Checklist NMC

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Checklist

The checklists are based upon the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and US Coast Guard policies. The CFR, Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular' (NVIC) and published policies will help you to understand the requirements for our Merchant Mariner Credentialing Program. When a conflict is noted between the checklist and the CFR, the CFR is the overriding factor.

Important Information

Sea Service Renewal Calculator

The checklists may be used to help determine professional qualifications needed for various Ratings and Officer Endorsements. Checklists cover the following general and professional requirements:

Age
Drug Testing

Examination
Fees

Sea Service
TWIC

46 CFR 11.201 requires that an applicant for STCW must hold the appropriate National Endorsement, unless otherwise specified. Check applicable NVIC for list of appropriate National Endorsement but not all NVIC's may have been updated yet to reflect this information.

National Officer Endorsements (licensed) for Deck

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STCW Officer Endorsements (licensed) for Deck

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Captains, mates, operators and pilots supervise ship operations on domestic waterways and the high seas. The following are officer endorsements in the deck department:

Master means the officer having command of a vessel.
Mate means a qualified officer in the deck department other than the master.
Operator means an individual qualified to operate uninspected passenger vessels.
First Class Pilot accompanies vessels while they enter or leave port to ensure safe navigation of entrance and departure.

National Ratings (unlicensed) for Deck

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STCW Ratings (unlicensed) for Deck

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Able seamen and ordinary seamen operate the vessel and its deck equipment under officer supervision. On tankers, mariners are designated to hook up hoses, operate pumps, and clean tanks. The following are ratings in the deck department:

Ordinary Seaman means an “entry-level” unlicensed member of the deck department.
Able Seaman means qualified member of the deck department that may work as a watchstander and/or day worker.
Tankerman means a qualified member of the deck department trained to assist or supervise the transfer of liquid cargo.
Lifeboatman means a member of the crew qualified to take charge of a lifeboat or a life raft.

National Officer Endorsements (licensed) for Engine Department

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STCW Officer Endorsements (licensed) for Engine Department

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Ship's engineers operate, maintain, and repair engines, boilers, generators, pumps, and other machinery. The following are officer endorsements in the engine department:

Engineer means a qualified officer in the engine department.
Chief Engineer means any person responsible for the mechanical propulsion of a vessel.
Assistant Engineer means a qualified officer in the engine department.
Designated Duty Engineer means a qualified engineer, who may be the sole engineer on vessels with a periodically unattended engine room.

National Ratings (unlicensed) for Engine Department

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STCW Ratings (unlicensed) for Engine Department

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Qualified members of the engine department (QMEDs), maintain proper running order in the engine spaces below deck, under the direction of engineering officers. Wipers are entry-level workers, who clean, paint the engine room and its equipment, and assist in maintenance and repairs. The following are ratings in the engine department:

Wiper means an “entry-level” unlicensed member of the engine department.
QMED (Fireman/Watertender, Oiler, Junior Engineer, Electrician/Refrigerating, Pumpman/Machinist) means qualified member of the engine department that may work as a watchstander and/or day worker.

The Coast Guard no longer issues original endorsements for Deck Engineer, Deck/Engine Mechanic, or Engineman, or individual endorsements for Refrigerating Engineer, Machinist, Electrician, and Pumpman. However, a mariner who holds any of these endorsements may continue to renew them as long as he or she is otherwise qualified.

Duplication, Renewal, STCW Renewal, and Entry Level

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Renewal
A credential may be renewed at any time during its validity and for one year after expiration. NOTE: Whenever an applicant applied for "renewal" of an endorsement as deck officer, engineer officer, or qualified rating more than 12 months after expiration, instead of meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 10.227 (d) (8), the applicant must demonstrate continued professional knowledge by completing a course or by passing the complete examination.

Duplicate
Upon request and without examination, a mariner may be issued a duplicate credential after submitting an application with an affidavit describing the circumstances of the loss. The duplicate issued will have the same wording, authority, and expiration date as the lost credential.

Re-instatement
An applicant must apply as an original MMC if the MMC sought is the first credential issued to the applicant after their previous credential has expired beyond the grace period (one year past the expiration date of MMC) and they do not hold a Document of Continuity.