Authority

The 2nd Mate Unlimited Oceans credential authorizes the holder to serve as 2nd Mate on any vessels not subject to STCW, except Towing Vessels on any waters. To serve as Mate on Towing Vessels, the holder would need 30 days of training and observation on towing vessels on a particular route and completion of a TOAR (Towing Officers Assessment Record). The 3rd Mate Unlimited Oceans credential authorizes the holder to serve as 3rd Mate on any vessels not subject to STCW, except Towing Vessels. To serve as Mate on Towing Vessels Oceans, the holder would need 30 days of training and observation on towing vessels on a particular route and completion of a TOAR (Towing Officers Assessment Record).

Requirements

NMC Checklist for 2nd Mate AGT Oceans
CFR Reference: 46 CFR 11.406

NMC Checklist for 3rd Mate AGT Oceans
CFR Reference: 46 CFR 11.407

RECENCY: 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage

Examination

DECK EXAMINATION GUIDE: ESS 1-4. At this link, you will find two Deck Examination Guides.  If your qualifying service for the license began before March 24, 2014, you may opt to be examined under the procedures of the old Deck Examination Guide.  The old guide’s examinations are significantly less difficult in most cases than the new guide’s. If a mariner holds a 3rd Mate Unlimited Oceans credential, only sea service is required to raise to the 2nd Mate Oceans.  There is no examination.  To raise to a 2nd or 3rd Mate Oceans from a 2nd or 3rd Mate Near Coastal, two tests are required, a 15-question Oceans Module and a 30-question Navigation General Module.  In addition, a supplementary examination on general topics will enable the mariner eligible for the 2nd Mate Oceans to get the Master 1600 Oceans as well.

To Apply for the Credential

Application Procedure

Credential Assistance

If you need help determining your eligibility or completing your application, please email us at Credential Assistance.

Classes

Mariners preparing for these credential examinations can begin on almost any Monday.  The course of study lasts from 8 to 10 weeks and is a combination of lectures and tutorials.  The tuition is good for one year.