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USCG Master STCW Requirements - Merchant Mariner Credential

Master Requirements for STCW Endorsement (General, Sea Service and Other) by U.S. Coast Guard

IMO International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), sets qualification standards for personnel on seagoing ships. These requirements have been incorporated into U.S. Regulation and Policy as United stated is a party to the STCW Convention.

The U.S. implemented these provisions under the Convention and under the authority of United States Code, Titles 33 and 46. The Coast Guard published a final rule in the Federal Register on December 24, 2013, (78 FR 77796) that implements the STCW, including the 2010 amendments. This rule became effective on March 24, 2014.

U.S. Regulation 46 CFR 11.201 requires that an applicant for any STCW endorsement must also hold the appropriate national endorsement. U.S Regulations contain specific requirements to hold or renew an STCW Deck endorsement.

General Requirements for Master STCW Endorsement

  • Age: 21 years of age.
  • TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Card)
  • Medical Certificate
  • Sea Service letters or discharges
  • Mariner must hold equivalent national endorsement

USCG STCW Master 3000 GT or More Management Level Requirements

Sea Service Requirements

  • 1080 days of service as OICNW on vessels operating in oceans, near coastal and/or Great Lakes. OR;
  • 720 days of service as OICNW provided 360 days are while serving as Chief Mate
  • Note (1): Service on inland waters that are navigable waters of the United States may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the total required service
  • Note (2): Experience gained in the engine department on vessels may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirements.
  • Note (3): Service as a rating will not be accepted to upgrade from operational level to management level STCW endorsements
  • If holding STCW as Master of 500 GT or more and less than 3000 GT, IAW 11.311, are eligible to apply for this endorsement upon: Completion of 180 days of sea service under the authority of the endorsement as Master of 500 GT or more and less than 3000 GT; AND Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of STCW Code (not previously completed); AND Approved training listed below (if not previously completed)

Assessments

  • Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of 3,000 GT or More of STCW Code Management Level - Assessments for this endorsement Must complete & attach complete Record of Assessment from NVIC 10-14 or its equivalent.
  • Note 1: Operational-level assessments are not required if the mariner holds or has previously held an STCW endorsement as OICNW or Master valid on vessels (other than OSV’s) of 500 GT or more issued after 1997.
  • Note 2: Operational OICNW assessments and training are required if the mariner has not held an STCW endorsement as OICNW for 500 GT or more issued after 1997.
  • Note 3: Mariner holding a non-trade restricted Chief Mate 3,000 GT or More STCW endorsement will not be required to submit assessments or training

Additional and Optional Training


Table: USCG STCW Master 3000 GT or More Management Level Training Credits: USCG 

STCW Endorsement as Master on Vessels of 3,000 GT or More National Crossover


Table 1 to 11.305(e): Credits USCG

  1. This column provides the minimum additional service required of the seafarer in order to meet the requirements of this section.
  2. Complete any assessments for Master 3,000 GT or More not previously satisfied.
  3. Complete any training not previously satisfied.

Note: Applicants for an original MMC endorsed as Master Unlimited and STCW 3,000 GT or More must also meet Requirements OICNW 500 GT or More MMS if the mariner does not hold or has not previously held an STCW endorsement as OICNW without 500 GT or trade restriction, Chief Mate, or Master valid on vessels of 500 GT or more issued after 1997 (NVIC 02-14).

USCG STCW Master 500 GT or More and Less Than 3000 GT Management Level Requirements

  • Mariner must hold or qualify for any national endorsement as Master of 200 GRT/500 GT or more.

Sea Service Requirements

  • 1080 days of service as OICNW on vessels operating in oceans, near-coastal and/or Great Lakes, OR
  • 720 days of service provided 360 days are while serving as Chief Mate
  • Notes: Service on inland waters, bays, or sounds that are navigable waters of the United States may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the total required service; Experience gained in the engine department on vessels may be creditable for up to 90 days service requirements; Service as a rating will not be accepted to upgrade from operational level to management level STCW endorsements.

