(a) General. An applicant for any STCW endorsement must hold the appropriate national endorsement, unless otherwise specified. The Coast Guard will issue an STCW endorsement to qualified applicants for any of the following ratings or qualifications:

(1) Able seafarer-deck.

(2) Ratings forming part of a navigational watch (RFPNW).

(3) Able seafarer-engine.

(4) Ratings forming part of a watch in a manned engineroom or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engineroom (RFPEW).

(5) Electro-technical rating on vessels powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW/1,000 HP or more.

(6) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, other than fast rescue boats (PSC).

(7) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, other than lifeboats and fast rescue boats (PSC-limited).

(8) Proficiency in fast rescue boats.

(9) Medical first-aid provider.

(10) Person in charge of medical care.

(11) GMDSS at-sea maintainer.

(12) Vessel personnel with designated security duties.

(13) Security awareness.

(b) Standard of competence. (1) The Coast Guard will accept one or more methods listed in the STCW Code to demonstrate meeting the standard of competence in this subpart. See Column 3, “Methods for demonstrating competence,” of the Tables of Competence in the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part). The Coast Guard will accept the following as evidence of meeting the standard of competence under each of these methods:

(i) In-service experience: Documentation of successful completion of assessments, approved or accepted by the Coast Guard, and signed by a qualified assessor, deck or engineering, as appropriate.

(ii) Training ship experience: Documentation of successful completion of an approved training program involving formal training and assessment onboard a training ship.

(iii) Simulator training: Documentation of successful completion of training and assessment from a Coast Guard-approved course involving maritime simulation.

(iv) Laboratory equipment training: Documentation of successful completion of training and assessments from an approved training course or completion certificate from an approved training school or facility.

(v) Practical training or instruction:

(A) Documentation of successful completion of assessment as part of structured/formal training or instruction provided by an organization or company as part of an accepted safety or quality management system; or

(B) Documentation of successful completion of an approved training course from a school or facility.

(vi) Specialist training: Documentation of successful completion of assessment as part of a company training or specialized training provided by a maritime or equipment specialist.

(vii) Workshop skills training: Documentation of successful completion of assessments or completion certificate from an approved training program, school or facility.

(viii) Training program: Documentation of successful completion of an approved training program.

(ix) Practical demonstration and practical demonstration of competence: Documentation of successful completion of assessments approved or accepted by the Coast Guard.

(x) Practical test and practical experience: Documentation of successful completion of assessments approved or accepted by the Coast Guard.

(xi) Examination: Successful completion of a Coast Guard examination.

(xii) Instruction or course: Documentation of successful completion of a course of instruction offered by an approved training school or facility.

(2) Knowledge components may be documented by—

(i) Successful completion of the Coast Guard examination for the associated rating endorsement;

(ii) Successful completion of an approved course; or

(iii) Successful completion of an approved program.

(3) The Coast Guard will publish assessment guidelines that should be used to document assessments that demonstrate meeting the standard of competence, as required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Organizations may develop alternative assessment documentation for demonstrations of competence; however, such documentation must be approved by the Coast Guard prior to its use and submittal with an application.

(a) Applicants seeking an STCW rating endorsement must provide evidence, with their application, of meeting the standard of competence for basic training as described below:

(1) Personal survival techniques, as set out in Table A-VI/1-1 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).

(2) Fire prevention and firefighting, as set out in Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code.

(3) Elementary first aid, as set out in Table A-VI/1-3 of the STCW Code.

(4) Personal safety and social responsibilities, as set out in Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code.

(b) Every 5 years, seafarers qualified in accordance with § 12.601 (a) of this subpart must provide evidence of maintaining the standard of competence for basic training (BT).

(c) The Coast Guard will accept onboard training and experience, through evidence of 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years for the following areas:

(1) Personal survival techniques, as set out in Table A-VI/1-1 of the STCW Code:

(i) Donning a lifejacket.

(ii) Boarding a survival craft from the ship, while wearing a lifejacket.

(iii) Taking initial actions on boarding a lifeboat to enhance chance of survival.

(iv) Streaming a lifeboat drogue or sea-anchor.

(v) Operating survival craft equipment.

(vi) Operating location devices, including radio equipment.

(2) Fire prevention and firefighting, as set out in Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code:

(i) Using self-contained breathing apparatus.

(ii) Performing a rescue in a smoke-filled space, using an approved smoke-generating device aboard, while wearing a breathing apparatus.

(3) Elementary first aid, as set out in Table A-VI/1-3 of the STCW Code.

(4) Personal safety and social responsibilities, as set out in Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code.

(d) The Coast Guard will only accept evidence of approved assessments conducted ashore for the following areas:

(1) Personal survival techniques, as set out in Table A-VI/1-1 of the STCW Code:

(i) Donning and use an immersion suit.

