NVIC 02-18: Change 5 to OICNW under 500 GT guidance

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 02-18 November 22, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-18, CH-5 Subj: CHANGE 5 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721

CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 02-18.

PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 02-18.

CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — ACTION. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners

are qualified for STCW endorsements authorizing service as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal waters).

CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 02-18 is

updated.

CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, 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 02-18 to reflect this extension.

CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, 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 STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NVIC 02-18 NAVIGATIONAL WATCH OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721

CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — MAJOR CHANGES. This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 02-18 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 STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS.

a. 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 STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISTRIBUTION. An electronic version of NVIC 02-18 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 STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — PROCEDURE. Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 02-18:

Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-3 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (3), Page 11 CH-3 Enclosure (3), Page 11 CH-5

CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, 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 STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, 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 02-18 March 27, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-18, CH-4 Subj: CHANGE 4 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-4 to NVIC 02-18. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements authorizing service as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal waters). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 02-18 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

Some mariners may encounter difficulties performing certain assessments.

This change notice modifies the performance conditions of certain assessments to allow the assessment to be performed in alternate locations that have the other criteria specific in the performance condition for the assessment. 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.

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 other 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: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 02-18 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 02-18 to allow certain assessments to be conducted at alternate locations. 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 02-18: Remove Insert Enclosure (2) Page 12 Enclosure (2) Page 12 CH-4 Enclosure (2) Page 23 Enclosure (2) Page 23 CH-4 Enclosure (2) Page 25 Enclosure (2) Page 25 CH-4 Enclosure (2) Page 27 Enclosure (2) Page 27 CH-4 Enclosure (2) Page 59 Enclosure (2) Page 59 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.

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 02-18 December 15, 2021 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-18, CH-3 Subj: CHANGE 3 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-3 to NVIC 02-18. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements authorizing service as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal waters). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 02-18 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 02-18 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 02-18 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 02-18 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 02-18: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-3 Enclosure (3), Page 11 CH-1 Enclosure (3), Page 11 CH-3 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.

CH-5 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, 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 02-18 August 26, 2021 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-18, CH-2 Subj: CHANGE 2 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-2 to NVIC 02-18. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements authorizing service as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal waters). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 02-18 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION. a.

The Coast Guard has become aware that mariners seeking an endorsement as OICNW of vessels of less than 500 GT are experiencing difficulties meeting the sea service requirements for the endorsement.

As is specified in 46 CFR 11.319(a)(2), mariners must obtain at least 6 months of service performing bridge watchkeeping duties.

The amount of service in a rating capacity that can be used to meet this required is limited to not more than 6 months of experience, which is accepted as 3 months of creditable service. b.

OICNW is considered to be a first certificate of competence in that it may be the first STCW officer endorsement a mariner obtains.

Mariners seeking endorsements as OICNW typically qualify for their credentials by serving as a rating such as able seaman.

Given the limitation on rating service, it is not possible for mariners to qualify for an endorsement as OICNW for vessels of less than 500 GT if they are not enrolled in a Coast Guard approved training program.

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 c.

The limitation on rating service was an oversight.

During development of the final rule implementing the STCW 2010 amendments that published on December 24, 2013, (78 FR 77796), the Coast Guard removed a similar limitation that had been proposed for endorsements as OICNW for 500 GT or more in 46 CFR 11.309(a)(2).

However, the Coast Guard neglected to make the same change to 46 CFR 11.319(a)(2). d.

This CH-2 will remedy the barrier to qualifying for the OICNW less than 500 GT endorsement by not enforcing the 3 month maximum allowable substitution for service as a rating to meet the required service performing bridge watchkeeping duties and the discounting of this service.

The Coast Guard will accept, on a day for day basis and without limitation, service in any capacity performing bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of an officer holding the STCW endorsement as Master, Chief Mate, or OICNW. 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 02-18 to allow mariners to qualify for an endorsement as OICNW less than 500 GT without a limitation on how much of the total required service for an endorsement as OICNW of vessels of less than 500 GT may be obtained in a rating capacity.

The revised NVIC 02-18 will have the same bridge watchkeeping service requirement as is specified in 46 CFR 11.309 for OICNW for 500 GT or more. 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 02-18: Remove Insert Enclosure (1), Page 1 Enclosure (1), Page 1 CH-2 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 02-18 August 11, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-18, CH-1 Subj: CHANGE 1 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 02-18, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-1 to NVIC 02-18. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements authorizing service as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal waters). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 02-18 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 02-18 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 02-18 to extend the date for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.

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 COMDTPUB P16721 NVIC 02-18 August 6, 2018 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-18 Subj: GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT 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, STCW endorsements for service as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) on vessels of less than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use this NVIC and 46 CFR 11.319 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements authorizing service as OICNW on vessels of less than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal waters).

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.

None. 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 provisions under the Convention and under the authority of the United States Code, Titles 5, 14, 33, and 46.

The Coast Guard published a final rule titled, “Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and Changes to National Endorsements” in the Federal Register on December 24, 2013 (78 FR 77796) that implements the STCW Convention and STCW Code, including the 2010 amendments.

The Coast Guard is publishing this NVIC to provide guidance on complying with these regulations.

NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 02-18 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 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 NVIC.

An electronic version will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/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.