Continuity License

[afendt]

I've sailed for 35 years, with various ratings from OS to Master, and decided to retire. Mistake!!! I miss working on the water like I've never missed anything before. I've been ashore for about 3 years now. Anyway, I had to renew under whats called "continuity" because I didn't have the needed sea-time. I've heard that one can get their license restored by other means, as I don't see how I can get sea-time without my restored license. ANY help would be much appreciated and considered a Blessing.
Art

[dougpine]

I've sailed for 35 years, with various ratings from OS to Master, and decided to retire. Mistake!!! I miss working on the water like I've never missed anything before. I've been ashore for about 3 years now. Anyway, I had to renew under whats called "continuity" because I didn't have the needed sea-time. I've heard that one can get their license restored by other means, as I don't see how I can get sea-time without my restored license. ANY help would be much appreciated and considered a Blessing.
Art

Do you have all your current STCW endorsements and a TWIC card? If not, you're looking at quite a process to get legal again.

[afendt]

Thanks for quick reply dougpine...I have TWIC card and MOST of my STCW endoresements. I believe I need the RADAR refresher. I'm not afraid of spending SOME money for what I need to get legal as it seems very important to me. Thanks again.
Art

[dougpine]

Do you have an STCW certificate? If so what does it say and what is the expiration date? Radar renewal is apart from STCW.

[richard8000milesaway]

the NMC or even your local REC can tell you what you'll need. if you retired 3 yrs ago then you would have had to have had your stcw in place. as you know there is a new MMC booklet which has replaced your old license. also the VSO has to be listed in your stcw/MMC book now, if applicible.
there has traditionally been a 50 question take home rules of the road test that officially activates your license after "continuity"; but again your local REC or the NMC can tell you.
good luck.

[afendt]

Many thanks...my next step will be to contact REC. If just a Rules test, no problem. Even if my STCW isn't in place, perhaps I can just get legal with my 100 ton inland and towing endorsement. I did retire, and would like to work on a smaller vessel, perhaps closer to home. Again, many thanks.
Art

[afendt]

All my STCW have expired. I worked for the USACE at the end of my carreer on a small vessel that didn't require me to keep up with STCW.
Art