(a) The minimum service or training required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as third mate of ocean or near coastal steam or motor vessels of any gross tons is:
(1) Three years of service in the deck department on ocean steam or motor vessels, six months of which shall have been as able seaman, boatswain, or quartermaster, while holding a certificate or endorsement as able seaman. Experience gained in the engine department on vessels of appropriate tonnage may be creditable for up to three months of the service requirements for this officer endorsement; or,
(2) Graduation from:
(i) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (deck curriculum);
(ii) The U.S. Coast Guard Academy and qualification as an underway officer in charge of a navigational watch;
(iii) The U.S. Naval Academy and qualification as an underway officer in charge of a navigational watch; or,
(iv) The deck class of a maritime academy approved by and conducted under rules prescribed by the Maritime Administrator and listed in part 310 of this title, including the ocean option program in the deck class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy; or,
(3) Satisfactory completion of a three year apprentice mate training program approved by the Commandant.
(b) Graduation from the deck class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy with no ocean sea service will qualify the graduate to be examined for an endorsement as third mate near coastal steam or motor vessels of any gross tons.
(c) While holding a license or MMC endorsement as master of ocean or near coastal steam or motor vessels of not more than 1,600 gross tons, one year of service as master on vessels of over 200 gross tons operating on ocean or near coastal waters will qualify the applicant for an endorsement as third mate of ocean or near coastal steam or motor vessels of any gross tons.
(a) Endorsements as master and mate of vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons are issued in the following tonnage categories:
(1) Not more than 1,600 gross tons;
(2) Not more than 500 gross tons; or,
(3) Between 25–200 gross tons in 50 ton increments and with appropriate mode of propulsion such as steam or motor, sail, or auxiliary sail.
(b) Experience gained in the engine department on vessels of appropriate tonnage may be creditable for up to 25 percent of the service requirements for any mate endorsement in this category.
(c) An officer's endorsement in this category obtained with an orally-assisted examination will be limited to 500 gross tons. In order to raise that tonnage limit to 1,600 gross tons, the written examination and service requirements must be satisfied.
The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as master of ocean or near coastal steam or motor vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons is:
(a) Four years total service on ocean or near coastal waters. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to two years of the required service. Two years of the required service must have been on vessels of over 100 gross tons. Two years of the required service must have been as a master, mate master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, or equivalent supervisory position while holding a license or MMC endorsement as master, mate, master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels. One year of the service as master, mate, master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, or equivalent supervisory position must have been on vessels of over 100 gross tons; or,
(b) An applicant holding a license or MMC endorsement as chief mate or second mate of ocean or near coastal steam or motor vessels of over 1600 gross tons is eligible for this endorsement upon completion of a limited examination.
The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as mate of ocean steam or motor vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons is:
(a) Three years total service in the deck department of ocean or near coastal steam or motor, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 18 months of the required service. One year of the required service must have been on vessels of over 100 gross tons. One year of the required service must have been as a master, mate master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, or equivalent supervisory position while holding a license or MMC endorsement as master, mate, master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels. Six months of the required service as master, mate, master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, or equivalent supervisory position must have been on vessels of over 100 gross tons; or,
(b) Three years total service in the deck department on ocean or near coastal steam or motor, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels of over 200 gross tons. Six months of the required service must have been as able seaman.
The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as mate of near coastal steam or motor vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons is two years total service in the deck department of ocean or near coastal steam or motor, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to one year of the required service. One year of the required service must have been on vessels of over 100 gross tons. Six months of the required service must have been as able seaman, boatswain, quartermaster, or equivalent position on vessels of over 100 gross tons while holding a certificate or endorsement as able seaman.
The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as master of ocean or near coastal steam or motor vessels of not more than 500 gross tons is:
(a) Three years total service on ocean or near coastal waters. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 18 months of the required service. Two years of the required service must have been as a master, mate, or equivalent supervisory position while holding a license or MMC endorsement as master, mate, or operator of uninspected passenger vessels. One year of the required service as master, mate, or equivalent supervisory position must have been on vessels of over 50 gross tons.
(b) The holder of a license or MMC endorsement as master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels authorizing service on oceans or near-coastal routes is eligible for an endorsement as master of ocean or near-coastal steam or motor vessels of not more than 500 gross tons after both 1 year of service as master or mate of towing vessels on oceans or near-coastal routes and completion of a limited examination.
The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as mate of ocean steam and motor vessels of not more than 500 gross tons is two years total service in the deck department of ocean or near coastal steam or motor, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to one year of the required service. One year of the required service must have been as a master, mate, or equivalent supervisory position while holding a license or endorsement as master, mate, or operator of uninspected passenger vessels. Six months of the required service as master, mate, or equivalent supervisory position must have been on vessels of over 50 gross tons.