NVIC 02-17: Chief Engineer endorsements on offshore supply vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This guidance change notice updates NVIC 02-17 on qualifying for national and STCW endorsements as Chief Engineer on offshore supply vessels. CH-5 extends the date until which STCW assessments may be signed by an assessor who is not an approved QA. The NVIC is guidance and does not impose legally-binding requirements.
Applies toThe text addresses mariners seeking national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs).
What it says
The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to decide whether mariners are qualified for national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Chief Engineer on OSVs.
“The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-17 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.”
The 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.”
Common questions
Until when can a non-QA assessor sign STCW assessments for OSV Chief Engineer?
The Coast Guard will continue to allow an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 to sign STCW assessments 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 not signed by an approved QA?
These assessments must be submitted 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 have 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 02-17 a binding regulation?
No. The text says it is not a regulation and does not impose legally-binding requirements on any party.
“This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a”
The text of NVIC 02-17
U.S. Coast Guard, NVIC 02-17 (main body; enclosures not shown)
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, 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 02-17 November 22, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-17, CH-5 Subj: CHANGE 5 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS CHIEF ENGINEER ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 02-17.
PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 02-17.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — ACTION. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners
are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs).
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 02-17 is
updated.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, 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 02-17 to reflect this extension.
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, 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 02-17 CHIEF ENGINEER ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — MAJOR CHANGES. This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 02-17 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 Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, 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 Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISTRIBUTION. An electronic version of NVIC 02-17 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 Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 — PROCEDURE. Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 02-17:
Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (3), Page 8 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 8 CH-5
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, 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 Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, 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 02-17 December 15, 2021 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-17, CH-4 Subj: CHANGE 4 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS CHIEF ENGINEER ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 1.
PURPOSE.
This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-4 to NVIC 02-17. 2.
ACTION.
The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs). 3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.
With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 02-17 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 02-17 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 02-17 6.
MAJOR CHANGES.
This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 02-17 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 02-17: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-3 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 8 CH-3 Enclosure (3), Page 8 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 02-17
CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, 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 02-17 August 11, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-17, CH-3 Subj: CHANGE 3 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS CHIEF ENGINEER ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 1.
PURPOSE.
This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-3 to NVIC 02-17. 2.
ACTION.
The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs). 3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.
With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 02-17 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 02-17 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 02-17 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 02-17 January 6, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-17, CH-2 Subj: CHANGE 2 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS CHIEF ENGINEER ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 1.
PURPOSE.
This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-2 to NVIC 02-17. 2.
ACTION.
The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-17 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as Chief Engineer 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 02-17 is updated. 4.
DISCUSSION.
Enclosure (1) of NVIC 02-17 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 02-17 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 CONSIDERATI 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 fuither 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 #43 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/NVlC/ 9.
PROCEDURE.
Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 02-17: Remove Insert Enclosure (l), Pages 3 and 4 CH-l Enclosure (1), Page 3 CH-z 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 requirernents, 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.
I 1.
FORMS/REPORTS.
None. 12.
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@uscs.mil.
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 02-17 October 26, 2018 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-17, CH 1 Subj: CH-1 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS CHIEF ENGINEER ON OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS, NVIC 02-17, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for National and STCW Endorsements for Service as Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels, NVIC 02-17, 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 Chief Engineer 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 expired 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 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 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 changes the guidance found in reference (a) concerning endorsements as Chief Engineer that are limited to service on OSVs, as follows: a.
Enclosure (1) is revised to remove grandfathering provisions for an STCW endorsement that expired on January 1, 2018. b.
Enclosure (1) is revised to add an explanation of the requirement in 46 CFR 11.201(a) that mariners must hold an appropriate national endorsement to qualify for an STCW endorsement. 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, Coast Guard 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 1 Enclosure (1), Page 1 CH-1 Enclosure (1), Pages 3 and 4 Enclosure (1), Pages 3 and 4 CH-1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-1 Enclosure (3), Page 8 Enclosure (3), Page 8 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 Commandant U.S.
Coast Guard Stop 7509 United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.
Ave.
SE 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 02-17 February 16, 2017 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-17 Subj: GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL AND STCW ENGINEERING OFFICER ENDORSEMENTS FOR SERVICE AS CHIEF ENGINEER 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 renewal of national officer and STCW endorsements as Chief Engineer that are limited to service on offshore supply vessels (OSVs). 2.
ACTION.
The Coast Guard will use this NVIC and Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Sections 11.325 and 11.553 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold national officer and STCW endorsements authorizing service as engineering officers 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 superseded. 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 United States, 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 United States implements 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 D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-17 these provisions under the Convention and 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 these regulations. c.
The Coast Guard recognizes the operational requirements of OSVs 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); 11.325(c); and 11.553(d), the Coast Guard has modified some of the requirements for merchant mariner credentials for engineering officers that will be limited to service on OSVs. d.
The Coast Guard is extending the period during which mariners may qualify for STCW endorsements limited to service on OSVs under previous regulations and policies until January 1, 2018.
Mariners may qualify for national endorsements as Chief Engineer limited to service on OSVs under previous regulations and policies until March 24, 2019.
Additional guidance is provided in Enclosure (1). 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 the 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 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. NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-17 7. DISTRIBUTION. No paper distribution will be made of this NVIC. 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 and questions regarding 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, contact the NMC at IAskNMC@uscg.mil or
(888) 427-5662 Date: 2017.02.16 13:28:01 -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 Chief Engineer on Offshore Supply Vessels
(2) Assessment Guidelines for Chief Engineer on Ships Powered by Main Propulsion Machinery of 3,000 kW/4,000 HP Propulsion Power or More Limited to Service on Offshore Supply Vessels
(3) Record of Assessment for Chief Engineer on Vessels Powered by Main Propulsion Machinery of 3,000 kW/4,000 HP or More Limited to Service on Offshore Supply Vessels
Sections it refers to
- 46 CFR Part 11
- NVIC 19-14
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