USCG: Temporary sea service reduction for STCW deck endorsements

Eda Zenic -

The United States Coast Guard issued a temporary policy adjustment (Policy Letter 04-24) effective October 8, 2024, responding to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2024. This change temporarily reduces the sea service requirements necessary for certain deck rating endorsements under the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). This adjustment is intended to help mariners qualify for endorsements as Able Seafarer-Deck (AS-D) and Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) more efficiently. The policy is in effect until December 22, 2026.

Key Objectives

The policy aims to address the implications of reduced sea service requirements for national endorsements on STCW qualification processes. This guidance provides flexibility for mariners at different stages of their sea service, enabling them to work towards endorsements without necessarily meeting the traditionally required service times.

Revised Requirements for STCW Deck Rating Endorsements

This policy offers specific guidance based on mariners' varying levels of sea service:

Mariners with 2–6 Months of Service:

  • Requirements:
    • Complete approved RFPNW training as specified in 46 CFR 12.605(a)(2)(ii).
    • Pass assessments required for RFPNW.
  • Outcome: These mariners are eligible to obtain an RFPNW endorsement.

Mariners with 6–12 Months of Service:

  • Requirements:
    • Complete RFPNW assessments.
    • Finish an approved course in Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) or PSC-Limited.
  • Outcome: These mariners may qualify for endorsements in RFPNW as well as PSC or PSC-Limited.

Mariners with 12–18 Months of Service:

  • Requirements:
    • Complete assessments for both RFPNW and AS-D.
    • Meet PSC or PSC-Limited qualifications.
    • Complete AS-D training as outlined in 46 CFR 12.603(a)(3)(ii).
  • Outcome: Mariners can achieve endorsements for AS-D, RFPNW, and PSC or PSC-Limited.

Mariners with 18 Months or More of Service:

  • Requirements:
    • Complete required assessments for AS-D and RFPNW.
    • Fulfill PSC or PSC-Limited qualifications.
  • Outcome: Mariners with at least 18 months of service may qualify for endorsements as AS-D, RFPNW, and PSC or PSC-Limited.

Application of Temporary Criteria

  • Current Applications: The temporary criteria will automatically be applied to all applications in process that haven’t reached final agency action. Mariners do not need to reapply for these temporary service credit considerations if their application is still under review.
  • Completed Applications: If an application has already been processed and the credential issued, a new application will be necessary to apply for this temporary adjustment.

Additional Guidelines and Considerations

  • Concurrent Credit: Service time accumulated can now concurrently count towards both AS-D and RFPNW qualifications, streamlining the process for mariners working towards multiple endorsements.
  • Service Crediting for Training: Training programs will provide additional service credit as outlined by Coast Guard approval under 46 CFR Part 10, subpart D.
  • National Endorsements Requirement: Applicants for STCW endorsements must hold the appropriate national endorsements. For RFPNW, mariners must hold either Ordinary Seaman or Able Seaman qualifications, while AS-D candidates must hold an Able Seaman endorsement.