An Overview of USCG Officer Endorsements in the Deck Department

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) issues officer endorsements for those licensed to work on domestic waters or the open seas as part of a vessel’s deck department. An individual must meet USCG requirements for age, experience and skills to achieve an officer endorsement. Requirements vary based on the rank of the position sought.

Officer endorsements are offered for the following deck positions:

• Master – the officer who holds command of a vessel;
• Mate – an officer ranked below the master;
• Operator – a person with the qualifications to man an uninspected vessel; and
• First Class Pilot – an individual who ensures safe steerage of a vessel in and out of a port.

Each of the abovementioned categories can be divided further into subcategories based on the size and nature of the vessel and where it will be navigated. For instance, there are more than a dozen designations of Master, ranging from Master of Steam and Motor/Auxiliary Sail (NMT 200 GRT) upon Great Lakes or inland waters to Master of Towing Vessels. The role of Mate can be divided further into various rankings, from Chief Mate to Second Mate, and continuing to Third Mate, Towing Mate and more.

Requirements for Common USCG Officer Endorsements in the Deck Department

The USCG offers 45 different Officer Endorsements for those working within the Deck Department. Below is a brief overview of three examples of sub-categories within the four primary categories outlined above:

1. Master of Towing Vessels (upon ocean, near coastal, Great Lakes, inland and Western rivers) – Applicants must have 1,440 days of sea service, including 540 days or more of experience as a mate (pilot) on a towing vessel. A Master Steam/Motor of 200 GRT or more may operate a towing vessel once he or she has logged 30 days of training and observation on a particular route. The applicant also must hold a completed TOAR or complete an approved course.

2. Chief Mate (of steam and motor vessels of any gross tons, upon oceans or near coastal waters) – Applicants must have logged at least 360 days of service on authorized vessels while holding endorsement as a Second Mate. Must pass basic safety training in addition to a flashing light course and show validation of approved radar observer course. Tonnage limitations may be issued for those whose service hours include 50 percent of service performed on vessels of less than 1600 GRT.

3. Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (otherwise known as six-pack) – Applicants must have logged 90 days of sea service within the past three years. Experience should be in line with the designation sought, such as Great Lakes or coastal. This designation allows the holder to operate uninspected vessels of six or fewer passengers. This officer endorsement is most appropriate for those who operate small commercial vessels, such as SCUBA trips or charter fishing expeditions.

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