than 100 GRT, a day is considered as 8 hours unless the Coast Guard determines that the vessel's operating schedule makes this criterion inappropriate; in no case will this period be less than 4 hours.

(4) When computing service on MODUs for any endorsement, a day of MODU service must be a minimum of 4 hours, and no additional credit is received for periods served over 8 hours.

(5) For cadet service on a training ship furnished by the Maritime Administration under 46 CFR 310.4, a day may be creditable as 1 1/2 days of service.

(i) Tonnage equivalency. For the purpose of parts 10, 11 and 12, 200 GRT will be considered equivalent to 500 GT, and 1,600 GRT will be considered equivalent to 3,000 GT.

Table 1 to § 10.239 provides a guide to the requirements for officer endorsements. Provisions in the reference section are controlling.

Note 1 to § 10.239:

For tank vessel endorsements, see table 1 to § 13.129.

Note 2 to § 10.239:

All references within table 1 to this section are within this subchapter.

(a) The Coast Guard will issue a medical certificate to a mariner meeting the medical and physical standards for merchant mariners. The medical certificate will be issued for various periods of time based upon the endorsements the mariner holds. The Coast Guard will review all information provided and will determine whether—

(1) The applicant is physically and medically qualified for the medical certificate without any limitations, waivers and/or other conditions;

(2) The applicant is physically and medically qualified for the medical certificate with limitations and/or other conditions as specified by the Coast Guard;

(3) For an applicant who does not possess the vision, hearing, or general physical condition necessary, a medical certificate may be issued with appropriate limitations, waivers and/or other conditions as specified by the Coast Guard;

(4) Additional information is necessary to determine if the applicant is physically and/or medically qualified for the medical certificate. The Coast Guard will request additional information from the applicant. The Coast Guard may hold the package pending receipt of that information before the package and/or application is denied; or

(5) The applicant is not physically and/or medically qualified for the medical certificate. The application for a medical certificate will be denied by the Coast Guard.

(b) Except as otherwise noted, medical certificates will be issued for the following periods of time:

(1) All persons employed or engaged onboard vessels to which STCW applies will be issued a medical certificate valid for 2 years unless the mariner is under the age of 18, in which case the maximum period of validity will be 1 year.

(2) Medical certificates issued to all other mariners will be issued for a maximum period of 5 years.

(c) Applicants seeking additional MMC endorsements holding a current medical certificate are not required to submit a new medical physical exam if their existing medical certification meets all of the requirements of this section for the endorsement sought.

(d) Applicants holding no endorsement other than a staff officer endorsement need not meet the medical and physical requirements of this section.

(a) To qualify for a medical certificate, a mariner must provide evidence of meeting the medical and physical standards in this section on a CG-719-K or CG-719-K/E, or as directed by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard retains final authority for determining whether a mariner is medically and physically qualified. Columns 2 through 5 of Table 1 to paragraph (a) of this section provide the specific exam, test, or demonstrations required to obtain the corresponding credential listed in column 1. Further clarifications of the requirements contained in the table are found throughout this subpart.

(b) Any required test, exam, or demonstration must have been performed, witnessed, or reviewed by a Licensed Medical Doctor, Licensed Physician Assistant, Licensed Nurse Practitioner, or a Designated Medical Examiner. All licensed medical practitioners must hold a valid license issued in the United States.

(a) The Coast Guard may grant a waiver if, after review of all relevant supporting medical documents and consultation with the examining physician, as needed, an applicant does not possess the vision, hearing, or general physical condition necessary; and extenuating circumstances warrant special consideration. An applicant may submit to the Coast Guard additional correspondence, records, and reports in support of a waiver. In this regard, recommendations from agencies of the Federal Government operating government vessels, as well as owners and operators of private vessels, made on behalf of their employees, will be given full consideration.

(b) In general, medical waivers are approved when an applicant does not meet the applicable medical standards, but objective medical evidence indicates that the condition is sufficiently controlled and the effects of medication pose no significant risk to maritime and public safety. The Coast Guard retains final authority for the issuance of medical waivers.

(c) Medical waivers may be granted with specific conditions to which the applicant must adhere, such as more frequent monitoring of the medical conditions, submission of medical exams and/or tests at varying intervals to track the ongoing status of the medical condition, or operational limitations in the manner the mariner may serve under the MMC.

(d) The Coast Guard may place an operational limitation on medical and physical conditions. Any operational limitations will be reflected in the medical certificate.

(e) The Coast Guard may place a restriction on a medical certificate based upon medical and physical conditions of an applicant. Any restriction will be reflected on the medical certificate and may include restriction of route or trade.

(a) The general medical exam must be documented and of such scope to ensure that there are no conditions that pose significant risk of sudden incapacitation or debilitating complication. This exam must also document any condition requiring medication that impairs cognitive ability, judgment, or reaction time. The Coast Guard will provide guidance on the conduct of general medical exams. Examiners should be familiar with the content and recommended medical evaluation data compiled in the medical guidelines.

(b) Food Handlers are not required to submit to a general medical exam, but must obtain a statement from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner attesting that they are free of communicable diseases that pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

(c) Demonstration of physical ability. (1) A demonstration of physical ability is required only if—

(i) The medical practitioner conducting the general medical exam is concerned that an applicant's physical ability may impact maritime safety; or

(ii) Table 1 to § 10.302(a) of this subpart shows that the mariner must pass a demonstration of physical ability.

(2) For an applicant to satisfactorily pass a demonstration of physical ability, the examiner must be satisfied that the applicant—

(i) Has no disturbance in the sense of balance;

(ii) Is able, without assistance, to climb up and down vertical ladders and inclined stairs;

(iii) Is able, without assistance, to step over a door sill or coaming;

(iv) Is able to move through a restricted opening of 24-by-24 inches (61-by-61 centimeters);

(v) Is able to grasp, lift, and manipulate various common shipboard tools, move hands and arms to open and close valve wheels in vertical and horizontal directions, and rotate wrists to turn handles;

(vi) Does not have any impairment or disease that could prevent normal movement and physical activities;

(vii) Is able to stand and walk for extended periods of time;

(viii) Does not have any impairment or disease that could prevent response to a visual or audible alarm; and

(ix) Is capable of normal conversation.

(3) Guidance on demonstration of physical ability is contained in the relevant Coast Guard guidance for the conduct of general medical exams.

