Apprentice Mate question

[trekleader]

Hello all

The new board looks great.

A few months ago, someone posted the following:

46 CFR Parts 10 and 15
[Docket No. USCG–2006–26202]
RIN 1625–AB10
Training and Service Requirements for
Merchant Marine Officers
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard amends
certain regulations relating to mariner
training and service. These regulatory
changes remove the expiration date of
the radar-observer endorsement from
the merchant mariner’s license, allow
for an apprentice mate of towing vessels
to reduce sea-service time for mate
(pilot) of towing vessels by completing
additional approved training, and
provide an alternate path to mate (pilot)
of towing vessels for master of steam or
motor vessels of any tonnage that is 200
GRT or less. These changes are intended
and expected to eliminate confusion
and provide alternate training and
service requirements for mate (pilot) of
towing vessels.

I have several questions, and am hoping someone here might clarify.

1. How much sea-service time could be reduced?

2. Which approved training could one take?

3. What is the alternate path for those with licenses of 200 GRT and less?

Thank you for the help...

[jdcavo]

The maximum amount of service that can be credited from training is two-thirds. How much we give any particular program depends on the type and quantity of training. We are not going to approve a one-week course for 2/3 of the sea time for a license. Also, these are "programs" which means there needs to be a combination of classroom and simulator training with on-board training. To be considered for the maximum training, the on-board training probably needs to be in a trainee capacity and not in a position with other, "normal" duties. There needs to be "value-added" to the current path, if the "training program" amounts to little more than put in time on the boat and do the TOAR, it's not going to get a significant (if any) reduction in sea service, we already have that system.

The "alternate path" is that someone with experience as Master can qualify for Mate (Pilot) if they have 3 years experience as Master, get a minimum of 30 days on a towing vessel, and complete the TOAR.

[trekleader]

Mr Cavo

Thank you for your reply. As always, your input is much appreciated.

...these are "programs" which means there needs to be a combination of classroom and simulator training with on-board training. To be considered for the maximum training, the on-board training probably needs to be in a trainee capacity and not in a position with other, "normal" duties.

So, these programs are company sponsored? Have there been programs approved? If so, where could one find out more information concerning them?

Thank you...

Tim

[jdcavo]

Not only companies. There are Mate 500 Ton programs that are towing-centric at SUNY Maritime, U.S.M.M.A., Pacific Maritime Institute, and MITAGS. The only company program at present is at Kirby. There is also a program at Northeast Maritime Institute, until recently they were working with ACL, but currently NMI doesn't have a company they are working with.