Assessments

  • Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of STCW Code Master 500 GT or More and Less Than 3,000 GT Management Level; Assessments for this endorsement Must complete & attach Record of Assessment from NVIC 11-14 or its equivalent.
  • Note 1: Operational-level assessments are not required if the mariner holds or has previously held an STCW endorsement as OICNW or Master valid on vessels (other than OSV’s) of 500 GT or more issued after 1997.
  • Note 2: Operational OICNW assessments and training are required if the mariner has not held an STCW endorsement as OICNW for 500 GT or more issued after 1997.

Additional Training


Table: USCG STCW Master 500 GT or More and Less Than 3000 GT Additional & Optional Training Credits: USCG 

STCW Endorsement as Master on Vessels of 500 GT or More and Less Than 3,000 GT National Crossover


Table 1 to 11.311(d): USCG STCW Master 500 GT National Crossover Credits: USCG 

  1. This column provides the minimum additional service required of the seafarer in order to meet the requirements of this section.
  2. Complete any assessments not previously satisfied.
  3. Complete any training not previously satisfied

USCG STCW Master Less Than 500 GT OC Management Level Requirements

  • Mariner must hold or qualify for any national endorsement authorizing service as Master valid for oceans routes. An OUPV is not considered an equivalent national endorsement.

Sea Service Requirements

  • 1080 days of sea going service as OICNW on vessels operating in oceans, near-coastal and/or Great Lakes, OR
  • 720 days as OICNW on vessels operating in oceans, near-coastal and/or Great Lakes of which 360 days must be served as Chief Mate (applicant not required to hold Chief Mate)
  • Notes: Service on inland waters that are navigable waters of the United States may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the total required service; Experience gained in the engine department on vessels may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirements; Service as a rating will not be accepted to upgrade from operational level to management level STCW endorsements

Assessments

  • Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Section A-II/2 of STCW Code Master 500 GT or More and Less Than 3,000 GT Management Level Assessments - Must complete & attach Record of Assessment from NVIC 03-18 or its equivalent.
  • (SEE STCW REGULATION II/3, Part 2 for Ships Not Engaged on Near Coastal Voyages) STCW will be endorsed with II/2 and Not Valid on Vessels of 500 GT or more with no route limitation. Additional training and assessments are required for STCW Master greater than 500 GT.
  • Note 1: Operational-level training and assessments are not required if the mariner holds or has previously held an STCW endorsement as OICNW not limited to domestic, near coastal voyages
  • Note 2: Operational OICNW assessments and training are required if the mariner has not held an STCW endorsement as OICNW for 500 GT or more issued after 1997. Complete OICNW Less Than 500 GT Oceans checklist IAW NVIC 02-18.

Approved * Optional Training


Table: USCG STCW Master Less Than 500 GT OC Management Level Approved  & Optional Training Credits: USCG 

STCW Endorsement as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT National Crossover


Table 1 to 11.315(d): USCG STCW Master Less Than 500 GT OC National Crossover Credits: USCG 

USCG STCW Master Less Than 500 GT Limited To Near Coastal Waters Management Level Requirements

Sea Service Requirements

  • 360 days of service as OICNW (must be as master, mate or equivalent) on vessels operating in oceans, near-coastal and/or Great Lakes
  • Notes: Service on inland waters, bays, or sounds that are navigable waters of the United States may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the total required service; Experience gained in the engine department on vessels may be creditable for up to 30 days of service requirements.

Assessments

  • Provide evidence of standard of competence specified in section A-II/3 of the STCW Code Master Less Than 500 GT Near Coastal
  • Management Level Assessments: Must complete Record of Assessment from NVIC 13-14 or its equivalent (All assessments required unless II/3 OICNW Less Than 500 GT is already held. If STCW capacity as II/3 OICNW Less Than 500 is already held, then only assessments marked ‘Master’ required)


Table: USCG STCW Master Less Than 500 GT NC Management Level Radar Assessment Credits: USCG 

Additional Training

  • Medical first-aid provider - unless previously met 11.317
  • Basic and Advanced Firefighting Course within 5 years of application or continuing competencies
  • Proficiency in survival craft (or PSC Limited) and Rescue Boats other than
  • Fast Rescue Boats
  • Leadership and Managerial Skills IS NOT REQUIRED for Master Less Than 500 GT NEAR COASTAL waters
  • Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - unless previously met (required for OICNW less than 500)
  • Basic Training within 5 years of application or continuing competencies

Optional Training

  • RADAR: valid approved radar observer course (if previously met, it is not required however if not current, do not place RADAR capacity on the National MMC)
  • ARPA (Optional, if serving on a vessel with this equipment)
  • GMDSS (Optional, if serving on a vessel with this equipment)
  • ECDIS (Optional, if serving on a vessel with this equipment)
  • Drafting Note: STCW capacity will be endorsed - Limited to 500 GT (this includes National 25/50/100/200 GRT) and Near Coastal waters.

