Celestial Navigation Qualifications

**Navy Navigator** · June 17th, 2009, 05:47 AM

Hello all! I am applying for a third mate's license after having served 4 years in the US Navy as the ship's navigator. I'm running into some stumbling blocks though and was wondering if any of you might be able to help me. My application is "pending" until I submit the qualification sheets for the officer in charge of a navigational watch. I know celestial navigation and I'm confident I could demonstrate the required skills to a licensed coast guard examiner. Does anyone know someone in the Mid-Atlantic region? I know I can take a course, but I'm trying to avoid paying $2000 for something I already know how to do. Any help anyone can provide would be most appreciated. Thank you!---Navy Navigator

**SubGuy** · June 17th, 2009, 06:13 AM

Couple of things:

1. If you are a USNA or USMMA grad, then you don't have to complete the OICNW portions for a 3M license. If not, then you do.
2. Mr. Cavo can correct me on this, but I believe that your CO or XO could sign you off on the forms-- they needn't be licensed merchant mariners. You just need to actually perform the tasks to the appropriate standard. (I'm in a weird case myself, because I'm working on my masters license and my next job is CO-- so, as Mr. Cavo pointed out to me, who am I going to get to sign me off on all my 2M and Master requirements? My XO?!?!)

Subguy

**Capt. Lee** · June 17th, 2009, 08:41 AM

I thought the navy guys were doing away with celestial. Are you sure you guys are qualified?

**jdcavo** · June 17th, 2009, 08:57 AM

You can have a CO or XO sign the practical assessments only. You still need to take an approved course for the OICNW training requirements. There's no "challenge" for this, you have to take the course.

**Shellback** · June 17th, 2009, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by Capt. Lee

I thought the navy guys were doing away with celestial. Are you sure you guys are qualified?

HAH!! Not sure about them but I'll bet the poor Quartermasters that assists them are...

**Capt. Fran** · June 17th, 2009, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by jdcavo

You can have a CO or XO sign the practical assessments only. You still need to take an approved course for the OICNW training requirements. There's no "challenge" for this, you have to take the course.

Hi Navy Navigator

Mr. Cavo is referring to OICNW training requirements, all laid out in Policy Letter 01-02.

Here's a little light reading for you:

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/marpers/pag/1-02.pdf

**Azimuth** · June 18th, 2009, 07:46 PM

One way around several of the courses is to get your 1600 Master, do 360 days (in the wheelhouse) on a vessel of greater than 200 tons while holding the 1600 ton and you get "operational experience" in lieu of SOME of the courses. You will still have to take your BST, lifeboatman, Radar, BRM, Medical 1st responder. You will have to test once for the 1600 and then again for your unlimited license, eventhough they are the same tests.