46 CFR 12.607: Able Seafarer-Engine STCW endorsement requirements
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets out what an applicant must meet to qualify for an STCW endorsement as an Able Seafarer-Engine. The applicant must be not less than 18 years of age, meet the RFPEW requirements, have seagoing service in the engine department of not less than 12 months, or not less than 6 months with approved training, and show the standard of competence. It also covers eligibility for certain existing rating holders and Coast Guard exemptions.
Applies toApplicants for an STCW endorsement as rating as Able Seafarer-Engine, including seafarers holding certain national rating endorsements.
What it says
An applicant must be not less than 18 years of age.
46 CFR 12.607(a)(1)“Be not less than 18 years of age;”
An applicant must meet the requirements for certification as a Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW).
46 CFR 12.607(a)(2)“Meet the requirements for certification as a Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW);”
While qualified as an RFPEW, the applicant must have seagoing service in the engine department of not less than 12 months.
46 CFR 12.607(a)(3)(i)“Not less than 12 months; or”
Alternatively, the applicant may have seagoing service in the engine department of not less than 6 months and have completed approved training.
46 CFR 12.607(a)(3)(ii)“Not less than 6 months and have completed approved training; and”
The applicant must provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence in Table A-III/5 of the STCW Code, which is incorporated by reference as described in § 12.103 of this part.
46 CFR 12.607(a)(4)“Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-III/5 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).”
Seafarers who held a rating endorsement such as QMED, Junior Engineer or Machinist before January 1, 2017, will be eligible once they show evidence of holding an endorsement as an RFPEW.
46 CFR 12.607(b)“will be eligible for this endorsement upon showing evidence of holding an endorsement as an RFPEW.”
The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-III/5 of the STCW Code.
46 CFR 12.607(c)“The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-III/5 of the STCW Code.”
Common questions
How much sea service do I need for an Able Seafarer-Engine STCW endorsement?
While qualified as an RFPEW, an applicant needs seagoing service in the engine department of not less than 12 months. The alternative is not less than 6 months plus completed approved training.
“Not less than 6 months and have completed approved training; and”
How old must I be to get an Able Seafarer-Engine STCW endorsement?
An applicant must be not less than 18 years of age.
“Be not less than 18 years of age;”
Can the Coast Guard exempt me from some Able Seafarer-Engine competence requirements?
Yes. The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-III/5 of the STCW Code, and the endorsement may include a corresponding limitation.
“The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-III/5 of the STCW Code.”
The text of 46 CFR 12.607
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of October 1, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Requirements to qualify for an STCW endorsement as rating as Able Seafarer-Engine
Link to an amendment published at 91 FR 60884, Sept. 25, 2026.
(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement as an Able Seafarer-Engine, an applicant must—
(1) Be not less than 18 years of age;
(2) Meet the requirements for certification as a Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW);
(3) While qualified as an RFPEW, have seagoing service in the engine department of—
(i) Not less than 12 months; or
(ii) Not less than 6 months and have completed approved training; and
(4) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-III/5 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 12.103 of this part).
(b) Seafarers holding a rating endorsement as QMED, Junior Engineer, Electrician or Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer, Pump Technician or Pump Technician/Machinist, Refrigerating Engineer, or Machinist before January 1, 2017, will be eligible for this endorsement upon showing evidence of holding an endorsement as an RFPEW.
(c) The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-III/5 of the STCW Code. These exemptions must be approved by the Coast Guard based upon vessel type. Under these circumstances, the endorsement may include a corresponding limitation.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, seafarers with the following national rating endorsements will be eligible for this endorsement upon completion of requirements designated in this section:
Table 1 to § 12.607(d)—STCW Endorsement as Able Seafarer-Engine Domestic QMED endorsement Additional sea service for AS-E Engineman None. Deck Engine Mechanic None. Electrician 6 months.1 Refrigerating Engineer 6 months.1 Pump Technician 6 months.1 Machinist 6 months.1 1 Service may be reduced to 3 months if training has been completed as part of an approved training program.
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.