(d) Reports of medical and physical exams, demonstrations, and tests. These reports must be submitted within 12 months from the date signed by the licensed medical professional. When submitted with a complete application package, these reports remain valid for 12 months from the date the Coast Guard accepts a complete application.

(a) Deck standard. (1) A mariner must have correctable vision to at least 20/40 in one eye and uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in the same eye. The color sense must be determined to be satisfactory when tested by any of the following methods or an alternative test acceptable to the Coast Guard, without the use of color-sensing lenses:

(i) Pseudoisochromatic Plates (Dvorine, 2nd Edition; AOC; revised edition or AOC-HRR; Ishihara 14-, 24- , or 38-;plate editions).

(ii) Farnsworth Lantern.

(iii) Titmus Vision Tester/OPTEC 2000.

(iv) Optec 900.

(v) Richmond Test, 2nd and 4th edition.

(2) Applicants for an STCW endorsement must have correctable vision to at least 20/40 in both eyes and uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in both eyes. A mariner who previously met these requirements and who suffers loss of vision in one eye after being issued an MMC is subject to the requirements of paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, as applicable. A mariner holding an MMC prior to January 1, 2017, must continue to meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(b) Engineering, Radio Officer, tank vessel endorsement, and MODU standard. A mariner must have correctable vision to at least 20/50 in one eye and uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in the same eye and need only the ability to distinguish the colors red, green, blue, and yellow. The color sense must be determined to be satisfactory when tested by any color-vision test listed in paragraph (a) of this section, or an alternative test acceptable to the Coast Guard, without the use of color-sensing lenses. The Coast Guard will accept Farnsworth D-15 Hue Test as a color vision test to meet the requirements of this paragraph.

(c) Vision waiver. Any applicant whose uncorrected vision does not meet the 20/200 standard and is correctable to listed standards above may be granted a medical waiver in accordance with § 10.303. If a vision waiver is granted, a limitation will be placed on the medical certificate indicating the mariner may not serve under the authority of the endorsement unless corrective lenses are worn and spare lenses are carried onboard a vessel. Waivers are not normally granted to an applicant whose corrected vision in the better eye is not at least 20/40 for deck officers or 20/50 for engineer officers.

(d) Vision operational limitation. If corrective lenses are required in order to meet the vision standards above, a mariner may not serve under the authority of the endorsement unless corrective lenses are worn and spare lenses are carried onboard a vessel. This operational limitation will be placed on their medical certificate.

(e) Loss of vision. A mariner having lost vision in one eye must wait 6 months from the date of the vision loss before submitting any application, and must provide a statement of demonstrated ability on their medical examination.

(a) If the medical practitioner conducting the general medical exam has concerns that an applicant's ability to hear may impact maritime safety, the examining medical practitioner must refer the applicant to an audiologist or other hearing specialist to conduct an audiometer test and a speech discrimination test, as appropriate.

(b) The audiometer test must include testing at the following thresholds: 500 Hz; 1,000 Hz; 2,000 Hz; and 3,000 Hz. The frequency responses for each ear must be averaged to determine the measure of an applicant's hearing ability. Applicants must demonstrate an unaided threshold of 30 decibels or less in at least one ear.

(c) The functional speech discrimination test must be carried out at a level of 65 decibels. For issuance of an original MMC or endorsement the applicant must demonstrate functional speech discrimination of at least 90 percent. For renewal or raise of grade, the applicant must demonstrate functional speech discrimination of at least 80 percent.

(d) Hearing waivers. An applicant who is unable to meet the hearing standards of the audiometer test, but who can pass the functional speech discrimination test; or who requires hearing aids to meet the hearing standards, may be eligible for a medical waiver in accordance with § 10.303 of this subpart.

(e) Hearing operational limitation. If hearing aids are required in order to meet the hearing standards above, a mariner may not serve under the authority of the endorsement unless hearing aids are worn in the operational mode, and spare batteries are carried onboard a vessel. This operational limitation will be placed on their medical certificate.

(a) The purpose of this part is to provide—

(1) A means of determining the qualifications an applicant must possess to be eligible for an officer endorsement as a staff officer, deck officer, engineer officer, Pilot, or Radio Officer on merchant vessels, or for an endorsement to operate uninspected passenger vessels; and

(2) A means of determining that an applicant is competent to serve as a Master, Chief Mate, Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch, Chief Engineer Officer, Second Engineer Officer (First Assistant Engineer), Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch, Designated Duty Engineer, or Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Radio Operator, in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (the STCW Convention or STCW), and other laws, and to receive the appropriate endorsement as required by STCW.

(b) With few exceptions, these regulations do not specify or restrict officer endorsements to particular types of service such as tankships, freight vessels, or passenger vessels. However, each officer credentialed under this part must become familiar with the relevant characteristics of a vessel prior to assuming their duties as required in the provisions of § 15.405 of this subchapter.

(c) The regulations previously found in subpart C of this part that prescribe the requirements applicable to approved training courses, training for a particular officer endorsement, and training and assessment associated with meeting the standards of competence established by the STCW Convention have been moved to 46 CFR part 10, subpart C.

(a) General. In addition to the requirements of part 10 of this subchapter, the applicant for an officer endorsement, whether original, renewal, duplicate, or raise of grade, must establish to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard that they possess all the qualifications necessary (including but not limited to age, experience, character, physical health, citizenship, approved training, professional competence, and a test for dangerous drugs) before the Coast Guard will issue the applicant a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). An applicant for any STCW endorsement must hold the appropriate national endorsement unless otherwise specified.

(b) English language requirements. Except as provided in § 11.467(h) of this part, an applicant for an officer endorsement must demonstrate an ability to speak and understand English as found in the navigation rules, aids to navigation publications, emergency equipment instructions, machinery instructions, and radiotelephone communications instructions.

(c) Experience and service. Applicants for officer endorsements should refer to § 10.232 of this subchapter for information regarding requirements for documentation and proof of sea service.

(1) An applicant for a national officer endorsement must meet one of the following:

(i) Have at least 3 months of required service on vessels of appropriate tonnage or horsepower within the 3 years immediately preceding the date of application; or

(ii) Have at least 3 months of required service on vessels of the uniformed services as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(5) of appropriate tonnage or horsepower within the 7 years immediately preceding the date of application; or

(iii) Have at least 3 months of required service attained through a combination of service established under paragraphs (c)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section.

