NVIC 12-14: Change 8 to OICNW STCW endorsement guidelines

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 12-14 May 26, 2026 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 12-14, CH-8 Subj: CHANGE 8 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge Part of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-8 to NVIC 12-14.

PURPOSE. This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-8 to NVIC 12-14.

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — ACTION. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 12-14 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners

are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More (OICNW).

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 12-14 is

updated.

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISCUSSION. NVIC 12-14 included as Enclosure (4) a transition scheme for mariners who had

completed assessments of competence prior to publication of NVIC 12-14 in 2014. That transition scheme expired on June 30, 2020, and is no longer valid.

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, 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-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — MAJOR CHANGES. This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 12-14 to remove the expired

policy originally contained in Enclosure (4).

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, 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- 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 12-14 November 22, 2023 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 12-14, CH-7 Subj: CHANGE 7 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge Part of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-7 to NVIC 12-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 12-14 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More (OICNW). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 12-14 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 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 Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 12-14 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 7 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NVIC 12-14 NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 12-14 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.

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — DISTRIBUTION. An electronic version of NVIC 12-14 as revised by this Commandant Change

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

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — PROCEDURE. Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 12-14:

Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-7 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-5 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-7

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, 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-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, 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 12-14 December 22, 2022 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 12-14, CH-6 Subj: CHANGE 6 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge Part of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-6 to NVIC 12-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 12-14 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More (OICNW). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 12-14 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION.

The Coast Guard has become aware of a typographical error in Enclosure (1) of NVIC 12-14.

The assessments a mariner should complete to demonstrate meeting the standard of competence for Leadership and Teamworking Skills are incorrectly identified.

This change notice corrects that error.

This change notice also removes grandfathering provisions in Enclosure (1) that have expired. 5.

DISCLAIMER.

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

It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally binding requirements on any party.

It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.

You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 168 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X D E X X F G H X X NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises the guidance found in Enclosure (1) of NVIC 12-14 to: a.

Correctly identify the assessments that are applicable to Leadership and Teamworking Skills; and b.

Remove grandfathering provisions that expired on June 30, 2020. 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 http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic. 9.

PROCEDURE.

Remove and insert the following pages of NVIC 12-14: Remove Insert Enclosure (1), Page 3 CH-3 Enclosure (1), Page 3 CH-6 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.

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 12-14 December 15, 2021 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 12-14, CH-5 Subj: CHANGE 5 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge Part of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-5 to NVIC 12-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 12-14 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More (OICNW). 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 12-14 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 12-14 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 12-14 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises NVIC 12-14 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 12-14: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-5 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-5 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.

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

This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 11.

FORMS/REPORTS.

None.

COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721

CH-8 to Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels Of 500 GT Or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — REQUEST FOR CHANGES. All requests for changes or questions regarding implementation of

NVIC 12-14 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 12-14 March 25, 2020 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 12-14, CH-4 Subj: CHANGE 4 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge Part of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-4 to NVIC 12-14. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 12-14 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More (OICNW).

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 12-14 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 12-14 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 12-14 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.

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 12-14 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 12-14: Remove Insert Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-1 Enclosure (2), Page 1 CH-4 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-1 Enclosure (3), Page 10 CH-4 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.

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

This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 11.

FORMS/REPORTS.

None. 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 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 12-14 19 SEP 2019 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 12-14, CH 3 Subj: CH-3 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-3 to NVIC 12-14, Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More. 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use NVIC 12-14 and 46 CFR Part 11 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More (OICNW).

Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should also bring this notice to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

With the release of this Commandant Change Notice, NVIC 12-14 is updated. 4.

DISCUSSION. a.

NVIC 12-14 included grandfathering provisions that expired on January 1, 2017.

As that date has passed, this change notice removes those now-expired provisions. b.

As is specified in 46 CFR 11.201(a), mariners applying for an STCW officer endorsement must hold an appropriate national endorsement.

This change notice revises NVIC 12-14 to add a discussion of this requirement. 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. 169 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice revises Enclosure (1) of NVIC 12-14 to remove grandfathering provisions for an STCW endorsement that expired on January 1, 2017, and to add an explanation of the requirement in 46 CFR 11.201(a) to hold an appropriate national endorsement in order to qualify for an STCW endorsement. 7.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS. a.

The development of this NVIC 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 NVIC implements, without substantive change, the applicable Commandant Instruction or other federal agency regulations, procedures, manuals, and other guidance documents, Coast Guard categorical exclusion A3 is appropriate. b.

This NVIC will not have any of the following: significant cumulative impacts on the human environment; substantial controversy or substantial change to existing environmental conditions; or inconsistencies with any Federal, State, or local laws or administrative determinations relating to the environment.

All future specific actions resulting from the general policies in this NVIC must be individually evaluated for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA), DHS and Coast Guard NEPA policy, and compliance with all other environmental mandates. 8.

DISTRIBUTION.

No paper distribution will be made of this Commandant Change Notice.

An electronic version will be located at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/. 9.

PROCEDURE.

