1600 Master to 3rd Mate requires Advanced Firefighting renewal?

[Black_Angel]

I'm upgrading from 1600 Master to 3rd Mate Unlimited and have just been told by NMC that I must submit a certificate for Advanced Firefighting valid within 5 years. I haven't taken Advanced Firefighting since 1990 when I got my 200-ton Masters.

The NMC quoted me CFR 11.205. I pointed out that that regulation is for ORIGINAL officers endorsements and that I have held 200-ton, 500-ton and 1600-ton Masters licenses since then. I am applying for an Raise in Grade, not an original.

What am I missing? Is my Masters license not an officers endorsement? Do I really have to take Advanced Firefighting again to upgrade to 3rd Mate?

They had already approved my application and I've passed all my tests and now there's this new setback. Very discouraging...

When I first applied for the 3rd Mate the NMC responded with 5 reasons why they wouldn't approve me -- all were wrong and I was approved to test after pointing out their errors. It certainly doesn't inspire much confidence in the NMC.

Anybody else faced this Advanced Firefighting renewal?

[BMCSRetired]

When I first applied for the 3rd Mate the NMC responded with 5 reasons why they wouldn't approve me -- all were wrong and I was approved to test after pointing out their errors. It certainly doesn't inspire much confidence in the NMC.

Anybody else faced this Advanced Firefighting renewal?

Yes. I have been going at it for 7 months. Document it ALL, that's why I use e-mail and use certified mail. Then when you are finished, you are a taxpayer, exercise your rights.

[anchorman]

I'm upgrading from 1600 Master to 3rd Mate Unlimited and have just been told by NMC that I must submit a certificate for Advanced Firefighting valid within 5 years. I haven't taken Advanced Firefighting since 1990 when I got my 200-ton Masters.

The NMC quoted me CFR 11.205. I pointed out that that regulation is for ORIGINAL officers endorsements and that I have held 200-ton, 500-ton and 1600-ton Masters licenses since then. I am applying for an Raise in Grade, not an original.

What am I missing? Is my Masters license not an officers endorsement? Do I really have to take Advanced Firefighting again to upgrade to 3rd Mate?

They had already approved my application and I've passed all my tests and now there's this new setback. Very discouraging...

When I first applied for the 3rd Mate the NMC responded with 5 reasons why they wouldn't approve me -- all were wrong and I was approved to test after pointing out their errors. It certainly doesn't inspire much confidence in the NMC.

Anybody else faced this Advanced Firefighting renewal?

That requirement is for original issues only, and it's correct that is has to be within 5 years, but you are upgrading. Send the CFR to the evaluator and copy Anthony Lloyd.

[Black_Angel]

I spoke with my evaluator on the phone and read him the CFR word for word -- he didn't even want to hear it, just kept repeating "Unfortunately sir, this is the determination." Do I have to request a reconsideration or can I keep hammering at this guy?

Who is Anthony Lloyd?

I am definitely writing my congressman. Even though I know my situation will be resolved I know too many other people who have lost thousands of dollars of income, time better spent with family, and job opportunities because of the incompetence of the NMC. I know at least a dozen fellow mariners who have dealt with the NMC in the last year and I couldn't think of even one who didn't have a problem with the NMC where the NMC was wrong.

[anchorman]

I spoke with my evaluator on the phone and read him the CFR word for word -- he didn't even want to hear it, just kept repeating "Unfortunately sir, this is the determination." Do I have to request a reconsideration or can I keep hammering at this guy?

Who is Anthony Lloyd?

I am definitely writing my congressman. Even though I know my situation will be resolved I know too many other people who have lost thousands of dollars of income, time better spent with family, and job opportunities because of the incompetence of the NMC. I know at least a dozen fellow mariners who have dealt with the NMC in the last year and I couldn't think of even one who didn't have a problem with the NMC where the NMC was wrong.

Anthony Lloyd is the Commanding Office of NMC. A Congressman will not help in the short term. Writing an email to the evaluator and copying it to the CO of NMC works wonders, at least it did with the last CO. Ask for the regulation that says what the evaluator has determined - there is no such thing.

[captbbrucato]

Captain Stalfort isn't the CO anymore?

[seadawg]

Captain Stalfort isn't the CO anymore?

IMHO..latest NMC "organization chart"

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/Whats_new_to..._Functions.pdf

[anchorman]

Captain Stalfort isn't the CO anymore?

No - retired