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USCG OICEW STCW Requirements - Merchant Mariner Credential

U.S. Coast Guard Requirements (General, Sea Service, Training & Other) for OICEW STCW Endorsement

oicew stcw

The Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch (OICEW) is the officer on watch in charge of the main propulsion plant of the ship, and of the associated auxiliaries. He shall be responsible for the safe and proper operation of such units, and for the performance of the duties prescribed in these regulations and by other competent authority.

OICEW will also be responsible for power generation and distribution systems and other equipment such as refrigeration plant and pumping and ventilation systems and more.

A designated duty engineer DDE is defined by STCW as the engineer in charge of a watch in a periodically unmanned engine room. Under the United States regulations, the DDE may serve as a Chief Engineer on domestic vessels of not more than 500grt.

ship engine

You may also read: International Maritime Organisation (IMO) STCW Requirements for OICEW 

General Requirements for OICEW STCW Endorsement

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Age: 18
  • Medical Certificate
  • Sea Service letters or discharges
  • Mariner must hold the equivalent national endorsement unless otherwise specified

USCG STCW OICEW or Designated Duty Engineer 750 kW-1000 HP or More Requirements

  • STCW for DDE is limited to vessels less than 500 GRT
  • Mariner must hold the equivalent national endorsement unless otherwise specified

Sea Service Requirements

  • 1080 days of seagoing service in the engine department OR
  • Successful completion of an approved training program, which includes a combination of workshop skill training (see note below) and seagoing service of not less than 12 months, and that meets the requirements of section A-III/1 of the STCW Code.

  • The sea service must include evidence of engine room watchkeeping duties, under the supervision of an officer holding the STCW endorsement as Chief Engineer Officer or as a qualified engineer officer, for a period of not less than 6 months.
  • Since many vessels do not have manned engine rooms, experience with engine room maintenance which includes duties under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer Officer/First Assistant Engineer, and/or the officer in charge of the watch may be substituted for watch keeping experience.
  • Experience gained in the deck department may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirements
  • Note: Proof of completion of workshop skills training may be provided with documentation of successful completion of assessments or certificate of completion from an approved training program, school, or facility (46 CFR 11.301(a))

Competencies

  • Provide evidence of Standard of competence as specified in Section A-111/1 of the STCW Code. Must complete & attach Record of Assessment from NVIC 17-14 or its equivalent

Approved Training

  • Engine resource management (ERM)
  • Engineering terminology and shipboard operations
  • Auxiliary machinery
  • Gas turbine plants, as applicable
  • Steam plants, as applicable
  • Motor plants as applicable
  • Electrical machinery and basic electronics
  • Control systems
  • Medical First-Aid Provider (Formerly Medical Care Provider)
  • Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting Course within 5 years of application date (Advanced F/F must show continuing Competencies if not within 5 years)
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft (Cannot be PSC Limited)
  • Valid Basic Training
  • Leadership and Teamworking Skills (can be a course or assessments from NVIC 17-14)

STCW Endorsement as OICEW in a manned engineroom or designated duty engineer in a periodically unmanned engineroom of 750 kW/1,000 HP propulsion power or more (operational level)
National Crossover


Table: STCW OICEW or Designated Duty Engineer 750 kW-1000 HP or More - National Crossover Credits: USCG 

USCG STCW III/1 OICEW (OSV) Requirements

  • Mariner must hold the equivalent national endorsement unless otherwise specified

Sea Service Requirements

  • 1080 days of seagoing service in the engine department with 180 days of engine room Watchkeeping duties OR
  • Successful completion of an approved training program, which includes a combination of workshop skill training (see note 2 below) and seagoing service of not less than 12 months, and that meets the requirements of Section A-III/1 of the STCW Code. Must also meet 180 days Watchkeeping.
  • Experience gained in the deck department may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirements

  • Note 1: Engine room watchkeeping duties should be under the supervision of an officer holding the STCW endorsement as Chief Engineer Officer or as a qualified engineer officer, for a period of not less than 6 months.
  • Note 2: Since many vessels do not have manned engine rooms, experience with engine room maintenance which includes duties under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer Officer/First Assistant Engineer, and/or the officer in charge of the watch may be substituted for watch keeping experience.
  • Note 3 : Proof of completion of workshop skills training may be provided with documentation of successful completion of assessments or certificate of completion from an approved training program, school, or facility (46 CFR 11.301(a)).

Assessments

  • Provide evidence of Standard of competence as specified in Section A-111/1 of the STCW Code. Must complete & attach Record of Assessment from NVIC 04-17

Approved Training


Table: STCW III/1 OICEW (OSV) Approved Training Credits: USCG 

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