NVIC 01-17: Change 5 to Mate on OSVs guidance
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 01-17, which is Coast Guard guidance on endorsements for service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels. It extends the date for accepting STCW assessments signed by assessors who are not approved Qualified Assessors (QAs). The notice is guidance and does not impose legally-binding requirements.
Applies toThe text says the Coast Guard will use NVIC 01-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to decide whether mariners qualify for national officer and STCW endorsements for service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs).
What it says
The Coast Guard will use NVIC 01-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified for national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Mate on OSVs.
“The Coast Guard will use NVIC 01-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners”
The Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until December 31, 2028.
“the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until December 31, 2028.”
These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2029.
“These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2029.”
Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2028.
“Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2028.”
This guidance is not a regulation and imposes no legally-binding requirements, and alternative approaches may be acceptable if they satisfy the applicable statutes and regulations.
“Alternative approaches for fulfilling this policy may be acceptable if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.”
Common questions
Until when can STCW assessments be signed by an assessor who is not an approved QA?
The Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until December 31, 2028.
“the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until December 31, 2028.”
What is the deadline to submit assessments signed by non-QA assessors?
These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2029.
“These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2029.”
Do military assessors need to be approved QAs?
No. Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2028.
“Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2028.”
Is NVIC 01-17 a binding regulation?
No. The text says this guidance is not a regulation and does not impose legally-binding requirements on any party.
“It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party.”
The text of NVIC 01-17
U.S. Coast Guard, NVIC 01-17 (main body; enclosures not shown)
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721
Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 01-17 November 22, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 01-17, CH-5 Subj: CHANGE 5 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS MATE ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 01-17.
PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 01-17.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — ACTION. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 01-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners
are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs).
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 01-17 is
updated.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISCUSSION. The Coast Guard is aware that as a result of the limited number of approved QAs,
there may be a hardship on mariners trying to complete STCW assessments after December 31, 2023. In consideration of this, the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until December 31, 2028. These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2029. Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2028. This change notice revises NVIC 01-17 to reflect this extension.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISCLAIMER. This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a
regulation. It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party. This guidance represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and may assist industry, mariners, the general public, and the Coast Guard, as well as Federal and State regulators, in applying statutory and regulatory requirements. Alternative approaches for fulfilling this policy may be acceptable if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 170 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: Subj: CHANGE 5 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS NVIC 01-17 MATE ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — MAJOR CHANGES. This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 01-17 to extend the date for
acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS.
a. The development of this Commandant Change Notice and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) from further environmental analysis under paragraph #A3 in Table 3- 1 of U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1. Because this Commandant Change Notice implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion #A3 is appropriate. b. This Commandant Change Notice will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment. All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this Commandant Change Notice must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISTRIBUTION. An electronic version of NVIC 01-17 as revised by this Commandant Change
Notice will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — PROCEDURE. Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 01-17:
Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-5
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS. This Commandant Change Notice has been
thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series). This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — FORMS/REPORTS. None.
Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.
Ave.
SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 01-17 December 15, 2021 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 01-17, CH-4 Subj: CHANGE 4 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS MATE ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 1.
PURPOSE.
This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-4 to NVIC 01-17. 2.
ACTION.
The Coast Guard will use NVIC 01-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs). 3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.
With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 01-17 is updated. 4.
DISCUSSION.
The Coast Guard is aware that as a result of the limited number of approved QAs, there may be a hardship on mariners trying to complete STCW assessments after December 31, 2021.
In consideration of this, the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until December 31, 2023.
These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2024.
Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2023.
This change notice revises NVIC 01-17 to reflect this extension. 5.
DISCLAIMER.
This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.
It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party.
It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.
You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.
DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 170 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 01-17 6.
MAJOR CHANGES.
This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 01-17 to extend the date for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor. 7.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.
The development of this Commandant Change Notice and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) from further environmental analysis under paragraph #A3 in Table 3- 1 of U.S.
Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1.
Because this Commandant Change Notice implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion #A3 is appropriate. b.
This Commandant Change Notice will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment.
All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this Commandant Change Notice must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 8.
DISTRIBUTION.
No paper distribution will be made of this Commandant Change Notice.
An electronic version will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/. 9.
PROCEDURE.
Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 01-17: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-3 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-3 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-4 10.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.
This Commandant Change Notice has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series).
This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 11.
FORMS/REPORTS.
None.
COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 01-17
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — REQUEST FOR CHANGES. All requests for changes or questions regarding implementation of
Reference (a) and this Commandant Change Notice should be directed to the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division (CG-MMC-2), at (202) 372-2357 or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil.