(2) No original officer endorsement may be issued to any naturalized citizen based on less experience in any grade or capacity than would have been required of a citizen of the United States by birth.

(3) Experience and service acquired on foreign vessels is creditable for establishing eligibility for an officer endorsement, subject to evaluation by the Coast Guard to determine that it is a fair and reasonable equivalent to service acquired on merchant vessels of the United States, with respect to grade, tonnage, horsepower, waters, and operating conditions. An applicant who has obtained qualifying experience on foreign vessels must submit satisfactory documentary evidence of such service (including any necessary translation into English) in accordance with § 10.232 of this subchapter.

(4) No applicant for an original officer endorsement who is a naturalized citizen and who has obtained experience on foreign vessels will be given an original officer endorsement in a grade higher than that upon which they have actually served while acting under the authority of a foreign credential.

(5) Experience acquired while the applicant was less than 16 years of age is generally not creditable. Compelling circumstances and unique experiences acquired before the applicant reaches 16 years of age will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

(d) Citizenship. No officer endorsement may be issued to any person who is not a citizen of the United States with the exception of operators of uninspected passenger vessels that are not documented under the laws of the United States.

(e) Age. Except as specified in this paragraph, no officer endorsement may be issued to a person who has not attained the age of 21 years. The required evidence of age may be established using any of the items submitted to establish citizenship set out in 49 CFR 1572.17.

(1) An endorsement may be granted to an applicant who has reached the age of 19 years as—

(i) Master of near-coastal, Great Lakes and inland, or river vessels of 25-200 GRT;

(ii) Third Mate;

(iii) Third Assistant Engineer;

(iv) Mate of vessels of between 200 GRT and 1,600 GRT;

(v) Ballast Control Operator (BCO);

(vi) Assistant Engineer-MODU;

(vii) Assistant Engineer of Fishing Industry Vessels;

(viii) Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels;

(ix) Radio Officer;

(x) Assistant Engineer-Limited; or

(xi) Designated Duty Engineer of vessels of less than 4,000 HP/3,000 kW.

(2) An endorsement may be granted to an applicant who has reached the age of 18 years as—

(i) Limited Master of near-coastal vessels of less than 100 GRT;

(ii) Limited Master of Great Lakes and inland vessels of less than 100 GRT;

(iii) Mate of Great Lakes and inland vessels of 25-200 GRT;

(iv) Mate of near-coastal vessels of 25-200 GRT;

(v) Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV);

(vi) Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) of vessels of less than 1,000 HP/750 kW;

(vii) Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels;

(viii) Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW);

(ix) Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW); or

(x) Electro-technical Officer (ETO).

(f) Physical examination. (1) Persons serving or intending to serve in the merchant marine service are encouraged to take the earliest opportunity to ascertain, through examination, whether their visual acuity, color vision, hearing, and general physical condition, are such as to qualify them for service in that profession. Any physical impairment or medical condition that would render an applicant incompetent to perform the ordinary duties required of an officer is cause for denial of an officer endorsement.

(2) Applications for an original officer endorsement, raises of grade, and extensions of route, must be current and up to date with respect to service and the physical examination, as appropriate. Physical examinations and applications are valid for 12 months from the date the application is approved.

(g) Character check. (1) An individual may apply for an original officer endorsement, or officer or STCW endorsement of a different type, while on probation as a result of administrative action under part 5 of this chapter. The offense for which the applicant was placed on probation will be considered in determining their fitness to hold the endorsement applied for. An officer or STCW endorsement issued to an applicant on probation will be subject to the same probationary conditions as were imposed against the applicant's other credential. An applicant may not take an examination for an officer or STCW endorsement during any period of time when a suspension without probation or a revocation is effective against the applicant's currently held merchant mariner credential (MMC), or while an appeal from these actions is pending.

(2) If information about the applicant's habits of life and character is brought to the attention of the Coast Guard after an original MMC or officer endorsement has been issued, and if such information reasonably supports the conclusion that the applicant cannot be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of the MMC or officer endorsement issued, or indicates that the application for the MMC or officer endorsement was false or incomplete, the Coast Guard may notify the holder in writing that the MMC or officer endorsement is considered null and void, direct the holder to return the credential to the Coast Guard, and advise the holder that, upon return of the credential, the appeal procedures of § 10.237 of this subchapter apply.

(h) Firefighting certificate. (1) Applicants for an original officer endorsement in the following categories must provide a certificate of completion from a firefighting course of instruction relevant to the endorsement being sought that has been approved by the Coast Guard. The firefighting course must have been completed within the past 5 years, or if it was completed more than 5 years before the date of application, the applicant must provide evidence of maintaining the standard of competence in accordance with the firefighting requirements for the credential sought.

(2) The following categories must meet the requirements for Basic and Advanced Firefighting in Regulations VI/1 and VI/3 of the STCW Convention and Tables A-VI/1-2 and A-VI/3 of the STCW Code (both incorporated by reference, see § 11.102):

(i) All national officer endorsements as Master or Mate on seagoing vessels of 200 GRT or more;

(ii) All national officer endorsements for Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels, except Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels, on oceans;

(iii) All national officer endorsements for MODUs;

(iv) All national officer endorsements for engineers;

(v) All national officer endorsements for OSVs; and

(vi) All STCW officer endorsements except GMDSS Radio Operator.

(3) The following categories must meet the requirements for basic firefighting in Regulation VI/1 of the STCW Convention and Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code:

(i) All officer endorsements as Master on vessels of less than 500 GT in ocean service.

(ii) All officer endorsements for Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels for service on near-coastal waters, except Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels.

(iii) All officer endorsements for Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels for service on Great Lakes, except Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels.

(iv) All officer endorsements as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels for service on inland waters or Western Rivers, except Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels.

(A) The Coast Guard will accept a Coast Guard-approved modified basic firefighting course, which is the basic firefighting training described in this paragraph (h)(3) modified to only cover the equipment, fire prevention procedures, and firefighting operations required on towing vessels on inland waters or Western Rivers routes required in 46 CFR parts 140 and 142. A mariner who completes this modified basic firefighting course will be issued an endorsement that is restricted to inland waters or Western Rivers.

(B) To increase in scope to Great Lakes, near-coastal, or oceans, the applicant will be required to complete the firefighting course appropriate to the route sought.