(ii) Safely jumping from a height into the water.

(iii) Righting an inverted liferaft while wearing a lifejacket.

(iv) Swimming while wearing a lifejacket.

(v) Keeping afloat without a lifejacket.

(2) Fire prevention and firefighting as set out in Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code:

(i) Using various types of portable fire extinguishers.

(ii) Extinguishing smaller fires. e.g., electrical fires, oil fires, and propane fires.

(iii) Extinguishing extensive fires with water, using jet and spray nozzles.

(iv) Extinguishing fires with foam, powder, or any other suitable chemical agent.

(v) Fighting fire in smoke-filled enclosed spaces wearing self-contained breathing apparatuses.

(vi) Extinguishing fire with water fog or any other suitable firefighting agent in an accommodation room or simulated engine room with fire and heavy smoke.

(vii) Extinguishing oil fire with fog applicator and spray nozzles, dry chemical powder, or foam applicators.

(e) Applicants who cannot meet the requirement for 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as described in paragraph (c) of this section, will be required to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section or complete approved or accepted refresher training.

(a) To qualify for this endorsement as able seafarer-deck, an applicant must—

(1) Be not less than 18 years of age;

(2) Meet the requirements for certification as a RFPNW;

(3) While qualified as an RFPNW, have seagoing service in the deck department of—

(i) Not less than 18 months; or

(ii) Not less than 12 months and have completed approved training;

(4) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-II/5 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part); and

(5) Provide evidence of having satisfactorily completed approved training in—

(i) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC); or

(ii) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, other than lifeboats or fast rescue boats-limited (PSC-limited), as appropriate.

(b) Seafarers holding a rating endorsement as able seaman before January 1, 2017, will be eligible for this endorsement upon showing evidence of—

(1) Holding an endorsement as an RFPNW; and

(2) Having satisfactorily completed approved training in—

(i) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, other than fast rescue boats (PSC); or

(ii) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, other than lifeboats or fast rescue boats-limited (PSC-limited), as appropriate.

(c) The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-II/5 of the STCW Code. These exemptions must be approved by the Coast Guard, based upon vessel type. Under these circumstances, the endorsement may include a corresponding limitation.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, seafarers with the following national rating endorsements will be eligible for this endorsement upon completion of the requirements designated in this section:

(a) To qualify for endorsement as an RFPNW on a seagoing vessel of 500 GT or more, an applicant must—

(1) Be not less than 16 years of age;

(2) Provide evidence of service as follows:

(i) Six months of seagoing service, which includes training and experience associated with navigational watchkeeping functions and involves the performance of duties carried out under the supervision of the master, mate, or qualified STCW deck rating; or

(ii) Proof of successful completion of Coast Guard-approved or -accepted training, which includes not less than 2 months of approved seagoing service; and

(3) Provide evidence of meeting standards of competence prescribed in Table A-II/4 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).

(b) The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code. These exemptions must be approved by the Coast Guard based upon vessel type. Under these circumstances, the endorsement may include a corresponding limitation.

(c) Seafarers with the following national rating endorsements will be eligible for this endorsement upon completion of requirements designated in this section:

(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement as an able seafarer-engine, an applicant must—

(1) Be not less than 18 years of age;

(2) Meet the requirements for certification as a ratings forming part of an engineering watch (RFPEW);

(3) While qualified as an RFPEW, have seagoing service in the engine department of—

(i) Not less than 12 months; or

(ii) Not less than 6 months and have completed approved training; and

(4) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-III/5 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).

(b) Seafarers holding a rating endorsement as QMED, junior engineer, electrician or electrician/refrigerating engineer, pumpman or pumpman/machinist, refrigerating engineer, or machinist before January 1, 2017, will be eligible for this endorsement upon showing evidence of holding an endorsement as an RFPEW.

(c) The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-III/5 of the STCW Code. These exemptions must be approved by the Coast Guard based upon vessel type. Under these circumstances, the endorsement may include a corresponding limitation.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, seafarers with the following national rating endorsements will be eligible for this endorsement upon completion of requirements designated in this section:

(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement as an RFPEW in a manned engine room or to qualify to be designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine room, an applicant must—

(1) Be not less than 16 years of age;

(2) Provide evidence of service as follows:

(i) Six months of seagoing service, which includes training and experience associated with engine room functions, and involves the performance of duties carried out under the supervision of an engineer officer or a qualified STCW rating; or

(ii) Proof of successful completion of a Coast Guard-approved or -accepted training, which includes not less than 2 months approved seagoing service; and

(3) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence as specified in Table A-III/4 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).

(b) The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-III/4 of the STCW Code. These exemptions must be approved by the Coast Guard based upon vessel type. Under these circumstances, the endorsement may include a corresponding limitation.

