STCW

[benrachor]

Hello all,

I'm a USCG licensed captain working for a tour boat company in the Tampa Bay. I hold a Master 50 ton Inland license with the Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement. I have my TWIC card along with my FCC MROP. Because I work only in the Tampa Bay/downtown area I don't need the Near Coastal endorsement. I have just completed my STCW Basic Safety Training class and want to add this to my license.

I have been told by some that the STCW is and international cert. and I can't get it until I get my N/C from the coast guard. I was told I need 360 days to upgrade to the Near Coastal, but my STCW class papers will expire in a year.

Answers and Opinions?

[Randy]

I'd look at The CG website to try to get greater clarification. To my understanding STCW is required for oceans certification but that doesn't mean STCW endorsement can't be added to your current license. Anyway a thorough reading of the web site should add clarification and going down to the nearest CG REC & submitting your certification is fairly painless.

[captain465]

The STCW cert is added to your Merchant Mariners Document (MMD).It does not appear on your USCG Certificate/Masters License.