(4) Applicants for a raise of grade of an officer endorsement who have not previously met the requirements of paragraph (h) of this section must do so.

(i) First-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course certificates. All applicants for an original officer endorsement, except as provided in §§ 11.429, 11.456, and 11.467 of this part, must provide to the Coast Guard—

(1) Evidence of continued competency in STCW Basic Training in accordance with § 11.302 or a certificate indicating completion not more than 1 year from the date of application of—

(i) The American National Red Cross Standard First Aid course or American National Red Cross Community First Aid & Safety course; or

(ii) A Coast Guard-approved first-aid course; and

(2) A currently valid certificate of completion of a CPR course from either—

(i) The American National Red Cross;

(ii) The American Heart Association; or

(iii) A Coast Guard-approved CPR course.

(j) Professional examination. (1) When the Coast Guard finds the applicant's experience and training to be satisfactory, and the applicant is eligible in all other respects, the Coast Guard will authorize examination in accordance with the following requirements:

(i) Except for an endorsement required by the STCW Convention, any applicant for a deck or engineer officer endorsement limited to vessels less than 200 GRT, or an officer endorsement limited to uninspected fishing industry vessels, may request an orally assisted examination instead of any written or other textual examination. If there are textual questions that the applicant has difficulty reading and understanding, the Coast Guard will offer the orally assisted examination. Each officer endorsement based on an orally assisted examination is limited to the specific route and type of vessel upon which the applicant obtained the majority of service.

(ii) The general instructions for administration of examinations and the lists of subjects for all officer endorsements appear in subpart I of this part. The Coast Guard will place in the applicant's file a record indicating the subjects covered.

(iii) An applicant enrolled in an approved comprehensive program of training, service, and assessment will be authorized for an examination not more than 6 months prior to completion of the comprehensive program, provided all sea service and assessments of competency are completed prior to the examination.

(iv) The examination, whether administered orally or by other means, must be conducted only in the English language.

(2) When the application has been approved for examination, the approval is valid for 1 year.

(3) An examination is not required for a staff officer or Radio Officer endorsement.

(k) Radar Observer. Applicants for an endorsement as Radar Observer must provide a certificate of completion from a Radar Observer course as required by § 11.480.

(l) Restrictions. The Coast Guard may modify the service, training and examination requirements in this part to satisfy the unique qualification requirements of an applicant or distinct group of mariners. The Coast Guard may also lower the age requirement for OUPV applicants. The authority granted by an officer endorsement will be restricted to reflect any modifications made under the authority of this paragraph.

(a) Applicants for officer endorsements should refer to § 10.232 of this subchapter for information regarding requirements for documentation and proof of sea service.

(b) Service toward an oceans, near-coastal, or STCW endorsement will be credited as follows:

(1) Service on the Great Lakes will be credited on a day-for-day basis up to 100 percent of the total required service.

(2) Service on inland waters, other than Great Lakes, that are navigable waters of the United States, will be credited on a day-for-day basis for up to 50 percent of the total required service.

(c) Service on mobile offshore drilling units. (1) MODU service is creditable for raise of grade of an officer endorsement. Evidence of 1 year of service on MODUs as Mate or equivalent while holding an officer endorsement licenses as Third Mate, or as Engineering Officer of the Watch or equivalent while holding an officer endorsement licenses as Third Assistant Engineer, is acceptable for a raise of grade to Second Mate or Second Assistant Engineer, respectively. However, any subsequent raises of grade of unlimited, non-restricted officer endorsements must include a minimum of 6 months of service on conventional vessels.

(2) Service on MODUs maintaining station by means of dynamic positioning, may be credited as service on conventional vessels for any raise of grade; however, time more than 8 hours each day will not be credited.

(3) A day of creditable MODU service must be a minimum of 4 hours, and no additional credit will be granted for periods of more than 8 hours.

(4) Creditable MODU service excludes time spent ashore due to crew rotation.

(d) Service on Articulated Tug Barges (ATBs) and Integrated Tug Barges (ITBs). Service on ATB or Dual Mode ITB units is creditable for an original deck officer endorsement or raise of grade of any deck officer endorsement. Service on an ATB or Dual Mode ITB with an aggregate tonnage of 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT or more is creditable on a two-for-one basis (2 days experience equals 1 day of creditable service) for up to 50 percent of the total service on vessels of 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT or more required for an unlimited officer endorsement. The remaining required service on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT must be obtained on conventional vessels or Push Mode ITBs.

(e) Service on towing vessels. Service as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels, when the aggregate tonnage of the tug and barges is 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT or more, is creditable, using the aggregate tonnage, on a two-for-one basis (2 days experience equals 1 day of creditable service) for up to 50 percent of the total service on vessels of 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT or more required for an unlimited officer endorsement. The remaining required service on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT/3,000 GT must be obtained on conventional vessels. This service must be documented as specified in § 10.232(a) of this subchapter.

(f) Cadet experience. Individuals obtaining sea service as part of an approved training curriculum pursuant to either § 11.407(a)(2) or § 11.516(a)(3) must do so in the capacity of Cadet-Deck or Cadet-Engine, as appropriate, notwithstanding any other rating endorsements the individual may hold or any other capacity in which the individual may have served.

(g) Other experience. Other experience in a marine-related area, other than at sea, or sea service performed on unique vessels, will be evaluated by the Coast Guard for a determination of equivalence to traditional service.

(h) Tonnage. When determining sea service credit for officer endorsement applicants under subpart D of this part, the tonnage of a vessel solely admeasured using the Convention measurement scheme under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 143 will be credited as Gross Register Tonnage. This paragraph does not apply to those vessels measured under the optional regulatory measurement provisions of 46 U.S.C. 14305.

(a) The examination fee set out in Table 1 to § 10.219(a) of this subchapter must be paid before the applicant may take the first examination section. If an applicant fails three or more sections of the examination, a complete re-examination must be taken. On the subsequent exam, if the applicant again fails three or more sections, at least 3 months must elapse before another complete examination is attempted, and a new examination fee is required. If an applicant fails one or two sections of an examination, the applicant may be retested twice on these sections during the next 3 months. If the applicant does not successfully complete these sections within the 3-month period, a complete re-examination must be taken at least 3 months from the date of the last retest, and a new examination fee is required. The 3-month retest period may be extended by the Coast Guard if the applicant provides evidence documenting sea time that prevented the taking of a retest during the 3-month period. The retest period may not be extended beyond 7 months from the initial examination. All examinations and retests must be completed within 1 year of approval for examination.