(c) Seafarers with the following national rating endorsements will be eligible for this endorsement upon completion of requirements designated in this section:

(d) Limitations. (1) STCW RFPEW endorsements issued in accordance with this section will be restricted to specific propulsion modes for steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels, as appropriate.

(2) STCW RFPEW endorsements issued in accordance with this section for motor or gas turbine-propelled vessels may be endorsed as limited to serve on vessels without auxiliary boilers, waste-heat boilers, or distilling plants. An applicant may qualify for removal of any of these limitations by demonstrating the appropriate competencies.

(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement as an electro-technical rating, an applicant must—

(1) Be not less than 18 years of age;

(2) Provide evidence of—

(i) Twelve months of seagoing service, that includes training and experience associated with engine room watchkeeping functions and involves the performance of duties carried out under the supervision of an engineer officer, electro-technical officer, or a qualified STCW engine rating;

(ii) Proof of successful completion of a Coast Guard-approved or -accepted program, which includes not less than 6 months of approved seagoing service; or

(iii) Qualifications meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-III/7 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part) and approved seagoing service of not less than 3 months;

(3) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-III/7 of the STCW Code; and

(4) Provide evidence of completion of an approved course in—

(i) Computer systems and maintenance; and

(ii) High-voltage power systems.

(b) An applicant who holds an STCW endorsement as able seafarer-engine and a national rating endorsement as electrician, electrician/refrigerating engineer, or junior engineer will be issued the ETR endorsement upon completion of the requirements in Section A-III/7 of the STCW Code and evidence of completion of the training required in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.

(c) Seafarers with the following national rating endorsement will be eligible for this endorsement upon completion of the requirements designated in this section:

(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement in proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC), the applicant must—

(1) Be at least 18 years of age;

(2) Meet the requirements for a lifeboatman endorsement in § 12.407 of this part and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part); and

(3) Complete basic training (BT), found in § 12.602 of this subpart.

(b) Continued professional competence. (1) Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section must provide evidence of maintaining the standard of competence as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code every 5 years.

(2) The Coast Guard will accept onboard training and experience, through evidence of 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the following areas, as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code:

(i) Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat during and after launch, including—

(A) Interpreting the markings on survival craft as to the number of persons they are intended to carry;

(B) Giving correct commands for launching and boarding survival craft, clearing the ship, and handling and disembarking persons from survival craft;

(C) Preparing and safely launch survival craft, operating its engine, and clearing the ship's side quickly; and

(D) Safely recovering survival craft and rescue boats.

(ii) Operating a survival craft engine, including—

(A) Rowing and steering a boat and steer by compass;

(B) Using individual items of equipment of survival craft, except for pyrotechnics; and

(C) Rigging devices to aid location.

(iii) Using locating devices, including communication and signaling apparatus, including—

(A) Using of portable radio equipment for survival craft.

(B) [Reserved]

(iv) Applying first aid to survivors.

(3) The Coast Guard will only accept evidence of assessments conducted ashore as meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the areas not included in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code.

(4) Applicants who cannot meet the requirement for 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, will be required to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section or complete approved or accepted refresher training.

(c) Seafarers holding an MMD or MMC endorsement as lifeboatman before January 1, 2017 will be eligible for this endorsement upon showing evidence of sea service of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months. The sea service must be completed prior to January 1, 2017.

(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement in proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than lifeboats and fast rescue boats-limited (PSC-limited), the applicant must—

(1) Be at least 18 years of age;

(2) Meet the requirements for a lifeboatman-limited endorsement in § 12.409 of this part and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part); and

(3) Complete BT, found in § 12.601(c) of this subpart.

(b) Continued professional competence. (1) Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section must provide evidence of maintaining the standard of competence as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code every 5 years.

(2) The Coast Guard will accept onboard training and experience, through evidence of 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the following areas, as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code:

(i) Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat during and after launch including—

(A) Interpreting the markings on survival craft as to the number of persons they are intended to carry;

(B) Giving correct commands for launching and boarding rescue boats and survival craft other than lifeboats, clearing the ship, and handling and disembarking persons from survival craft;

(C) Preparing and safely launching rescue boats and survival craft, other than lifeboats, starting the engine, and clearing the ship's side quickly; and

(D) Safely recovering rescue boats.

(ii) Managing survivors and survival craft after abandoning ship, including—

(A) Steering a rescue boat and steer by compass;

(B) Using individual items of equipment of survival craft other than lifeboats, except for pyrotechnics; and

(C) Rigging devices to aid location.

(iii) Using locating devices, including communication and signaling apparatuses, including—

(A) Using portable radio equipment for rescue boats and survival craft;

(B) [Reserved]

(iv) Applying first aid to survivors.

(3) The Coast Guard will only accept evidence of assessments conducted ashore as meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the areas not included in paragraph (b)(2) of this section as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code.

