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USCG Ballast Control Operator (BCO) Requirements - Merchant Mariner Credential

United States Coast Guard General, Sea Service and Other Requirements for National Ballast Control Operator (BCO)

The Ballast Control Operator (BCO) is the crew member responsible for controlling the vessel’s stability. A ballast tank is a compartment within a boat, ship or other floating structure such as rig and other offshore installations that holds water, which is used as ballast to provide stability for a vessel. Ballast Control is the control of balance and stability on a ship or vessel using a ballast and ballast facilitates hydrodynamic stability by lowering the centre of gravity to compensate for harsh currents and weather and keeps floating structures stable.

International agreements under the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Convention require Cargo vessels and passenger ships to be constructed so as to withstand certain kinds of damage. Ballast Control and Tank Gauging System enables marine vessel operators to use reliable informative data to critically and safely manage the ballast and trim of a vessel according to operational needs, deck loading and sea conditions.

Basic function of the Ballast Control Operator (BCO) is to operate the ballast control system so as to maintain the vessel’s position, draft, and trim with respect to its location. Duties and responsibilities include (but not limited to) - ballast and de-ballast the vessel, monitor all ballast controls and related instrumentation, record reports pertaining to stability, monitor variable deck load on a daily basis, assist in supervising the transfer of bulk material, inspect ballast equipment and other marine operation and lifesaving equipment, carry out preventative maintenance on ballast control equipment and more.

The Ballast Control Operator (BCO) is the crew member responsible for controlling the vessel’s stability

USCG Ballast Control Operator General Requirements

  • Age: 19
  • TWIC
  • Medical Certificate
  • Drug Testing Compliance
  • Sea Service Letters or Discharges

USCG Ballast Control Operator (BCO) Requirements

Sea Service Requirements

  • Recency: 90 days employment in the past 3 years on MODUs
  • Note: D8 Policy created Active Ballast and Passive Ballast limitations and allowed service on fixed platforms, floating offshore facilities and MODUs for any BCO endorsement. With publication of Policy 01-22 on February 4, 2022, only service on MODUs is acceptable. An MMC endorsed as OIM, BCO, or BS is not evidence of service.

Ballast Control Operator - MODU Requirements

  • 1 year employment assigned to MODUs, WITH 28 days service on MODU as a trainee under the supervision of a person holding a MMC endorsed as BCO. OR
  • An engineering or engineering technology degree accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); WITH 28 days service on MODU as a trainee under the supervision of a person holding a MMC endorsed as BCO, OR
  • Hold MMC as Unlimited Master, Mate; Chief Engineer, or Assistant Engineer WITH 28 days service on MODU as a trainee under the supervision of a person holding a MMC endorsed as BCO

Approved Training (Unless Previously Met)

  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • Stability Course for Barge Supervisor or Ballast Control Operator
  • Survival Craft Course within 5 years of application date (unless previously met). Valid PSC without limitation is acceptable
  • Survival Suit Course within 5 years of application date (unless previously met). Valid PST of BT is acceptable
  • Approved Basic Fire Fighting Course within 5 years of application date (unless previously met). Valid STCW BT is acceptable
  • Advanced Fire Fighting Course within 5 years of application date (unless previously met). Valid STCW Advanced Firefighting is acceptable.

Notes

  • STCW is not issued for Ballast Control Operator.
  • The Coast Guard will no longer issue for Active Ballast, Passive Ballast, Floating Offshore Installation/Facility or any other limitation. The National Endorsement is Ballast Control Operator.
  • A FOF (or FOI) is a floating structure that is moored to the sea floor in a semi-permanent manner. These ARE NOT considered MODUs per PL 01-22.

    • Types:

        • Tension Leg Platforms
        • Semi-Submersible Floating Production Systems
        • Spar Platforms
        • Mini-Tension Leg Platforms.

  • Service on FOF / FOI may only be considered if the facility is issued a determination letter for a Floating OCS Facility.
  • Certificate of Inspection by the Cognizant OCMI, classifying it as a vessel as well as an FOF.

Disclaimer: For general information purpose - please check with USCG for the latest requirements and accurate info