(b) If the Coast Guard refuses to grant an applicant the endorsement applied for due to the applicant's failure to pass a required examination, the Coast Guard will provide the applicant with a written statement setting forth the portions of the examination that must be retaken and the date by which the examination must be completed.

(a) Subject to the provisions of §§ 11.464(e) and 11.465(b), any MMC endorsement for service as Master or Mate on ocean waters qualifies the mariner to serve in the same grade on any waters, except towing vessels upon western rivers subject to the limitations of the endorsement.

(b) Subject to the provisions of §§ 11.464(e) and 11.465(b), any MMC endorsement issued for service as Master or Mate on near-coastal waters qualifies the mariner to serve in the same grade on Great Lakes and inland waters, except towing vessels upon western rivers subject to the limitations of the endorsement.

(c) Near-coastal endorsements for unlimited tonnage require the same number of years of service as the ocean-unlimited endorsements. The primary differences in these endorsements are the nature of the service and the scope of the required training, examination, and assessment.

(d) A Master or Mate on vessels of 200 GRT or more, and a Master or Mate on vessels under 200 GRT, may be endorsed for Sail or Auxiliary Sail as appropriate. The applicant must provide the equivalent total service required for conventional officer endorsements, including at least 1 year of deck experience on that specific type of vessel. For example, for an officer endorsement as Master of vessels of less than 1,600 GRT endorsed for auxiliary sail, the applicant must meet the total experience requirements for the conventional officer endorsement, including time as Mate, and the proper tonnage experience, including at least 1 year of deck service, on appropriately sized auxiliary sail vessels. For an endorsement to serve on vessels of less than 200 GRT, see the individual endorsement requirements.

(e) Service toward an oceans, near-coastal or STCW endorsement will be credited as follows:

(1) Service on the Great Lakes will be credited on a day-for-day basis.

(2) Service on inland waters, other than Great Lakes, that are navigable waters of the United States, may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the total required service.

(3) Service on vessels to which STCW applies, whether inland or coastwise, will be credited on a day-for-day basis.

Figure 11.403 illustrates the national deck officer endorsement structure, including crossover points. The section numbers on the diagram refer to the specific requirements applicable.

[Figure in the regulation: /graphics/er24de13.001.gif]

(a) Endorsements as Master and Mate of vessels of less than 1,600 GRT are issued in the following tonnage categories:

(1) Less than 1,600 GRT.

(2) Less than 500 GRT.

(3) Between 25 and 200 GRT in 50-ton increments and with appropriate mode of propulsion such as self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail.

(b) Experience gained in the engine department on vessels of appropriate tonnage may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirements for any Master or Mate endorsement in this category.

(c) An officer's endorsement in this category obtained with an orally assisted examination will be limited to 200 GRT. In order to raise that tonnage limit to 1,600 GRT, the written examination and service requirements must be satisfied.

(a) Each national endorsement as Master or Mate of vessels of less than 200 GRT is issued with a tonnage limitation based on the applicant's qualifying experience. The tonnage limitation will be issued at the 25, 50, 100, or 200 GRT level. The endorsement will be limited to the maximum GRT on which at least 25 percent of the required experience was obtained, or 150 percent of the maximum GRT on which at least 50 percent of the service was obtained, whichever is higher. Limitations are as stated above, using the next higher figure when an intermediate tonnage is calculated. If more than 75 percent of the qualifying experience is obtained on vessels of 5 GRT or less, the MMC will automatically be limited to vessels of less than 25 GRT.

(b) The tonnage limitation may be raised as follows:

(1) For an endorsement as Mate, with at least 45 days of additional service on deck of a vessel in the highest tonnage increment authorized by the officer endorsement.

(2) For an endorsement as Master, with at least 90 days of additional service on deck of a vessel in the highest tonnage increment authorized by the Master endorsement.

(3) With additional service, which, when combined with all previously accumulated service, will qualify the applicant for a higher tonnage officer endorsement under the basic formula specified in paragraph (a) of this section.

(4) With 6 months additional service in the deck department on vessels within the highest tonnage increment on the officer's MMC endorsement. In this case, the tonnage limitation may be raised one increment.

(c) When the service is obtained on vessels upon which no personnel need an officer endorsement, the Coast Guard must be satisfied that the nature of this required service (i.e., size of vessel, route, equipment, etc.) is a reasonable equivalent to the duties performed on vessels which are required to engage individuals with officer endorsements.

(d) Service gained in the engineroom on vessels of 200 GRT or less may be creditable for up to 90 days of the deck service requirements for Mate.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an officer endorsement as Master of ocean self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT is—

(1) Three years of total service on ocean or near-coastal waters. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 18 months of the required service. Two years of the required service must have been as Master, Mate, or equivalent position while holding an MMC endorsement as Master, as Mate, or as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV); or

(2) Two years of total service as a Master or Mate of ocean or near-coastal towing vessels. Completion of an examination is also required.

(b) In order to obtain an officer endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 12 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels. The required 12 months of service may have been obtained prior to issuance of the Master's MMC endorsement.

(c) A person holding this endorsement may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §§ 11.315, 11.317, 11.319, and 11.321 of this part.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify for the endorsement as Mate of ocean self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT is—

(1) Twelve months of total service in the deck department of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 6 months of the required service; or

(2) Three months of service in the deck department of self-propelled vessels operating on ocean, near-coastal, Great Lakes, or inland waters while holding an MMC endorsement as Master of inland self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels of less than 200 GRT.

(b) The holder of an MMC endorsement as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) with a near-coastal route endorsement may obtain this endorsement by successfully completing an examination on rules and regulations for small passenger vessels.

(c) To obtain this officer endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 6 months of deck service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels.

(d) A License or MMC endorsement as Master of near-coastal self-propelled vessels may be endorsed as Mate of sail or auxiliary sail vessels upon providing evidence of 3 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels.

(e) To obtain a tonnage endorsement for 100 GRT or more, the applicant must complete the additional examination topics indicated in subpart I of this part.

