Authority

The Mate Great Lakes & Inland waters allows the holder to serve as Mate on vessels of any tonnage on the Great Lakes & Inland waters. The Mate Inland AGT permits the holder to serve as Master on vessels of any tonnage on Inland waters (not including the Great Lakes). After 30 days of training and observation on towing vessels and the completion of a TOAR (Towing Officer’s Assessment Record), the mariner may serve as a Mate Towing Inland (or Great Lakes, if appropriate).

Requirements

NMC Checklist for Mate Great Lakes & Inland
CFR Reference: 46 CFR 11.437 

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

ENGINE DEPARTMENT EXPERIENCE on vessels of appropriate tonnage may be creditable for up to 180 days of the sea service requirements.

Examination

DECK EXAMINATION GUIDE: ESS 2-3. 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.

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 4 to 6 weeks and is a combination of lectures and tutorials.  The tuition is good for one year.