ASK ANDY
Have a general USCG licensing question? Ask Andy Hammond!
GMATS receives a steady stream of USCG Licensing questions from our customers. To assist in answering these questions GMATS has teamed up with Andy Hammond, a former Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center of Boston, MA! More about Andy Hammond.
Please ask any questions you may have below.
Q.
I haven't sailed in years but maintained my unlimited chief mate license via continuity. I would like to get back to sailing again. I understand the stcw and radar courses but is the GMDSS a requirement?
Dan Callahan - 7/11/2011 12:14:48 PM
A.
Hi Dan,
GMDSS is only required if you are going to serve on vessels operating in the GMDSS system. It's not required in order to be issued a STCW endorsement with an active license/endorsement, but would be required if you were to sail at the OICNW or Management level on a seagoing vessel over 300GRT (those subject to GMDSS system requirements.
Regards,
Andy Hammond
Q.
Hi,
I hold a USCG 200 ton master license. Can I take the required courses for a 1600 ton license at GMAT? I have the required sea time.
patrick Adams - 7/13/2011 9:21:37 AM
A.
Hi Patrick,
Are you asking about 1600 ton MATE or 1600 ton MASTER? There have been some very recent changes to the policies, which will effect those applying for an upgrade to MATE 500 or 1600. If you can be a bit more specific, I can help you determine what courses are required and if we have them here for you.
Regards,
Andy Hammond
Q.
What are the registration requirements? Can you enter in if you are 39 going on 40? Also, what if you are not in shape?
mary angela charles - 7/16/2011 1:17:52 PM
A.
Mary,
There is no age restriction for obtaining a U.S. Coast Guard credential. There are physical competency requirements when you apply for a credential, that your physician must verify that you can complete. You must be able to perform certain tasks depending on your position on a vessel, such as lifting 40 pounds or stepping over the combing of a hatch (door) up to 24 inches in height.
GMATS offers courses of professional training for many types of mariners and I would need more specific information as to what area of the merchant marine you are seeking employment.
Regards,
Andy Hammond
Q.
Hello Andy,
I have a 200 GRT / 500 GT Master of towing near coastal license ,What would I need to upgrade to a 500 ton mates license.
Thanks!
James Baginski - 7/18/2011 5:59:07 AM
A.
James,
On July 1, 2011 the Coast Guard amended the training requirements for obtaining an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) endorsement for vessels over 200 GRT. You would need to complete Bridge Resource Management, ARPA (if working on ARPA equipped vessels), GMDSS (only if working on vessels in the GMDSS system), and Medical First Aid provider. As Master of Towing, you would have completed the other training required already. Also, you will need to complete the assessments listed in the new Policy Letter (11-07). If you provide me your email contact, I can send you a copy of that policy letter.
Of course you will, once approved, have to complete the written exam for MATE 500 near coastal.
Regards,
Andy Hammond
Q.
Capt. Hammond,
I currently hold a Third Mate (Oceans, AGT) license, with a Mate of Towing (Unlimited) Endorsement. I plan on upgrading to Master of Towing in the next couple of months. I have spent the last year as Mate performing both ship assist and barge work on vessels of no more than 200gt. When I submit my application for Master of Towing Vessels, can I expect to get a Master of Towing Vessels (Unlimited) Endorsement in return? Or would I be looking at a restricted license?
I can be contacted at my email KTStearns@aol.com. Thank you!
V/R Kyle Stearns
Kyle Stearns - 7/19/2011 12:50:48 PM
A.
Good day Kyle,
I would have to review your service on Towing Vessels as a Mate (Pilot). The requirement calls for 540 days as Mate to qualify for Master of Towing. 12 months of that time (540) has to be towing/pushing work and not harbor assist work.
One other path for you is to upgrade from Third Mate to Master 500/1600 based on your time on the Tugs, which would allow a crossover to Master Towing. The downside of that path, is that you would need to complete the exam for Master 500/1600. You would not have to test to increase your MATE Towing to Master Towing.
The other issue is the waters you worked on. Again, I would have to review your specify time to be sure what you qualify for.
Regards,
Andy Hammond
info@andyhammond.com