Remove and insert the following pages of Reference (a): Remove Insert Enclosure (1) Enclosure (1) CH-3 10.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS.

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

This policy does not create significant or substantial change to existing records management requirements. 11.

FORMS/REPORTS.

None.

CH-3 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 12-14 July 19, 2018 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 12-14, CH-2 Subj: CH-2 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-2 to reference (a). 2.

ACTION.

The Coast Guard will use reference (a) and 46 CFR 46 CFR 11.309 to establish whether mariners are qualified to hold STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More (OICNW).

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.

Reference (a) provided a transition period until December 31, 2016, during which mariners could qualify for an OICNW endorsement using assessments from previous policies.

The Coast Guard has become aware that some mariners who began qualifying for OICNW using the former assessment scheme have yet to complete all of their assessments and would have to re-start their assessment process using the new assessment scheme.

In order to minimize burden to these mariners, the Coast Guard is extending the period during which mariners may use the former assessment scheme. 5.

DISCLAIMER.

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

It is not intended to, nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party.

It represents the Coast Guard’s current thinking on this topic and is issued for guidance purposes to outline methods of best practice for compliance with applicable law.

You can use an alternative approach if the approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 168 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X D E X X F G H X X NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 6.

MAJOR CHANGES.

This Commandant Change Notice changes the guidance found in reference (a) concerning the transition from the former assessment scheme for OICNW.

The Coast Guard will accept assessments from the former scheme if they are signed before March 24, 2019, and submitted to the Coast Guard in application for an OICNW endorsement not later than June 30, 2020. 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 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 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 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 http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic. 9.

PROCEDURE.

Remove and insert the following pages of Enclosure (1) to Reference (a): Remove Insert Enclosure (1), Page 2 Enclosure (1), Page 2 CH-2 Enclosure (4), Page 1 Enclosure (4), Page 1 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.

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-2 Phone: 202-372-2357 Fax: 202-372-1246 Email: MMCPolicy@uscg.mil COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 NVIC 12-14 February 21, 2017 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 12-14, CH 1 Subj: CH-1 TO GUIDELINES ON QUALIFICATION FOR STCW ENDORSEMENTS AS OFFICER IN CHARGE OF A NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ON VESSELS OF 500 GT OR MORE, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 Ref: (a) Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 1.

PURPOSE.

This Commandant Change Notice publishes CH-1 to Reference (a), Guidelines on Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More, NVIC 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721. 2.

ACTION.

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

Internet release is authorized. 3.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED.

Navigation and Inspection Circular (NVIC) 12-14, COMDTPUB 16721 is changed in accordance with this Commandant Change Notice. 4.

DISCUSSION. a.

This notice changes the guidance found in Reference (a) concerning qualifying for STCW endorsements as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Vessels of 500 GT or More

(OICNW). b.

After publication of NVIC 12-14, the Coast Guard recognized that some of the model assessments are duplicative of training and assessment done in Coast Guard approved courses required for an endorsement as OICNW. c.

If a mariner has begun qualifiying for an OICNW endorsement using the original assessment guidelines, and the vessel on which they are serving does not support one or more assessments DISTRIBUTION – SDL No. 168 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z A B X X X X C X X D E X X F G H NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 from the original guidelines, mariners may substitute the corresponding assessment from this CH-1.

The Coast Guard will continue to accept demonstrations of competence using the original guidelines in Enclosure (2) of NVIC 12-14 and documented using the original Record of Assessment (Enclosure (3)) until December 31, 2017. 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. a.

This CH-1 to NVIC 12-14 revises Enclosures (2) and (3).

Enclosure (2) is revised to: 1) omit excessive detail that is not necessary to establish the competence of the candidate; and 2) note that assessments may be demonstrated by successful completion of a Coast Guard approved course required by regulation.

The changes specify which knowledge, understanding and proficiency (KUPs) the courses meet.

For these assessments, the mariner need only present a course completion certificate as evidence to demonstrate the assessment.

It is important to note that these changes do not impose new training requirements. b.

Enclosure (3) is revised to be consistent with changes to Enclosure (2).

Changes from the original guidelines in Enclosures (2) and (3) are indicated by a vertical line to the left of the changed text. 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. DISTRIBUTION. No paper distribution will be made of this CH-1. An electronic version will be located at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic. COMDTCHANGENOTE 16721 9. PROCEDURE. Remove and insert the following pages: Remove Insert Remove Enclosure (2) Insert CH-1 Enclosure (2) Remove Enclosure (3) Insert CH-1 Enclosure (3) 10. RECORDS MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS. This NVIC has been thoroughly reviewed during the directives clearance process, and it has been determined there are no further records scheduling requirements, in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), NARA requirements, and the Information and Life Cycle Management Manual, COMDTINST 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 this CH-1 should be directed to the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division (CG-MMC-2), at

(202) 372-2357 or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil. To obtain approval for an alternative to the assessments described in Enclosure (2), contact the NMC at (888) 427-5662 or IAskNMC@uscg.mil. P. F. THOMAS Rear Admiral, U. S. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy