#### § 12.603 Requirements to qualify for an STCW endorsement as able seafarer-deck.

(a) To qualify for this endorsement as able seafarer-deck, an applicant must—

(1) Be not less than 18 years of age;

(2) Meet the requirements for certification as a RFPNW;

(3) While qualified as an RFPNW, have seagoing service in the deck department of—

(i) Not less than 18 months; or

(ii) Not less than 12 months and have completed approved training;

(4) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A-II/5 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see [§ 12.103 of this part](/on/2024-09-23/title-46/part-12/section-12.103)); and

(5) Provide evidence of having satisfactorily completed approved training in—

(i) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC); or

(ii) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, other than lifeboats or fast rescue boats-limited (PSC-limited), as appropriate.

(b) Seafarers holding a rating endorsement as able seaman before January 1, 2017, will be eligible for this endorsement upon showing evidence of—

(1) Holding an endorsement as an RFPNW; and

(2) Having satisfactorily completed approved training in—

(i) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, other than fast rescue boats (PSC); or

(ii) Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, other than lifeboats or fast rescue boats-limited (PSC-limited), as appropriate.

(c) The Coast Guard may exempt an applicant from meeting any individual knowledge, understanding, and proficiency required in Section A-II/5 of the STCW Code. These exemptions must be approved by the Coast Guard, based upon vessel type. Under these circumstances, the endorsement may include a corresponding limitation.

(d) Except as provided in [paragraph (b)](/on/2024-09-23/title-46/section-12.603#p-12.603(b)) of this section, seafarers with the following national rating endorsements will be eligible for this endorsement upon completion of the requirements designated in this section:

Table 1 to [§ 12.603](/on/2024-09-23/title-46/section-12.603)(d)—STCW Endorsement as Able Seafarer-Deck

| Entry path from national endorsements | Sea service under authority of the endorsement1 | Competence—STCW Table A-II/42 | Competence—STCW Table A-II/53 | Training required by this section4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A/B unlimited | None | Y | Y | N |
| A/B limited | None | Y | Y | N |
| A/B special | 6 months5 | Y | Y | N |
| A/B-offshore supply vessels | 12 months6 | Y | Y | N |
| A/B sail | 12 months6 | Y | Y | N |
| A/B-fishing industry | 12 months6 | Y | Y | N |
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 This column provides the minimum additional service required of the seafarer already holding an RFPNW endorsement in order to meet the requirements of this section. | | | | |
| 2 Complete any items in [paragraph (a)(2)](/on/2024-09-23/title-46/section-12.603#p-12.603(a)(2)) of this section not previously satisfied. | | | | |
| 3 Complete any items in [paragraph (a)(4)](/on/2024-09-23/title-46/section-12.603#p-12.603(a)(4)) of this section not previously satisfied. | | | | |
| 4 Complete any items in [paragraph (a)(5)](/on/2024-09-23/title-46/section-12.603#p-12.603(a)(5)) of this section not previously satisfied. | | | | |
| 5 The service may be reduced to 3 months if training has been completed as part of an approved training program meeting the requirements of [paragraph (a)(4)](/on/2024-09-23/title-46/section-12.603#p-12.603(a)(4)) of this section. | | | | |
| 6 The service may be reduced to 6 months if training has been completed as part of an approved training program meeting the requirements of (a)(4) of this section. | | | | |

[USCG-2004-17914, [78 FR 77975](https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/78-FR-77975), Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2018-0874, [84 FR 30882](https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/84-FR-30882), June 28, 2019]