To obtain approval for a course or training program, contact the NMC at (888) 427-5662 or IAskNMC@uscg.mil. /s/ J.
W.
MAUGER Rear Admiral, U.
S.
Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.
Ave.
SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 01-17 August 11, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 01-17, CH-3 Subj: CHANGE 3 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS MATE ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 1.
PURPOSE.
This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-3 to NVIC 01-17. 2.
ACTION.
The Coast Guard will use NVIC 01-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs). 3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.
With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 01-17 is updated. 4.
DISCUSSION.
The Coast Guard has extended the date for acceptance of assessments of mariner competence that are not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.
This change notice revises NVIC 01-17 to reflect this extension. 5.
DISCLAIMER.
This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.
It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party.
It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.
You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. 6.
MAJOR CHANGES.
This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 01-17 to extend the date for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor. 7.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS.
DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 170 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.
Ave.
SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 01-17 January 6, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 01-17, CH-2 Subj: CHANGE 2 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS MATE ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 1.
PURPOSE.
This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-2 to NVIC 01-17. 2.
ACTION.
The Coast Guard will use NVIC 01-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs).
Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should also bring this notice to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility. 3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.
With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 01-17 is updated. 4.
DISCUSSION.
Enclosure (1) of NVIC 01-17 included grandfathering provisions that would expire on March 24, 2019.
As that date has passed, this CH-2 removes those now-expired provisions. 5.
DISCLAIMER.
This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.
It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party.
It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.
You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. 6.
MAJOR CHANGES.
Enclosure (1) of NVIC 01-17 is revised to remove grandfathering provisions that expired on March 24, 2019.
DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 170 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 7.
ENVIR AL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.
The development of this Commandant Change Notice and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) from further environmental analysis under paragraph #43 in Table 3- I of U.S.
Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing Procedures 5090.1.
Because this Commandant Change Notice implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion #A3 is appropriate. b.
This Commandant Change Notice will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment.
All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this Commandant Change Notice must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 8.
DISTRIBUTION.
No paper distribution will be made of this Commandant Change Notice.
An electronic version will be located at usc 9.
PROCEDURE.
Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 0l-17: Remove Insert CH-l Enclosure (1), Page 4 Enclosure (1), Page 4 CH-2 10.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.
This Commandant Change Notice has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series).
This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 1 1.
FORMS/REPORTS.
None. 12.
REOUEST FOR CHANGES.
All requests for changes or questions regarding implementation of Reference (a) and this Commandant Change Notice should be directed to the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division (CG-MMC-2), at (202) 372-2357 or MMCPolisy@uscg.mil.
To obtain approval for a course or training program, contact the NMC at (888) 427-5662 or IAskNMC@.uscs.mil. t R.
V.
TIMME Rear Admiral, U.
S.
Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Commandant US Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.
Ave.
SE Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 01-17 October 18, 2018 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 01-17, CH 1 Subj: CH-1 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS MATE ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 01-17, COMDTPUB 16721 1.
PURPOSE.
This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-1 to reference (a). 2.
ACTION.
The Coast Guard will use reference (a) and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Mate on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs).
Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should also bring this notice to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility. 3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.
With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, reference (a) is updated. 4.
DISCUSSION. a.
Reference (a) included grandfathering provisions that would expire on January 1, 2018.
As that date has passed, this CH-1 removes those now-expired provisions. b.
After publication of Reference (a), the Coast Guard extended the date for acceptance of assessments of mariner competence that are not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.
This CH-1 is revised to reflect this extension. 5.
DISCLAIMER.
This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.
It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally binding requirements on any party.
It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.
You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.
DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 168 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 6.
MAJOR CHANGES.
This Commandant Change Notice changes the guidance found in reference (a) concerning endorsements as Mate and Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) that are limited to service on OSVs, as follows: a.
Enclosure (1) is revised to add an explanation of the requirement in 46 CFR 11.201(a)(1) that mariners must hold an appropriate national endorsement to qualify for an STCW endorsement. b.
Enclosure (1) is revised to remove grandfathering provisions for an STCW endorsement that expired on January 1, 2018. c.
Enclosures (2), and (3) have been revised to reflect previously published policy extending the date for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor, and to add additional information concerning assessments that are performed on military vessels. 7.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.
The development of this NVIC and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) under current CE #A3 from further environmental analysis, in accordance with Section 2.B and Appendix A, DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Revision 01, Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Because this NVIC implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, categorical exclusion #A3 is appropriate. b.
This NVIC will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment.
All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this NVIC must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 8.
DISTRIBUTION.
No paper distribution will be made of this Commandant Change Notice.
