USCG Student Observer, Apprentice Engineer, Apprentice Mate Requirements for MMC
Students at the maritime academies and apprentices are required to have Merchant Mariner Credential for their training programs and internships onboard ships. Cadet MMC requirements by the USCG are different and these academies provide information to student cadets based on their training program and sea training. Some of the other credentials for students and apprentices provided by USCG are listed below.
Student Observer: Students in technical schools who are enrolled in courses in marine management, naval architecture, and ship operations, and who present a letter or other documentary evidence that they are enrolled, will be issued an MMC endorsed as ‘student observer-any department’ and may be signed on ships as such. Students holding these endorsements will not take the place of any of the crew, or replace any of the regular required crew.
Apprentice Engineer: Persons enrolled in an engineer training program approved by the Coast Guard, and who present a letter or other documentary evidence that they are enrolled, may be issued an MMC endorsed as apprentice engineer and may be signed on ships as such. The endorsement as apprentice engineer may be in addition to other endorsements; however, this endorsement does not authorize the holder to replace any of the regular required crew. Persons holding the endorsement as apprentice engineer are deemed to be seamen.
Apprentice Mate: A person enrolled in a mate training program approved by the Coast Guard, and who presents a letter or other documentary evidence that he or she is enrolled, may be issued an MMC rating endorsement as apprentice mate and may be signed on a vessel in this capacity. The rating endorsement as apprentice mate may be in addition to other endorsements; however, this endorsement does not authorize the holder to replace any of the regular required crew. Persons holding the endorsement as apprentice mate are deemed to be seamen.
Students holding observer endorsements will not take the place of any of the crew and, persons holding the endorsement as apprentice mate or engineer are deemed to be seamen
USCG Student and Apprentice General Requirements
- Age: 19
- TWIC
- Medical Certificate
- There may be other requirements
USCG Student Observer, Apprentice Mate or Engineer Requirements
Student Observer
- Students in technical schools who are enrolled in courses in marine management, naval architecture, and ship operations, and who present a letter or other documentary evidence that they are enrolled, will be issued an MMC endorsed as student observer - any department and may be signed on ships as such.
- Students holding these endorsements will not take the place of any of the crew, or replace any of the regular required crew.
Apprentice Engineer
- Persons enrolled in an engineer training program approved by the Coast Guard, and who present a letter or other documentary evidence that they are enrolled, may be issued an MMC endorsed as apprentice engineer and may be signed on ships as such. The endorsement as apprentice engineer may be in addition to other endorsements; however, this endorsement does not authorize the holder to replace any of the regular required crew.
- Persons holding the endorsement as apprentice engineer are deemed to be seamen.
Apprentice Mate
- A person enrolled in a mate training program approved by the Coast Guard, and who presents a letter or other documentary evidence that he or she is enrolled, may be issued an MMC rating endorsement as apprentice mate and may be signed on a vessel in this capacity. The rating endorsement as apprentice mate may be in addition to other endorsements; however, this endorsement does not authorize the holder to replace any of the regular required crew.
- Persons holding the endorsement as apprentice mate are deemed to be seamen.
STCW Endorsements IAW USCG Programs
- Those enrolled in SUNYCU-0598 Assistant Engineer (Limited) Program may be issued VPDSD and SA with their Apprentice Engineer upon request, without individual certification. Proof of program enrollment as noted above must still be provided.
- Those enrolled in STRCTR-0519 Third Assistant Engineer – Motor may be issued VPDSD and SA with their Apprentice Engineer upon request, without individual certification. Proof of program enrollment as noted above must still be provided.
Disclaimer: For general information purpose - please check with USCG for the latest requirements and accurate info