Credentials, Licensing and the Modern Tall Ship Sailor Jonathan Kabak & Sea Education Association Marine Department
Times Have Changed Old School RECs Coast Guard Regulations Paper License and MMDs Hawse pipe Training Lower Level Ocean Licenses Sailing International on a Near Coastal License New School NMC USCG Regulations, STCW Conventions MMC/TWIC Structured Training Programs and Courses Larger Licenses for International Voyages Images from USCG
The World Divided Domestic Inland, Near Coastal, Domestic Ocean Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) Unlimited (AGT) (Upper level) 1600GRT (lower level) Master Mate AB, OS, etc Governed by 46cfr Part 10,11 Licensed Personnel Part 12 Deck Ratings International International, Ocean, Near Coastal Int. Gross Tonnage (GT) or (ITC) 200GRT/500GT, 1600GRT/3000ITC Management Level (Master, Chief Mate II/2) Operational Level (OICNW II/1) Support Level (RFPNW II/4) Governed by STCW95 as incorporated in 46cfr 11
So you want to have an Ocean License? Life in the world of the STCW95 Convention Section A: Tables outlining required training and assessment Section B: Guidance Understanding the Code: Command Structure A. Management Level: Master, Chief Mate I. Training and assessment required are in Table II/2 of STCW Code II. III. Incorporates OICNW & RFPNW Issued to 500/1600GRT Ocean Master B. Operational Level: Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) I. Training and assessments required are in Table II/1 of STCW Code II. III. Incorporates RFPNW Issued to 500/1600GRT Ocean Mate (also 2 nd &3 rd Mate AGT) C. Support Level: Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) I. Training and Assessment required are in Table II/4 of STCW Code II. Issued to ABs (NOT A Prerequisite) but needed to go international
Challenges for the US Mariner in the International System International voyages require 500GRT license Master/Mate even if vessel is <100GRT ABs for international voyages on vessel must have RFPNW which requires service aboard vessel over 200GRT Assessments for Management, OICNW and RFPNW must be conducted on vessels >100GRT Required training courses and programs offered by private sector companies require significant financial outlay US vessel design encourages lowest possible tonnage making required sea service difficult Service must be Ocean or Near Coastal Current changes to Coast Guard licensing policy due to consolidation at NMC and implementation of STCW Convention There are large gaps in policy and regulation pertaining to licenses >200GRT and <1600GRT (no NVICs)
Meeting the Challenge Seek employment or volunteer opportunities aboard a vessel over 100GRT Operators can create their own STCW compliant training programs and courses through NMC Stay current on changes made regarding licensing Check NMC website Sign up for Navigating the Regulatory Seas updates Become familiar with the CFR s, NVICs, Policy Letters, STCW Tables, etc Mariners can utilize Third Party Authorization
Be in the Know: Reference Texts 46 Code of Federal Regulations (ex. 46cfr 10.201) Part 10 Credentialing Part 11 Endorsements for Officers(Service Requirements, STCW) Part 12 Endorsements for Ratings (ABs) Marine Safety Manual vol. 3 (ex MSM 3 16.C.9) Provides details of requirements laid out in 46cfr mentioned above Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (ex. NVIC 04 02) provides detailed guidance about the enforcement or compliance with a certain Federal marine safety regulations and Coast Guard marine safety programs USCG NMC Policy and Guidance (ex. PL 09 99) provided for the purpose of informing the general public of the US Coast Guard's standing or views on various subject areas USCG NMC STCW95 (ex. Section A II/4) Details the specific basic competencies that Mariners must meet, implementation is left to the respective Flag State and/or Port States
What does this mean for you? Apply for an MMC ASAP Visit the USCG NMC web site www.uscg.mil/nmc Download Checklist Download Medical Form (719K) Bookmark relevant CFRs, NVICs, Policy Letters, etc
What does this mean for you? Sea Time and Drug Testing Sea service letters should clearly state Tonnage Route (Ocean, Near Coastal, Inland) Total Days of Service (not just dates) Proof of enrollment in Drug Testing Program A letter on company or consortium stationary signed by the authorized official that administers the drug testing program stating that you have been subject to random drug testing required by 46 CFR 16.230 for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days and did not fail or refuse to participate in any required chemical test.
What does this mean for you? Start taking training classes Basic Safety Training Radar Observer Proficiency in Survival Craft (Lifeboatman) * Advanced Firefighting Bridge Resource Management Medical First Aid * Flashing Light
What does this mean for you? Get a physical Bring the USCG Medical form (719K/719KE) to your regular physical General Health Hearing Vision/color blind test
Helpful Links: Electronic version of 46cfr http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/title46/46tab_02.tpl United States Coast Guard NMC Web Site ( www.uscg.mil/nmc USCG Marine Safety Manual vol. 3 http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000 16999/CIM_16000_8B.pdf STCW95 http://www.imo.org/includes/blastdataonly.asp/data_id%3d7864/stc WCode.pdf