(f) A person holding this endorsement may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §§ 11.319 and 11.321 of this part.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify for a Master of near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT is—

(1) Two years total service on ocean or near-coastal waters. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 1 year of the required service. One year of the required service must have been as a Master, Mate, or equivalent position while holding an endorsement as Master, Mate, or Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV); or

(2) One year of total service as Master or Mate of Towing Vessels on ocean or near-coastal routes. Completion of an examination is also required.

(b) To obtain this officer endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 12 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels. These 12 months of experience may have been obtained before qualifying for an officer endorsement.

(c) Holders of this endorsement are considered to be in compliance with the STCW Convention (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102) while operating within the limitations of this endorsement.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify for the endorsement as Mate of near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT is—

(1) Twelve months of total service in the deck department of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 6 months of the required service; or

(2) Three months of service in the deck department of self-propelled vessels operating on ocean, near-coastal, Great Lakes, or inland waters while holding an MMC endorsement as Master of inland self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels of less than 200 GRT.

(b) The holder of an MMC endorsement as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) with a near-coastal route endorsement may obtain this endorsement by successfully completing an examination on rules and regulations for small passenger vessels.

(c) To obtain this officer endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 6 months of deck service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels.

(d) A License or MMC endorsement as Master of near-coastal self-propelled vessels may be endorsed as Mate of sail or auxiliary sail vessels upon providing evidence of 3 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels.

(e) To obtain a tonnage endorsement for 100 GRT or more, the applicant must complete the additional examination topics indicated in subpart I of this part.

(f) Holders of this endorsement are considered to be in compliance with the STCW Convention (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102) while operating within the limitations of this endorsement.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify for the endorsement as Master of self-propelled, seagoing vessels of less than 100 GRT limited to domestic voyages upon near-coastal waters is 2 years of service in the deck department of a self-propelled vessel on ocean or near-coastal waters. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 1 year of the required service.

(b) To obtain an endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 12 months of service on sail or auxiliary-sail vessels. This required service may have been obtained before issuance of the MMC.

(c) Holders of this endorsement are considered to be in compliance with the STCW Convention (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part) while operating within the limitations of this endorsement.

(d) All endorsements issued for Master or Mate of vessels of less than 100 GRT are issued in tonnage increments based on the applicant's qualifying experience in accordance with the provisions of § 11.422.

(a) An endorsement as Limited Master for service on near-coastal waters on vessels of less than 100 GRT may be issued to an applicant to be employed by organizations such as yacht clubs, marinas, formal camps, and educational institutions. An endorsement issued under this section is limited to the specific activity and the locality of the yacht club, marina, or camp. To obtain this restricted endorsement, an applicant must—

(1) Have 4 months of service on any waters in the operation of the type of vessel for which the endorsement is requested;

(2) Satisfactorily complete a safe boating course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, or a safe boating course conducted by the U.S. Power Squadron or the American Red Cross, or a Coast Guard-approved course. This course must have been completed within 5 years before the date of application; and

(3) Pass a limited examination appropriate for the activity to be conducted and the route authorized.

(b) The first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course certificates required by § 11.201(i) of this part will only be required when, in the opinion of the Coast Guard, the geographic area over which service is authorized precludes obtaining medical services within a reasonable time.

(c) To obtain an endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 4 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels. The required 4 months of service may have been obtained prior to issuance of the MMC endorsement.

(d) Holders of this endorsement are considered to be in compliance with the STCW Convention (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part) while operating within the limitations of this endorsement.

(a) Any officer endorsement issued for service on Great Lakes and inland waters self-propelled vessels, excluding towing vessels, is valid on all of the inland waters of the United States as defined in § 10.107 of this subchapter.

(b) Any officer endorsement issued for service on inland waters self-propelled vessels, excluding towing vessels, is valid for the inland waters of the United States, excluding the Great Lakes.

(c) Any officer endorsement issued for service on inland waters or an inland route is valid for service on the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage between Puget Sound and Cape Spencer, Alaska.

(d) Because these officer endorsements authorize service on waters seaward of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) demarcation lines, as defined in 33 CFR part 80, the applicant must complete an examination on the COLREGS or the endorsement will exclude such waters.

(e) To obtain a Master or Mate endorsement with a tonnage limit of 200 GRT or more, whether an original, raise of grade, or increase in the scope of authority, the applicant must meet the training requirements in § 11.201(h) and (i) and successfully complete Radar Observer training in § 11.480.

(f) Figure 11.430(f) illustrates the deck officer endorsement structure, including crossover points, for Great Lakes and inland waters service. The section numbers on the diagram refer to the specific requirements applicable.

[Figure in the regulation: /graphics/er24de13.002.gif]

(a) Except as noted in paragraph (d) of this section, all endorsements issued for Master or Mate of vessels of less than 200 GRT are issued in 50 GRT increments based on the applicant's qualifying experience in accordance with the provisions of § 11.422.

(b) Service gained in the engineroom on vessels of less than 200 GRT may be creditable for up to 25 percent of the deck service requirements for Mate.

(c) When the service is obtained on vessels upon which personnel with endorsements are not required, the Coast Guard must be satisfied that the nature of this required service (i.e., size of vessel, route, equipment, etc.) is a reasonable equivalent to the duties performed on vessels which are required to engage individuals with endorsements.

(d) If more than 75 percent of the qualifying experience is obtained on vessels of 5 GRT or less, the endorsement will automatically be limited to vessels of less than 25 GRT.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as Master of Great Lakes and inland self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT is 1 year of service on vessels. Six months of the required service must have been as Master, Mate, or equivalent position while holding an endorsement as Master or Mate of self-propelled vessels, or Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels, or OUPV. To obtain authority to serve on the Great Lakes, 3 months of the required service must have been on Great Lakes waters; otherwise the endorsement will be limited to the inland waters of the United States (excluding the Great Lakes).

(b) To obtain an endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must have 6 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels. This required service may have been obtained prior to issuance of the MMC endorsement as Master.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as Mate of Great Lakes and inland self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT is 6 months of service in the deck department of self-propelled vessels. To obtain authority to serve on the Great Lakes, 3 months of the required service must have been on Great Lakes waters; otherwise the endorsement will be limited to the inland waters of the United States (excluding the Great Lakes).

(b) To obtain an endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 3 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels.

(c) A mariner holding an endorsement as Master of self-propelled vessels may be endorsed as Mate of sail or auxiliary sail vessels upon providing evidence of 3 months service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels.

