USCG: Temporary reduction of sea service requirements for able seaman endorsements

The United States Coast Guard has issued policy letter No. 02-24 to address temporary reductions in sea service requirements for certain deck ratings.

This policy letter was published on 29 May 2024.

The purpose of this policy is to outline how the Coast Guard will implement the temporary reductions in sea service requirements as mandated by the NDAA. It applies to mariners seeking Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) with national endorsements as Able Seaman—Unlimited, Able Seaman—Limited, and Able Seaman—Special.

Under this policy:

• Able Seaman—Unlimited requires 18 months of service on deck on vessels operating on oceans or the Great Lakes.
• Able Seaman—Limited requires 12 months of service on deck on vessels of 100 Gross Register Tons (GRT) or more.
• Able Seaman—Special requires 6 months of service on deck on vessels operating on oceans or navigable waters of the United States.

Applications currently in process that have not reached final agency action will benefit from these reduced service requirements. However, if an MMC has already been issued or the application has been closed, a new application must be submitted to apply these reductions.

The policy ensures that mariners will not be penalized for processing times if their applications are received before December 22, 2026. Approved training that meets Coast Guard standards will count towards sea service requirements as per 46 CFR Part 10, subpart D. Specific course and program approvals will be communicated through updates to the relevant policy letters.

It's important to note that the reductions in sea service requirements for Able Seaman endorsements do not affect the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) endorsements, which maintain their existing requirements.

Applicants who now qualify for a higher endorsement due to the reduced service requirements may amend their applications accordingly. The Coast Guard will evaluate these applications without requiring the applicant to formally request an amendment.

If the applicability of Section 3534(j) of the NDAA of 2024 is extended beyond December 22, 2026, the policy letter will remain in effect until the authority to reduce service requirements expires or is officially rescinded.

This policy letter is not a substitute for legal requirements nor does it impose legally binding obligations. It represents the Coast Guard’s interpretation and current approach to implementing statutory and regulatory requirements. Alternative approaches may be acceptable as long as they satisfy applicable statutes and regulations.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Temporary Reduction in Service Requirements for Certain Deck Ratings