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Certification

Mates- Ship, Boat, and Barge

Certification Description
Coastal Navigation Certification requires the successful completion of knowledge and skills, as demonstrated by passing a written examination. These requirements are expected to be performed with confidence and a high degree of accuracy.

Certifying Organization
J World
http://sailing-jworld.com/

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes

Coastal Navigation Certification Website

Certification Description
USCG Master Inland/Mate Near Coastal. Candidates must have at least 360 days of boating experience including 90 within the past 3 years. Candidates must also have an application for license (with Oath done at the Coast Guard), 3 notarized letters of character reference, documentation of sea time experience, proof of vessel ownership, physical exam, drug screen, and First Aid & CPR Certificate from a USCG approved course within the last year. More information can be found on the USCG website.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

Master Inland/Mate Near Coastal Website

Certification Description
2nd (Second) Mate. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. The sea service requirements are recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage. Either 360 days of service as OICNW on Ocean/NC steam or motor vessels while holding a MMC as 3rd Mate; or 360 days of service while holding a MMC as 3rd Mate, of which 180 days of service as OINCDW on Ocean steam or motor vessels, and Service as AB, Boatswain, or Quartermaster while holding an AB accepted on a 2 for 1 basis for a maximum of 180 days; or Master if GL &/or Inland of AGT may obtain this endorsement by completing the prescribed examination. All required service is on vessels over 200 GRT, and 50% of the required service is on vessels over 1600 GRT. Other requirements include Basic Safety Training; or Continued Competency in BST, Flashing Light-course, and a valid, approved radar observer course. All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National 2nd Mate Unlimited OC or NC Website

Certification Description
3rd (Third) Mate. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements are recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage, 1080 days of deck service on Ocean/NC steam or motor vessels, of which 180 days as AB, Boatswain, or Quartermaster, (while holding AB) 90 days of engine department service may be creditable, or graduation from a maritime academy. Other requirements include completing a First Aid course, CPR course, approved firefighting courses, and a valid, approved radar observer course. All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National 3rd Mate Unlimited OC or NC Website

Certification Description
The National Able Seaman (A/B) is an entry- to mid-level Coast Guard certification. The National Able seaman (A/B) is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. An Able seaman is a qualified member of the deck department that may work as a watchstander and/or day worker. An Able seaman may work in any number of capacities and perform general maintenance, repair, sanitation and upkeep of material, equipment, and areas in the deck department. There are various categories of endorsement issued as Able seaman. The endorsement issued to applicants and advancement from one AB endorsement to another depends on their qualifying experience or training.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Able Seaman (A/B) Website

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Ballast Control Operator (BCO) Website

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Barge Supervisor Website

Certification Description
Chief Mate. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage, Chief Mate- 360 days of service as OICNW on Ocean/NC steam or motor vessels while holding an endorsement as 2nd Mate. Unlimited Tonnage- All required service is on vessels over 200 GRT, and 50% of the required service is on vessels over 1600 GRT. There are also STCW Management Level Requirements. Other requirements include Basic Safety Training; or Continued Competency in BST, Flashing Light- course, and a valid, approved radar observer course. All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Chief Mate Unlimited OC or NC Website

Certification Description
Lifeboatman (LBMAN) is an entry-level certification. A Lifeboatman is a person with a Merchant Marine Document (MMD) with one year of experience at sea in the deck department, two years' experience in any other department on vessels greater than 100 gross tons, or who has completed a USCG approved course and 3 months of sea experience may take written and practical exams to be endorsed with the qualified rating of Lifeboatman.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Lifeboatman and Lifeboatman-Limited Website

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Master 100 NC Website

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Master 200 GL and Inland Website

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Master 500/1600 GL and Inland Website

Certification Description
Master of Unlimited Tonnage upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels. Great Lakes, 360 days of service as Mate or FCP while acting in the capacity of 1st Mate of GL vessels over 1600 GRT; or 720 days of service as Master INL vessels over 1600 GRT; or 360 days of service upon GL while holding an Officer endorsement as Mate or FCP of GL & INL of vessels over 1600 GRT, of which: 180 days of service as 1st Mate, and Service as 2nd Mate accepted: 2 for 1; for a maximum of 180 days. Inland, 360 days service as FCP (other than canal & small lakes routes) or Mate of GL or INL steam/motor vessels over 1600 GRT; or 720 days of service as Wheelsman or QM while holding a Mate or FCP endorsement. There are also tonnage requirements. Other requirements include completing a First Aid course, CPR course, and approved basic & advanced firefighting courses. All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Master of Unlimited GL and Inland Website

