NVIC 03-18: STCW master endorsements under 500 GT guidance

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This Coast Guard guidance explains how mariners qualify for STCW endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters. Change 4 extends the date for accepting assessments not signed by an approved Qualified Assessor. The NVIC is guidance and not a regulation.

What it says

  1. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 03-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to decide whether mariners qualify for STCW Master endorsements for vessels of less than 500 GT valid upon all waters.

    “The Coast Guard will use NVIC 03-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners”
  2. The Coast Guard will keep allowing assessments signed by an assessor who meets the requirements 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.”
  3. 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.”
  4. Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may keep signing assessments after December 31, 2028.

    “Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after December 31, 2028.”
  5. This guidance is not a regulation and is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements.

    “This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a regulation.”

Common questions

Until when can assessments be signed by someone who is not an approved Qualified Assessor?

The Coast Guard will allow assessments signed by an assessor who meets the requirements 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 under the extension?

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 03-18 a binding regulation?

No. It is guidance 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 03-18

U.S. Coast Guard, NVIC 03-18 (main body; enclosures not shown)

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, 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 03-18 November 22, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 03-18, CH-4 Subj: CHANGE 4 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS MASTER OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-4 to NVIC 03-18.

PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-4 to NVIC 03-18.

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — ACTION. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 03-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners

are qualified for STCW endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal waters).

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 03-18 is

updated.

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, 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 03-18 to reflect this extension.

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, 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.

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — MAJOR CHANGES. This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 03-18 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: Subj: CHANGE 4 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS MASTER OF VESSELS OF LESS NVIC 03-18 THAN 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, 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-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISTRIBUTION. An electronic version of NVIC 03-18 as revised by this Commandant Change

Notice will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/.

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, COMDTPUB 16721 — PROCEDURE. Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 03-18:

Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-2 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 12 CH-2 Enclosure (3), Page 12 CH-4

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, 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-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, 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 03-18 March 27, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 03-18, CH-3 Subj: CHANGE 3 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS MASTER OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-3 to NVIC 03-18. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 03-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements as Master 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 03-18 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.

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 03-18 to allow certain assessments to be conducted at alternate locations.

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 03-18 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 03-18: Remove Insert Enclosure (2) Page 6 Enclosure (2) Page 6 CH-3 Enclosure (2) Page 8 Enclosure (2) Page 8 CH-3 Enclosure (2) Page 36 Enclosure (2) Page 36 CH-3 Enclosure (2) Page 40 Enclosure (2) Page 40 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.

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 03-18 December 15, 2021 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 03-18, CH-2 Subj: CHANGE 2 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS MASTER OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-2 to NVIC 03-18. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 03-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements as Master 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 03-18 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 03-18 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 03-18 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: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 03-18 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 03-18: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-2 Enclosure (3), Page 12 CH-1 Enclosure (3), Page 12 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. 11.

FORMS/REPORTS.

None.

CH-4 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 Gross Tons (GT), NVIC 3-18, 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.

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 03-18 September 9, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 03-18, CH-1 Subj: CHANGE 1 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS MASTER OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT, NVIC 03-18, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-1 to NVIC 03-18. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 03-18 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements as Master 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 03-18 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 03-18 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 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 03-18 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 03-18: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-1 Enclosure (3), Page 12 Enclosure (3), Page 12 CH-1 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. 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@uscg.mil. /s/ R.

V.

TIMME Rear Admiral, U.

S.

Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Commandant 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.

Ave SE United States Coast Guard Stop 7509 Washington, DC 20593-7501 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC-2 Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-4908 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTPUB P16721 NVIC NO. 03-18 August 6, 2018 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 03-18 Subj: GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS MASTER OF VESSELS OF LESS THAN 500 GROSS TONS (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, endorsements under Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code for service as Master 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 Part 11.315 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Master of Vessels of Less Than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal voyages).

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 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 became effective on March 24, 2014.

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 X NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 03-18 The Coast Guard is publishing this NVIC to provide guidance on complying with these regulations. 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 to 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. 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.

Sections it refers to

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.