The following is text from a post on Coast Guard Maritime Commons:
(WASHINGTON) — The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing released two Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC) on Aug. 6 related to watchkeeping aboard vessels less than 500 gross tons.
• NVIC 02-18 provides guidance on qualification for, and renewal of, STCW endorsements for service as officer in charge of a navigational watch (OICNW) on vessels of less than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 02-18 and 46 CFR 11.319 to establish whether mariners are qualified for STCW endorsements authorizing service as OICNW on vessels of less than 500 GT that are valid upon all waters (i.e., not limited to near-coastal waters).
• NVIC 03-18 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. The Coast Guard will use NVIC 03-18 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).
All requests for changes and questions regarding implementation of these NVICs should be directed to the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at (202) 372-2357 or MMCPolicy@uscg.mil. To obtain approval for a training course or program, or for an alternative to the assessments in the enclosures, contact the National Maritime Center at IAskNMC@uscg.mil or (888) 427-5662.