Certification Description
Master of Unlimited Tonnage. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage. Master, 360 days of service as Chief Mate on Ocean/NC steam or motor vessels; or 360 days of service, while holding an endorsement as Chief Mate Ocean or Near Coastal, of which 180 days of service as Chief Mate on Ocean or Near Coastal waters, and service as OICNW accepted on a 2 for 1 basis for a maximum of 180 days. There are also tonnage requirements. Other requirements include completing a Basic Safety Training; or Continued Competency in BST, Flashing Light- course, and a valid, approved radar observer course. All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Master of Unlimited OC or NC Website

Certification Description
Mate of 200 or less GRT upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessel. Great Lakes - 180 days of service in the deck department, of which 90 days must have been on Great Lakes. Inland- 180 days of service in the deck department. Service gained in the engine room on vessels not more than 200 GRT, may be creditable for up to 25% of the deck service requirements for Mate. There are also tonnage, sail, and commerical assistance towing requirements. Other requirements include completing a First Aid course, and a CPR course. All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Mate 200 GL and Inland Website

Certification Description
Mate of 500-1600 GRT upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessel. Mate 1600 GRT, 720 days of deck service on steam, motor, or sail vessels, of which 360 days of service on vessels over 100 GRT, and 180 days of service as AB, Boatswain, Quartermaster, or equivalent position on vessels over 100 GRT while holding a certificate or endorsement as AB; or 360 days of licensed service as Master or OUPV on vessels over 50 GRT; or 180 days of licensed service as Mate (Pilot) of Towing of over 100 GRT. Mate 500 GRT, 720 days of deck service on steam, motor, or sail vessels, of which 360 days of service on vessels over 50 GRT, and 90 days of service as AB, Boatswain, Quartermaster, or equivalent position on vessels over 50 GRT while holding a certificate or endorsement as AB. Other requirements include completing a First Aid course, and a CPR course. All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Mate 500/1600 GL and Inland Website

Certification Description
Mate of 500-1600 GRT upon Near Coastal Waters. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage. MATE 1600, 720 days of service on Ocean or Near Coastal waters, of which 360 days must be on Ocean or N/C waters, and 360 days of service on vessels over 100 GRT, and 180 days of service as AB, Boatswain, Quartermaster, or equivalent position on vessels over 100 GRT while holding certification as AB. MATE 500, 720 days of service on Ocean or Near Coastal waters, of which 360 days must be on Ocean or N/C waters, and 360 days of service on vessels over 50 GRT, and 90 days of service as AB, Boatswain, Quartermaster, or equivalent position on vessels over 50 GRT while holding certification as AB. Sail or Auxiliary Sail, 360 days on appropriately sized sail or auxiliary sail vessels, and complete CG exams or approved course. Other requirements include a First Aid course, CPR course, approved firefighting courses, (Basic & Advanced), Valid, approved radar observer course, Qualification as AB Unlimited or Limited (AB Special or AB-OSV satisfy the AB requirement for Officer endorsements permitting service on vessels of 1600 gross tons and less), Flashing Light- course, Basic Safety Training; or Continued Competency in BST, Medical Care Provider / Medical 1st Aid Provider, and Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW)- raining and Assessments. All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Mate 500/1600 NC Website

Certification Description
Mate of 500-1600 GRT upon Oceans. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage. MATE 1600, 1080 days of service on Ocean or Near Coastal waters, of which 540 days must be on Ocean or N/C waters, and 360 days of service on vessels over 100 GRT, and 360 days of service as Master, Mate, or equivalent supervisory position while holding an Officer endorsement as Master, Mate, or Master/Mate Towing vessels, and 180 days of the service as Master, Mate, or equivalent supervisory position, must have been on vessels over 100 GRT; or 1080 days of service on Ocean or Near Coastal vessels over 200 GRT, and 180 days of service as AB. MATE 500, 720 days of service on Ocean or Near Coastal waters, of which 360 days must be on Ocean or N/C waters, and 360 days of service as Master, Mate, or equivalent supervisory position while holding an Officer endorsement as Master, Mate, or OUPV, and 80 days as Master, Mate, or equivalent supervisory position, on vessels over 50 GRT.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Mate 500/1600 OC Website

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Mate OSV Website

Certification Description
Mate of Unlimited GRT upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels, 1080 days of deck service on steam or motor vessels, of which 90 days of service on vessels on Inland waters, and 180 days of service as AB, INL Mate, Boatswain, Wheelsman, Quartermaster of equivalent position; or graduation from the deck class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy; or 360 days of service as master on vessels over 200 GRT while holding an Officer rating as Master 1600 GRT GL & INL. There are also tonnage requirements. Other requirements include a First Aid course, CPR course, approved firefighting courses (Basic & Advanced). All candidates must complete an examination.

Certifying Organization
United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/default.asp

Certification Details
● Education and Training Required? Yes
● Work Experience Required? Yes
● Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
● Renewal Required? Every 5 Years
● Renew through Continuing Educational Units (CEU)? No
● Renew through Re-Examination? Yes
● Renew through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes
● Does applicant have a choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? Yes

National Mate Unlimited GL and Inland Website

Source: CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).