NVIC 06-14: Qualification for STCW RFPNW endorsements guidance

Commandant 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE United States Coast Guard Stop 7509 Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC-2 Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-4908 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 06-14 July 22, 2025 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14, CH-7 Subj: CHANGE 7 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721

CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-7 to NVIC 06-14.

PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-7 to NVIC 06-14.

CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — ACTION. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 06-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether

mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW).

CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 06-

14 is updated.

CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISCUSSION. This Commandant Change Notice revises Enclosure (1) to add information

concerning the requirement in 46 CFR 12.201(a)(1) that mariners applying for an STCW rating endorsement must hold an appropriate national endorsement.

CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, 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-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, 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 This and other Coast Guard Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars are available at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/ and by using this QR Code. 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 06-14 November 22, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14, CH-6 Subj: CHANGE 6 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1. PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-6 to NVIC 06-14. 2. ACTION. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 06-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch

(RFPNW). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 06-14 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, 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 on page 4 of Enclosure (3) to this NVIC and 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 Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 06-14 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.

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 6 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NVIC 06-14 NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 06-14 to extend the date for acceptance of assessments that were not signed by a Coast Guard approved Qualified Assessor.

CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, 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-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISTRIBUTION. An electronic version of NVIC 06-14 as revised by this Commandant Change

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

CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — PROCEDURE. Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 06-14:

Remove Insert Enclosure (3), Page 4 CH-5 Enclosure (3), Page 4 CH-6

CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, 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-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — FORMS/REPORTS. None.

Commandant 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.

Ave SE United States Coast Guard Stop 7509 Washington, DC 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-4908 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 06-14 February 2, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14, CH-5 Subj: CHANGE 5 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 06-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 06-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 06-14 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

This Commandant Change Notices revises NVIC 06-14 to provide greater flexibility in when and how certain assessments of a mariner’s competence can be conducted.

This change will allow certain assessments to be conducted ashore as an alternative to a shipboard demonstration.

This change also removes expired grandfathering 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.

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 D E X X F G H X X NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 06-14 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 06-14 to: a.

Remove expired grandfathering provisions from Enclosure (1) concerning an endorsement that is limited to lookout duties only; b.

Restore the Assessment Guidelines that were erroneously deleted from Enclosure (2) in Change 3 to NVIC-06-14; c.

Add the option to perform assessment no. 3.4.A on a simulator; d.

Add alternatives to assessment task numbers 3.6.A and 3.6.B in Enclosure (2) to provide the option to conduct an assessment of competence in locations other than aboard a ship; and e.

Revise the Record of Assessment in Enclosure (3) to add the alternative tasks described above. 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: Remove Insert Enclosure (1) Page 1 Enclosure (1) Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (2) Page 1 CH-3 Enclosure (2) Page 1 CH-5 COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 06-14 Enclosure (2) Page 11 CH-3 Enclosure (2) Page 11 CH-5 Enclosure (2) Pages 14-15 CH-3 Enclosure (2) Pages 14-16 CH-5 Enclosure (3) Pages 3-4 Enclosure (3) Pages 3-5 CH-5 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATONS.

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-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, 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.

W.

R.

ARGUIN 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 20593-7509 Staff Symbol: CG-MMC Phone: (202) 372-2357 Fax: (202) 372-4908 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 06-14 February 2, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14, CH-5 Subj: CHANGE 5 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 06-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 06-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 06-14 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

This Commandant Change Notices revises NVIC 06-14 to provide greater flexibility in when and how certain assessments of a mariner’s competence can be conducted.

This change will allow certain assessments to be conducted ashore as an alternative to a shipboard demonstration.

This change also removes expired grandfathering 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.

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 D E X X F G H X X NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 06-14 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 06-14 to: a.

Remove expired grandfathering provisions from Enclosure (1) concerning an endorsement that is limited to lookout duties only; b.

Restore the Assessment Guidelines that were erroneously deleted from Enclosure (2) in Change 3 to NVIC-06-14; c.

Add the option to perform assessment no. 3.4.A on a simulator; d.

Add alternatives to assessment task numbers 3.6.A and 3.6.B in Enclosure (2) to provide the option to conduct an assessment of competence in locations other than aboard a ship; and e.