STCW Endorsement as Master of Vessels Less Than 500 GT Limited to Near-Coastal Waters - National Entry Path


Table 1 to 11.315(d): USCG STCW Master Less Than 500 GT Limited NC National Entry Credits: USCG 

  1. This column provides the minimum additional service required of the seafarer in order to meet the requirements of this section.
  2. Complete any assessments Master /OICNW Less than 500 GRT not previously completed.
  3. Complete any training not previously satisfied.

USCG STCW II/2 OSV Master 3000 GT or More Management Level Requirements

Sea Service Requirements

  • 1080 days of service as OICNW on vessels operating in oceans, nearcoastal and/or Great Lakes. OR;
  • 720 days of service as OICNW provided 360 days are while serving as Chief Mate
  • Notes: Service on inland waters that are navigable waters of the United States may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the total required service; Experience gained in the engine department on vessels may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirements; Service as a rating will not be accepted to upgrade from operational level to management level STCW endorsements
  • If holding STCW as Master of 500 GT or more and less than 3000 GT, IAW 11.311, are eligible to apply for this endorsement upon: Completion of 180 days of sea service under the authority of the endorsement as Master of 500 GT or more and less than 3000 GT; AND  Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Section A-II/2 of STCW Code (not previously completed); AND Approved training listed below (not previously completed )

Assessments

  • Evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of 3,000 GT or More of STCW Code Management Level - Assessments for this endorsement
  • Note 1: Operational-level assessments are not required if the mariner holds or has previously held an STCW endorsement as OICNW or Master valid on vessels of 500 GT or more issued after 1997
  • Note 2: Operational OICNW assessments are required if no STCW endorsement as OICNW for 500 GT or more issued after 1997
  • Note 3: Mariner holding a non-trade restricted Chief Mate 3,000 GT or More STCW endorsement will not be required to submit assessments or training
  • Mariner that completes assessment 11.1.B (TV) will also be endorsed with, “Limited to service on OSV’s that are also inspected as tank vessels under 46 CFR Subchapter D and/or as miscellaneous Cargo vessels under 46 CFR Subchapter I.”

Additional Training


Table: USCG STCW II/2 OSV Master 3000 GT or More Management Level Additional Training Credits: USCG 

Optional Training


Table: USCG STCW II/2 OSV Master 3000 GT or More Management Level Optional Training Credits: USCG 

USCG STCW II/2 OSV (Less Than 1600/3000 GT) Master 500 GT or More and Less Than 3000 GT Management Level Requirements

Sea Service Requirements

  • 1080 days of service as OICNW on vessels operating in oceans, near-coastal and/or Great Lakes, OR
  • 720 days of service as OICNW on vessels operating in oceans, near-coastal and/or Great Lakes with 360 days as Chief Mate
  • Notes: Service on inland waters, bays, or sounds that are navigable waters of the United States may be substituted for up to 50 percent of the total required service; Experience gained in the engine department on vessels may be creditable for up to 90 days service requirements; Service as a rating will not be accepted to upgrade from operational level to management level STCW endorsements

Assessments

  • Evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in section A-II/2 of STCW Code OSV Master 500 GT or More and Less Than 3,000 GT Management Level
  • Note 1: Operational-level assessments are not required if the mariner holds or has previously held an STCW endorsement as OICNW or Master valid on vessels of 500 GT or more issued after 1997.
  • Note 2: Operational OICNW assessments are required if no STCW endorsement as OICNW for 500 GT or more issued after 1997.

Additional Training


Table: USCG STCW II/2 OSV (Less Than 1600/3000 GT) Master 500 GT or More and Less Than 3000 GT Management Level Additional Training Credits: USCG 

Optional Training


Table: USCG STCW II/2 OSV (Less Than 1600/3000 GT) Master 500 GT or More and Less Than 3000 GT Management Level Optional Training Credits: USCG 

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