(d) The holder of an MMC endorsement as Operator of Inland Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) may obtain this endorsement by successfully completing an examination on rules and regulations for small passenger vessels. To obtain authority to serve on the Great Lakes, 3 months of the required service must have been on Great Lakes waters; otherwise the endorsement will be limited to the inland waters of the United States (excluding the Great Lakes).

(e) To obtain a tonnage endorsement for 100 GRT or more, the applicant must complete the additional examination topics indicated in subpart I of this part.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as Master of Great Lakes and inland self-propelled vessels of less than 100 GRT is 1 year of total service in the deck department of self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels. To obtain authority to serve on the Great Lakes, 3 months of the required service must have been on Great Lakes waters; otherwise the endorsement will be limited to the inland waters of the United States (excluding the Great Lakes).

(b) To obtain an endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 6 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels. The required 6 months of service may have been obtained prior to issuance of the endorsement.

(c) All endorsements issued for Master or Mate of vessels of less than 100 GRT are issued in tonnage increments based on the applicant's qualifying experience in accordance with the provisions of § 11.422.

(a) An endorsement as Limited Master for vessels of less than 100 GRT upon Great Lakes and inland waters may be issued to an applicant to be employed by organizations such as formal camps, educational institutions, yacht clubs, and marinas with reduced service requirements. An endorsement issued under this paragraph is limited to the specific activity and the locality of the camp, yacht club, or marina. To obtain this restricted endorsement, an applicant must—

(1) Have 4 months of service in the operation of the type of vessel for which the endorsement is requested;

(2) Satisfactorily complete a safe boating course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, a public education course conducted by the U.S. Power Squadron or the American Red Cross, or a Coast Guard-approved course. This course must have been completed within 5 years before the date of application; and

(3) Pass a limited examination appropriate for the activity to be conducted and the route authorized.

(b) The first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course certificates required by § 11.201(i) of this part will only be required when, in the opinion of the Coast Guard, the geographic area over which service is authorized precludes obtaining medical services within a reasonable time.

(a) An applicant for an endorsement as Master of inland self-propelled vessels of less than 100 GRT must provide 1 year of service on any waters. In order to raise the tonnage limitation to more than 100 GRT, the examination topics indicated in subpart I of this part must be completed in addition to satisfying the experience requirements of § 11.452(a).

(b) To obtain an endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 6 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels. The required 6 months of service may have been obtained prior to issuance of the MMC endorsement.

(c) All endorsements issued for Master or Mate of vessels of less than 100 GRT are issued in tonnage increments based on the applicant's qualifying experience in accordance with the provisions of § 11.422.

(a) An applicant for an endorsement as Master of river self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage must meet the same service requirements as Master of inland self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage.

(b) An applicant for an endorsement as Master or Mate of river self-propelled vessels, with a limitation of 25 to 1,600 GRT, must meet the same service requirements as those required by this subpart for the corresponding tonnage Great Lakes and inland self-propelled endorsement. Service on the Great Lakes is not, however, required.

(a) This section applies to an applicant for an endorsement as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) of less than 100 GRT, equipped with propulsion machinery of any type, carrying six or fewer passengers.

(b) An endorsement as OUPV for near-coastal waters limits the holder to service on domestic, near-coastal waters not more than 100 miles offshore, the Great Lakes, and all inland waters. Endorsements issued for inland waters include all inland waters except the Great Lakes. Endorsements may be issued for a particular local area under paragraph (f) or paragraph (g) of this section.

(c) For an endorsement as OUPV on near-coastal waters, an applicant must have a minimum of 12 months of experience in the operation of vessels, including at least 3 months of service on vessels operating on ocean or near-coastal waters.

(d) For an endorsement as OUPV on the Great Lakes and inland waters, an applicant must have 12 months of service on Great Lakes or inland waters, including at least 3 months of service operating vessels on Great Lakes waters.

(e) For an endorsement as OUPV on inland waters, an applicant must have a minimum of 12 months of experience in the operation of vessels.

(f) A limited OUPV endorsement may be issued to an applicant to be employed by organizations such as formal camps, yacht clubs, educational institutions, and marinas. An endorsement issued under this paragraph will be limited to the specific activity and the locality of the camp, yacht club, or marina. In order to obtain this restricted endorsement, an applicant must—

(1) Have 3 months of service in the operation of the type of vessel for which the endorsement is requested;

(2) Satisfactorily complete a safe-boating course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, or those public education courses conducted by the U.S. Power Squadron or the American National Red Cross or a Coast Guard-approved course; and

(3) Pass a limited examination appropriate for the activity to be conducted and the route authorized.

(4) Hold the first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course certificates required by § 11.201(i) of this part when, in the opinion of the Coast Guard, the geographic area over which service is authorized precludes obtaining medical services within a reasonable time.

(g) Restricted OUPV endorsements may be issued to applicants to be employed on inland navigable waters. An endorsement under this paragraph will be limited to specific bodies of water that have been approved by the cognizant OCMI. In order to obtain this endorsement, the applicant must be qualified for the endorsement under this section; however, the OCMI may modify the service and examination requirements as follows:

(1) At least 3 months of service in the operation of the type of vessel and on each body of water for which the endorsement is requested.

(2) Satisfactorily pass an examination appropriate for the activity to be conducted and the waters authorized.

(h) An applicant for an officer endorsement as OUPV who speaks Spanish, but not English, may be issued an officer endorsement restricted to the navigable waters of the United States in the vicinity of Puerto Rico.

(a) This section contains the requirements that an applicant must meet to qualify as a Radar Observer.

(b) If an applicant meets the requirements of this section, one of the following Radar Observer endorsements will be added to their MMC:

(1) Radar Observer-Unlimited.

(2) Radar Observer-Inland Waters and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways (GIWW).

(3) Radar Observer-Rivers.

(c) Radar Observer-Unlimited is valid on all waters. Radar Observer-Inland Waters and GIWW is valid only for those waters other than the Great Lakes covered by the Inland Navigational Rules. Radar Observer-Rivers is valid only on any river, canal, or similar body of water designated by the OCMI, but not beyond the boundary line.

(d) Except as provided by paragraphs (f) or (g) of this section, each applicant for a Radar Observer endorsement or for renewal of a Radar Observer endorsement must complete the appropriate course approved by the Coast Guard, receive the appropriate certificate of training, and provide the certificate or a copy of the certificate to the Coast Guard in person, by mail, or other electronic means.