(4) Applicants who cannot meet the requirement for 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, will be required to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section or complete approved or accepted refresher training.

(c) Seafarers holding an MMD or MMC endorsement as lifeboatman-limited before January 1, 2017, will be eligible for this endorsement upon showing evidence of sea service of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months. The sea service must be completed prior to January 1, 2017.

(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement in proficiency in fast rescue boats, an applicant must—

(1) Be not less than 18 years of age;

(2) Hold an endorsement in proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC) or in proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than lifeboats and fast rescue boats-limited (PSC-limited) under this subpart;

(3) Provide evidence of successful completion of a Coast Guard-approved or -accepted course; and

(4) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).

(b) Continued professional competence. (1) Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section must provide evidence of maintaining the standard of competence as set out in Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code every 5 years.

(2) The Coast Guard will accept onboard training and experience, through evidence of 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the following areas, as set out in Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code:

(i) Taking charge of a fast rescue boat during and after launch, including—

(A) Controlling safe launching, operating of the engine, and recovering a fast rescue boat;

(B) Handling a fast rescue boat in prevailing weather and sea conditions;

(C) Using communication and signaling equipment between the fast rescue boat and a helicopter and a ship;

(D) Using the emergency equipment carried; and

(E) Carrying out search patterns, taking account of environmental factors.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) The Coast Guard will only accept evidence of assessments conducted ashore as meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the areas not included in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, as set out in Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code.

(4) Applicants who cannot meet the requirement for 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, will be required to meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this section or complete approved or accepted refresher training.

(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement as medical first-aid provider, an applicant must—

(1) Provide evidence of successful completion of an approved course in medical first aid; and

(2) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-VI/4-1 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).

(b) An applicant holding one of the following credentials is qualified for an endorsement as medical first-aid provider:

(1) A valid professional license listed in § 11.807(a)(5) or (a)(6) of this subchapter, without restriction or limitation placed upon it by the issuing State.

(2) A rating listed in § 11.807(a)(7) or (a)(8) of this subchapter.

(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement as person in charge of medical care, an applicant must—

(1) Provide evidence of successful completion of an approved course that leads to an endorsement for seafarers designated to take charge of medical care onboard a ship; and

(2) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-VI/4-2 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).

(b) An applicant holding any of the following credentials is qualified for an endorsement as person in charge of medical care:

(1) A valid professional license listed in § 11.807(a)(5) or (a)(6) of this subchapter, without restriction or limitation placed upon it by the issuing State.

(2) A rating listed in § 11.807(a)(7) or (a)(8) of this subchapter.

To qualify for an STCW endorsement as GMDSS at-sea maintainer, an applicant must—

(a) Be not less than 18 years of age;

(b) Provide evidence of—

(1) Successful completion of a training program that covers at least the scope and content of the training outlined in Section B-IV/2 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part); or

(2) Passing an approved GMDSS at-sea maintainer course; and

(c) Hold a valid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certificate as GMDSS at-sea maintainer.

(a) An applicant for an STCW endorsement as vessel personnel with designated security duties must—

(1) Present satisfactory documentary evidence, such as a certificate or letter signed by a company official, or a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-accepted or Coast Guard-approved course, of meeting the requirements in 33 CFR 104.220;

(2) Meet the physical examination requirements in 46 CFR Part 10, subpart C; and

(3) Meet the safety and suitability requirements and the National Driver Registry review requirements in § 10.209(e) of this subchapter, unless the applicant has met these requirements within the previous 5 years in connection with another endorsement.

(b) Until March 24, 2014, seafarers will be able to apply for an endorsement as vessel personnel with designated security duties by—

(1) Having completed approved seagoing service with designated security duties, for a period of at least 6 months in total during the preceding 3 years;

(2) Having performed security functions considered to be equivalent to the seagoing service required in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; or

(3) Successfully completing Coast Guard-accepted or Coast Guard-approved training.

(a) An applicant for an endorsement for security awareness must—

(1) Present satisfactory documentary evidence, such as a certificate or letter signed by a company official, or a certificate of completion from a Coast Guard-accepted or Coast Guard-approved course, of meeting the requirements in 33 CFR 104.225;

(2) Meet the physical examination requirements in 46 CFR, part 10, subpart C; and

(3) Meet the safety and suitability requirements and the National Driver Registry review requirements in § 10.209(e) of this subchapter, unless the applicant has met these requirements within the previous 5 years in connection with another endorsement.

(b) Until March 24, 2014, seafarers will be able to apply for an endorsement in security awareness by—

(1) Having performed approved seagoing service for a period of at least 6 months in total during the preceding 3 years;

(2) Having performed security functions considered to be equivalent to the seagoing service required in paragraph (b)(1) of this section; or

(3) Successfully completing Coast Guard-accepted or Coast Guard-approved training.