46 CFR 11.553: Chief Engineer-OSV endorsement service requirements
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets the minimum service needed for a Chief Engineer-OSV endorsement. It explains when a propulsion power limitation is placed on the credential, and how the endorsement connects to STCW endorsements and possible Coast Guard exemptions.
Applies toApplicants for an endorsement as Chief Engineer-OSV, and persons holding that endorsement.
What it says
An applicant must have 4 years of total service in the engineroom of vessels to qualify for a Chief Engineer-OSV endorsement.
46 CFR 11.553(a)“The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as Chief Engineer-OSV is 4 years of total service in the engineroom of vessels.”
One year of the required service must have been as an engineer officer while holding an engineer officer endorsement.
46 CFR 11.553(a)“One year of this service must have been as an engineer officer while holding an engineer officer endorsement.”
Two years of the service must have been as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) or equivalent position.
46 CFR 11.553(a)“Two years of the service must have been as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) or equivalent position.”
If an applicant has not obtained at least 50 percent of the required experience on vessels of 4,000 HP/3,000 kW or more, a propulsion power limitation is placed on the MMC based on the applicant's qualifying experience.
46 CFR 11.553(b)“If an applicant has not obtained at least 50 percent of the required experience on vessels of 4,000 HP/3,000 kW or more, a propulsion power limitation is placed on the MMC”
The limit is the maximum propulsion power on which at least 25 percent of the required experience was obtained, or 150 percent of the maximum propulsion power on which at least 50 percent of the service was obtained, whichever is higher.
46 CFR 11.553(b)“The endorsement is limited to the maximum propulsion power on which at least 25 percent of the required experience was obtained, or 150 percent of the maximum propulsion power on which at least 50 percent of the service was obtained, whichever is higher.”
When the calculated limitation equals or exceeds 10,000 HP/7,500 kW, an unlimited propulsion power endorsement is issued.
46 CFR 11.553(b)“When the limitation as calculated equals or exceeds 10,000 HP/7,500 kW, an unlimited propulsion power endorsement is issued.”
A holder of a Chief Engineer-OSV endorsement may qualify for an STCW endorsement according to §§ 11.325, 11.327, and 11.331.
46 CFR 11.553(c)“A person holding an endorsement as Chief Engineer-OSV may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §§ 11.325, 11.327, and 11.331.”
Common questions
How much service do I need for a Chief Engineer-OSV endorsement?
The minimum is 4 years of total service in the engineroom of vessels. One year must have been as an engineer officer holding an engineer officer endorsement.
“The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as Chief Engineer-OSV is 4 years of total service in the engineroom of vessels.”
When is an unlimited propulsion power Chief Engineer-OSV endorsement issued?
An unlimited propulsion power endorsement is issued when the calculated limitation equals or exceeds 10,000 HP/7,500 kW.
“When the limitation as calculated equals or exceeds 10,000 HP/7,500 kW, an unlimited propulsion power endorsement is issued.”
Can the Coast Guard exempt a Chief Engineer-OSV applicant from STCW requirements?
Yes. The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from any requirement under STCW Regulation III/2 that it determines is inappropriate or unnecessary for OSV service, or that the applicant meets under the equivalency provisions of Article IX of STCW.
“The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any requirement under STCW Regulation III/2”
The text of 46 CFR 11.553
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of October 1, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Chief Engineer-OSV
Link to an amendment published at 91 FR 60883, Sept. 25, 2026.
(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as Chief Engineer-OSV is 4 years of total service in the engineroom of vessels. One year of this service must have been as an engineer officer while holding an engineer officer endorsement. Two years of the service must have been as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) or equivalent position.
(b) If an applicant has not obtained at least 50 percent of the required experience on vessels of 4,000 HP/3,000 kW or more, a propulsion power limitation is placed on the MMC based on the applicant's qualifying experience. The endorsement is limited to the maximum propulsion power on which at least 25 percent of the required experience was obtained, or 150 percent of the maximum propulsion power on which at least 50 percent of the service was obtained, whichever is higher. Limitations are in multiples of 1,000 HP/750 kW, using the next higher figure when an intermediate propulsion power is calculated. When the limitation as calculated equals or exceeds 10,000 HP/7,500 kW, an unlimited propulsion power endorsement is issued.
(c) A person holding an endorsement as Chief Engineer-OSV may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §§ 11.325, 11.327, and 11.331.
(d) The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any requirement under STCW Regulation III/2 (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part) that the Coast Guard determines to be inappropriate or unnecessary for service on an OSV, or that the applicant meets under the equivalency provisions of Article IX of STCW.
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of October 1, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.