Help Subguy translate deck license follow-up letter from NMC

[SubGuy]

OK! *Finally received my letter from NMC requesting additional data. *(The letter is quoted below).

Here's what I need your help with:

1. *Will an extension to the 90 days it says I have to respond be granted based on my military duties limiting the speed of which I can complete courses, etc....

2. Since I'm a Naval Academy graduate, do I need surface ship sea time or any courses for the THIRD MATE LICENSE (non STCW)? (My read of the regs is no-- I just need to show proof of my submarine Surface Officer of the Deck qualifications)

3. *Do I need "recent sea service on surface vessels" if I am seeking Third Mate? (My original application was for Chief Mate, but I definitely don't have the sea time and other requirements for that)

4. I read Policy Memo 01-02 and I'm confused. *It specifically states that it does not apply to persons who graduate from a formal training program/maritime academy. *Do I need to do the OICNW Operational if I'm applying for THIRD MATE based on Naval Academy Grad/Qualified OOD? **

4a. *If I do need OICNW items, then: *I have recently done all of the OICNW (operational and management) items. *Can my non-civilian-licensed Navy commanding officer sign my forms? *Is it OK if we're taking credit for what I did over the past 2 years on the ship (but haven't documented until now since I didn't know then that I'd need to be filling out the OICNW forms!)

5. Since my application was for Chief Mate but I realize now that I (think) I meet requirements for Third Mate, how do I communicate the request for consideration for that license instead?

6. FInally, this is what I think I need to turn in and complete; please let me know if you agree:

re] - Request to modify license application for Third Mate

** * * *- Proof of Naval Academy graduation (although it's already in my package on Navy command letterhead!!)

re] - Proof of OOD qualification (same-- it's already in my package!)

** * * *- Either a note stating that 01-02 OICNW (operational) is N/A since I am a Naval Academy Grad/OOD *- OR - OICNW operational level practical assessment forms from policy letter 01-02

re] - Bridge Resource Management Course

re] - Basic Safety Training

re] - Basic and Advance Firefighting

re] - Medical care provider

re] - Lifeboatman

Thanks,

Subguy

"... you application is pending and in need of additional supporting documentation and information....

This pending status is valid for 90 days.... Extension requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis....

License:

Please provide the NMC with your OOD/JOOD letters as well as any documents providing proof of graduation from the Naval Academy. If you have any recent sea service on surface vessels please also provide this documentation. Once these items are submitted we can further evaluate your current request for a license [I REQUESTED CHIEF MATE BUT KNOW I WAS WRONG NOW], however we may need to to ask for additional documentation of sea service once the evaluation of the above items have been reviewed.

STCW:

-Chief Mate requirements for STCW requires mariners to complete OICNW on a Management level and Operational level. Please refer to Polic Letter 04-02 for complete details.***

- Third Mate requirements for STCW requires mariners to complete OICNM [sic] on a Operational Level. Please refer to policy letter 01-02 for complete details. ***

-Master 1600 Oceans requirements for STCW requires you to have complete RFPNW. Please see policy letter 14-02 for complete details. ***

*** Please note that all of the above licenses require mariner to have completed the following list of courses: Bridge Resource Management, Basic Safety Training, Basic and Advanced Firefighting, Medical Care provider, and Lifeboatman (Radar, GMDSS, and ARPA are optional courses for the STCW)."

[Doc]

SubGuy,
My best advice to you is call your evaluator at NMC. The name should be on your letter. If not just call the number on the letter head and they can look it up in the computer. You should be dealing with one of the military specialists and they will know exactly what you as a Navy grad need to do and can adjust based on the documentation you can provide. My own experience got much easier once it made it to the level you are now at. I recommend you go for the highest level they will allow, but also get the 1600ton master. You can do both on the same set of exams. Good luck!
Doc

[SubGuy]

Called NMC. My evaluator was great. She confirmed:

1. Extension is possible. Just contact them with details on what extra time is needed and why and they'll work with me.
2. 3rd Mate is what I'm eligible for since I'm an academy grad. The lack of surface ship time precludes anything beyond that.
3. No additional surface time needed for 3rd mate.
4. While I could get a license without the STCW items, I'd be limited and she recommends getting an unlimited license to prevent problems in the future when I want to convert.
5. OICNW items not required for 3rd mate, but will be when I want to upgrade to "management level" (CM/Master)
6. So, here's what I owe them:

- Proof of OOD qualification (same-- it's already in my package!)

Bridge Resource Management Course

- Basic and Advance Firefighting

- Lifeboatman

[jdcavo]

It sounds like they got it right, except for two points: you don't need Medical Care Provider as you are being "grandfathered" to STCW on the basis of service and traiing that began before 8/1/98. You should need an STCW (Deck) Refresher course.

Approved program as used in Policy Letter is a program approved for STCW OICNW. The Naval Academy still qualifiesd for 3rd Mate (no STCW) but it is not an approved program as it is used in STCW.

James D. Cavo
Chief, Mariner Training & Assessment Division
USCG National Maritime Center
James.D.Cavo@uscg.mil

[Doc]

SubGuy,
When you say "she" as your evaluator, is it Ms. Graves? If so you are in luck because she is without a doubt the most helpfull person I found in the system. She is awesome! Nothing against the other folks up there but she went out of her way to help me. I can't sing her praises enough.

Doc

[SubGuy]

Not sure-- evaluator is "Abby: and she is great.