(e) A Radar Observer endorsement issued under this section is valid until the expiration of the mariner's MMC.

(f) A mariner may also renew their Radar Observer endorsement by providing evidence of meeting the requirements in § 10.227(e)(1)(v) of this subchapter.

(g) The Coast Guard will accept on-board training and experience through acceptable documentary evidence of 1 year of relevant sea service within the last 5 years in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes on vessels equipped with radar as meeting the refresher or re-certification requirements of paragraph (d) of this section. This also applies to mariners applying for raises of grade or new endorsements under § 10.231 of this subchapter.

(h) An applicant for renewal of an MMC who does not provide evidence of meeting the renewal requirements of paragraph (d), (f), or (g) of this section will not have a Radar Observer endorsement placed on their MMC.

(a) This section contains the requirements to qualify for an endorsement authorizing a mariner to engage in assistance towing. Except as noted in this paragraph, holders of MMC officer and OUPV endorsements must have an Assistance Towing endorsement to engage in assistance towing. Holders of endorsements as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels or Master or Mate endorsements authorizing service on inspected vessels of 200 GRT or more do not need the Assistance Towing endorsement.

(b) An applicant for an Assistance Towing endorsement must pass a written examination or complete a Coast Guard-approved course demonstrating their knowledge of assistance towing safety, equipment, and procedures.

(c) The holder of an MMC for Master, Mate, or operator endorsed for Assistance Towing is authorized to engage in assistance towing on any vessel within the scope of the MMC.

(d) The period of validity of the endorsement is the same as the MMC on which it is included, and it may be renewed with the MMC.

(a) Where required by § 11.903 of this subpart, each applicant for an endorsement listed in that section must pass an examination on the appropriate subjects listed in this subpart.

(b) If the endorsement is to be limited in a manner that would render any of the subject matter unnecessary or inappropriate, the examination may be amended accordingly by the Coast Guard. Limitations that may affect the examination content are as follows:

(1) Restricted routes for reduced service officer endorsements (Master or Mate of vessels of less than 200 GRT, OUPV, or Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels).

(2) Limitations to a certain class or classes of vessels.

(c) Simulators used in assessments of competence required by subpart C of this part must meet the appropriate performance standards set out in Section A-I/12 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part). However, simulators installed or brought into use before February 1, 2002, need not meet these performance standards if they fulfill the objective of the assessment of competence or demonstration of proficiency.

(a) The following officer endorsements require examinations for issuance:

(1) Chief Mate of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage (examined at the management level).

(2) Third Mate of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage (examined at the operational level).

(3) Master of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 1,600 GRT.

(4) Mate of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 1,600 GRT.

(5) Master of near-coastal vessels less than 200 GRT.

(6) Mate of near-coastal vessels less than 200 GRT.

(7) Master of near-coastal vessels less than 100 GRT.

(8) Mate of near-coastal vessels less than 100 GRT.

(9) Master of Great Lakes and inland vessels of unlimited tonnage.

(10) Mate of Great Lakes and inland vessels of unlimited tonnage.

(11) Master of inland vessels of unlimited tonnage.

(12) Master of river vessels of unlimited tonnage.

(13) Master of Great Lakes and inland/river vessels less than 500 GRT or less than 1,600 GRT.

(14) Mate of Great Lakes and inland/river vessels less than 500 GRT or less than 1,600 GRT.

(15) Master of Great Lakes and inland/river vessels less than 200 GRT.

(16) Mate of Great Lakes and inland/river vessels less than 200 GRT.

(17) Master of Great Lakes and inland.

(18) First-Class Pilot.

(19) Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels.

(20) Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels-Limited.

(21) Offshore Installation Manager.

(22) Barge Supervisor.

(23) Ballast Control Operator (BCO).

(24) Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV).

(25) Master of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels.

(26) Mate of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels.

(27) Master-OSV.

(28) Chief Mate-OSV.

(29) Mate-OSV.

(30) First Assistant Engineer limited or unlimited propulsion power.

(31) Third Assistant Engineer limited or unlimited propulsion power.

(32) Chief Engineer-Limited steam/motor vessels.

(33) Assistant Engineer-Limited steam/motor vessels.

(34) Designated Duty Engineer steam/motor vessels.

(35) Chief Engineer Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels.

(36) Assistant Engineer Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels.

(37) Chief Engineer-MODU.

(38) Assistant Engineer-MODU.

(39) Chief Engineer-OSV.

(40) Assistant Engineer-OSV.

(b) In paragraphs (a)(1) through (4), and (a)(6), (7), (15), and (16) of this section, examinations will vary depending on route desired.

(c) The following officer endorsements do not require examinations:

(1) Master of oceans or near-coastal vessels of unlimited tonnage when upgrading from MMC officer endorsements, or an endorsement as Chief Mate of oceans or near-coastal vessels of unlimited tonnage, provided the applicant has already been examined at the management level.

(2) Master of oceans or near-coastal vessels of unlimited tonnage when adding an endorsement as Offshore Installation Manager (OIM).

(3) Master of oceans or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT, when upgrading from Mate of near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT. Master of oceans self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT will, however, require an examination in celestial navigation.

(4) Second Mate of oceans or near-coastal vessels when upgrading from Third Mate of oceans or near-coastal vessels, provided the applicant has already been examined at the operational level.

(5) Master of Great Lakes and inland vessels, or river vessels of less than 200 GRT when upgrading from Mate of less than 200 GRT on the same route.

(6) Chief Engineer-Unlimited, provided the applicant has already been examined at the management level.

(7) Chief Engineer-Limited to service on steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels of less than 10,000 HP/7,500 kW on near-coastal routes, provided the applicant has already been examined at the management level.

(8) Chief Engineer-Limited to service on steam, motor, and/or gas turbine-propelled vessels of less than 4,000 HP/3,000 kW on near-coastal routes, provided the applicant has already been examined at the management level.

(9) Second Assistant Engineer when upgrading from Third Assistant Engineer, provided the applicant has already been examined at the operational level.

Table 1 to § 11.910 gives the codes used in Table 2 to § 11.910 for all deck officers. Table 2 to § 11.910 indicates the examination subjects for each endorsement, by code number. Figures in the body of Table 2 to § 11.910, in place of the letter “x”, refer to notes.

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