An electronic version will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/. 9.
PROCEDURE.
Remove and insert the following pages of Reference (a): Remove Insert Enclosure (1), Page 2 Enclosure (1), Page 2 CH-1 Enclosure (1), Pages 4 and 5 Enclosure (1), Page 4 CH-1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-1 Enclosure (3), Page 10 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-1 10.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.
This NVIC has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST Commandant 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.
Ave.
SE United States Coast Guard Stop 7509 Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC-2 Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-1246 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTPUB P16721 NVIC 01-17 February 16, 2017 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 01-17 Subj: GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS MATE ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS Ref: (a) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW), incorporated into regulations at 46 CFR 11.102 1.
PURPOSE.
This Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) provides guidance on qualification for and revalidation of national officer endorsements as Mate and STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of 500 GT or More
(OICNW) for service on offshore supply vessels (OSVs). 2. ACTION. The Coast Guard will use this NVIC and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Mate and/or OICNW on OSVs. Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should bring this NVIC to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility. 3. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. National Maritime Center (NMC) Policy Letter 7-00 is cancelled. 4. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION. a. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) amended the STCW Convention and STCW Code on June 25, 2010. These amendments entered into force for all ratifying countries, including the United States, on January 1, 2012. b. The Convention is not self-implementing; therefore, the U.S., as a signatory to the STCW Convention, initiated regulatory changes to ensure full implementation of the amendments to the STCW Convention and STCW Code. The U.S. implements these DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 167 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 01-17 provisions of the Convention under the authority of the United States Code, Titles 33 and 46. The Coast Guard published a final rule in the Federal Register on December 24, 2013
(78 FR 77796) that implements the STCW Convention and STCW Code, including the 2010 amendments.
This rule also made changes to qualification requirements for national endorsements, including those for service on OSVs.
This rule became effective on March 24, 2014.
The Coast Guard is publishing this NVIC to provide guidance on complying with the new regulations and is cancelling previous policy.
Accordingly, this NVIC cancels NMC Policy Letter 7-00. c.
The Coast Guard recognizes the operational requirements of offshore supply vessels and that some operations and requirements applicable to other classes of vessels may not apply to OSVs.
Using the authority described in 46 CFR 11.201(l), 11.301(f), 11.309(d) and (e), and 11.497(c) the Coast Guard has modified some of the requirements for merchant mariner credentials that will be limited to service on OSVs, d.
The Coast Guard recognizes that implementation of this NVIC prior to January 1, 2017 may be problematic for mariners and industry.
Therefore, we are extending the period during which mariners may qualify for STCW endorsements as OICNW limited to service on OSVs under the prior regulations.
Mariners may continue to qualify under regulations and policies in place before March 24, 2014, until January 1, 2018, for STCW endorsements restricted to service on OSVs.
Mariners may continue to qualify for national endorsements as Mate (OSV) under previous regulations and policies until March 24, 2019.
Mariners may elect to qualify under the new regulations and policies before that time.
Additional guidance is provided in Enclosure (1).
This extension does not apply to any requirements for the renewal of an existing endorsement. 5.
DISCLAIMER.
This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.
It is not intended to nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party.
It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.
You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. 6.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.
The development of this NVIC and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed by the originating office, and are categorically excluded (CE) under current USCG CE # 33 from further environmental analysis, in accordance with Section 2.B.2. and Figure 2-1 of the National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures and Policy for Considering Environmental Impacts, COMDTINST M16475.1
(series).
Because this NVIC implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion #33 is appropriate. b.
This NVIC will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 01-17 administrative determinations relating to the environment.
All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this NVIC must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 7.
DISTRIBUTION.
No paper distribution will be made of this Change Notice.
An electronic version will be located at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic. 8.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.
This NVIC has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series).
This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 9.
FORMS/REPORTS.
None. 10.
REQUEST FOR CHANGES.
All requests for changes or questions regarding the implementation of this NVIC should be directed to the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division (CG-MMC-2), at (202) 372-2357 or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil.
To obtain approval for an OSV training and assessment program, please see NVIC 03-14 and contact the NMC at NMCCourses@uscg.mil or (888) 427-5662 Date: 2017.02.16 13:24:13 -05'00' P.
F.
THOMAS Rear Admiral, U.
S.
Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Encl: (1) Qualification Requirements for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Mate and Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Offshore Supply Vessels
(2) Assessment Guidelines for Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More Limited to Service on Offshore Supply Vessels
(3) Record of Assessment for Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More Limited to Service on Offshore Supply Vessels
Sections it refers to
- 46 CFR Part 11
- NVIC 19-14
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. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.