Revise the Record of Assessment in Enclosure (3) to add the alternative tasks described above. 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: Remove Insert Enclosure (1) Page 1 Enclosure (1) Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (2) Page 1 CH-3 Enclosure (2) Page 1 CH-4 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 06-14 December 15, 2021 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14, CH-4 Subj: CHANGE 4 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-4 to NVIC 06-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 06-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch

(RFPNW). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 06-14 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 Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 06-14 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 06-14 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 06-14 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 06-14: Remove Insert Enclosure (3), Page 4 CH-2 Enclosure (3), Page 4 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. 12.

REQUEST FOR CHANGES.

All requests for changes or questions regarding implementation of NVIC 06-14 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 06-14 September 9, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14, CH-3 Subj: CH-2 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-3 to NVIC 06-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 06-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch

(RFPNW). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 06-14 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION. a.

Since NVIC 06-14 was published, the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) compasses has become more prevalent in the maritime industry.

In addition, Regulation 9.3.2.2 of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (the Polar Code) specifies that vessels operating at latitudes over 80⁰ shall be fitted with at least one GNSS compass. b.

This Commandant Change Notices revises NVIC 06-14 to provide that a GNSS compass may be used for demonstrations of meeting certain of the STCW standards of competence for RFPNW. 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 D E X X F G H X X NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 06-14 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises: a.

Enclosures (1) and (2) to allow the use of a GNSS compass for certain assessments of competence; b.

The “Performance Conditions” for assessment tasks in Enclosure (2) to provide greater clarity on the conditions for the assessment, including the type of compasses used for the assessment task and whether the assessment may be performed on a simulator; and c.

Assessment task no. 3.2.A to provide the option to assess in a laboratory and to change the performance behavior to have the candidate explain how to respond to certain alarms rather than responding to actual alarms. 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: Remove Insert Enclosure (1) Page 2 Enclosure (1) Page 2 CH-3 Enclosure (2) Enclosure (2) 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.

COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 06-14 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. /s/ 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 06-14 February 26, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14, CH-2 Subj: CHANGE 2 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-2 to NVIC 06-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 06-14 and 46 CFR Part 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch

(RFPNW).

The National Maritime Center should bring this notice to the attention of the maritime industry. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 06-14 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 Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 06-14 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 06-14 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 7.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPA CT CONSIDERATIONS. a.

The development oft his Commandant Change Notice and the general policies contained within it have been thoroughly reviewed under Department ofH omeland se·curity 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 oft he following: si ificant cumulative gn 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 oft his 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 ofNVIC 06-14: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-2 Enclosure (3), Page 4 CH-1 Enclosure (3), Page 4 CH-2 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.

This Commandant Change Notice has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act ( 44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST M5212.12 (series).

This policy does not create si ificant or substantial change to gn 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.

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 06-14 April 1, 2019 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14, CH 1 Subj: CHANGE 1 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsement as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, 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 12 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch

(RFPNW).

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) contained grandfathering provisions that expired on January 1, 2017.

This Commandant Change Notice removes those 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 Commandant Change Notice revises Reference (a) to reflect this extension. c.

This Commandant Change Notice also adds clarifying information concerning assessments of mariner competence that are performed on military vessels.

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 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 changes the guidance found in reference (a) concerning endorsements as RFPNW as follows: a.

Enclosure (1) is revised to remove grandfathering provisions concerning the use of assessments from previous policy.

Those grandfathering provisions expired on January 1, 2017. b.

Enclosures (2), and (3) are 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. c.

Enclosure (4) provided a transition scheme for use of assessments from former policy that expired on January 1, 2017.

This Commandant Change Notice removes that enclosure. 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/.

Commandant 2703 Martin Luther King Jr.

Ave.

SE United States Coast Guard Washington, DC 20593-7501 Staff Symbol: CG-CVC-4 Phone: (202) 372-2357 E-Mail: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTPUB P16721 NVIC 06-14 25 JAN 2014 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14 Subj: GUIDELINES FOR QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS RATING FORMING PART OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH Ref: (a) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW), Regulation II/4 and Section A-II/4 of STCW Code, incorporated into regulations at 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 12.103 1.

PURPOSE.

This Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) provides guidance on qualification for and revalidation of STCW endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW). 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use this NVIC and 46 CFR 12.605 when establishing whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as RFPNW.

Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should also bring this NVIC to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility.

This NVIC is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic.

The Coast Guard will distribute it by electronic means only. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

This NVIC cancels NVIC 02-02, Guidelines for Assessment of Seafarers’ Proficiency for Certification as Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch Through Demonstrations of Skills, and its enclosures; National Maritime Center (NMC) Policy Letter 05-00, Approval of Programs Leading to Certification as a Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch; and those portions of NMC Policy Letter 14-02, Qualifications for Deck and Engineering Ratings, that are only applicable to RFPNW, including provisions for the issuance of an interim, non-renewable endorsement of Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch – Lookout Duties Only.

Beginning March 24, 2015, DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 162 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 X C X X D X X E X X F G H NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14 this interim endorsement will no longer be issued.

Endorsements issued prior to this date will remain valid until their specified expiration date 4.

BACKGROUND. a.

The STCW Convention and STCW Code sets forth standards for training and certification for merchant mariners, including mariners serving as RFPNW. b.

In order to implement the 1995 amendments to STCW, the Coast Guard published NVIC 02-02 and NMC Policy Letter 14-02 providing guidance on how mariners may qualify for endorsements as RFPNW. c.

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 on January 1, 2012. d.

The Convention is not self-implementing; therefore, the U.S., as a signatory to the STCW Convention, must initiate 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 applicable domestic laws in United States Code, Titles 33 and 46. e.

The Coast Guard published a final rule on December 24, 2013 (78 FR 77796) that implements the STCW, including the 2010 amendments.

The Coast Guard is publishing this NVIC to provide guidance on complying with the new regulations and is cancelling previous policy.

Accordingly, this NVIC cancels NVIC 02-02, NMC Policy Letter 05-00 and relevant portions of NMC Policy Letter 14-02. 5.

DISCUSSION. a.

Policy regarding endorsement as RFPNW is located in this NVIC, including forms to facilitate compliance with the regulations.

Enclosure (1) details specific requirements found in the regulations for this endorsement.

Enclosure (2) contains the national assessment guidelines for this endorsement.

Enclosure (3) may be used to record completion of assessments.

Enclosure (4) provides a transition scheme for mariners who have begun qualifying for RFPNW using the assessments in the now cancelled NVIC 02- 02.

Enclosure (5) provides relevant excerpts from the STCW Convention and STCW Code. b.

Qualified Assessors (QAs) are encouraged to use either the guidelines in Enclosure (2) or an alternative as discussed in paragraph 5.c. c.

QAs may refine these published guidelines and/or develop alternatives since the standards used on board any given vessel may need to be modified to be compatible with the vessel’s equipment and operations manuals.

A training institution submitting a course or program that leads to an endorsement as RFPNW should state either that the guidelines in Enclosure (2) will apply, or provide the guidelines it proposes to use.

NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 06-14 However, under 46 CFR 10.402(e), a training institution must submit any deviations from these guidelines to the Coast Guard for approval before use. d.

When applying for an RFPNW endorsement, the applicant need only submit the completed Enclosure (3), Record of Assessment (or equivalent evidence of demonstration of competency), to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard recommends that the applicant retain a copy of Enclosure (3) (or equivalent evidence of demonstration of competency) for his or her records. 6.

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. 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 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. 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 Federal Records Act, 44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq., NARA requirements, and 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. NAVIGATIONAND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULARNO. 06-14 10. QUESTIONS. All questions regardingimplementationofthis Circularshouldbedirectedto theMarinerCredentialingProgramPolicyDivision (CG-CVC-4), at(202) 372-2357or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil. To obtain approval for analternativeto the assessments describedin Enclosure (2), contacttheNMCat(888)427-5662 orIAskNMC@uscg.mil. _ ,~~Qa- RVIDIO Admiral, U. S. CoastGuard istant Commandant forPreventionPolicy Encl: (1) DiscussionofQualification Requirements for Ratings FormingPart ofaNavigational Watch

(2) AssessmentGuidelines forRatings FormingPartofaNavigational Watch

(3) RecordofAssessmentforRatings FormingPartofaNavigational Watch

(4) Transitionfrom theFormerAssessment SchemeforRatings FormingPartofa NavigationalWatch

(5) Excerpts from STCW Conventionand STCW Code