Chief Mate/Master
This section contains official references that will help you locate specific information relating to the training requirements that are associated with advancement to Chief Mate or Master. It will also provide information on the applicable U.S. Coast Guard Checklists that detail the requirements necessary for the issuance of documents or a license. It also outlines the courses that are offered at MITAGS that satisfy these requirements.
Unlimited Licenses
Since the full implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Code (STCW-95) on February 1, 2003, a 2nd Mate upgrading to Unlimited Chief Mate must complete the training outlined in U.S. Coast Guard Policy Letter 04-02. Policy Letter 04-02 requires an upgrading Mate to complete the following:
v One-year approved sea service as Officer-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch while holding a license as 2nd Mate.
v Twelve-weeks of formal training.
v Fifty-three practical assessments of skill.
v Successful completetion of the U.S. Coast Guard examination for Chief Mate/Master.
The upgrade to Master requires one-year of sea service as a Chief Mate or one-year of sea service while holding a Chief Mate's license and serving a minimum of six months as Chief Mate and one year as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch. At this time, no further testing is required.
Limited Licenses
A Mate upgrading to Master on vessels less that 1,600 GRT must comply with the requirements set forth in 46 CFR, Part 10.412. On vessels less than 500 GRT, individuals must comply with the requirements set forth in 46 CFR, Part 10.418. At this time, no additional training is required. An U.S. Coast Guard Policy Letter, which details the necessary requirements (similar to Policy 04-02), is currently in draft form and can be implemented at any time.
References
Most of the general requirements for upgrading from Mate to Master can be found in 46 CFR, Part 10 (Licensing of Maritime Personnel). Specific training requirements can be found in the Policy Letters and Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC'S) that are published by the U.S. Coast Guard. These publications can be downloaded from the websites listed below under the "Downloads" section.
Downloads:
Chief Mate/Master (CMM) Program Information - Rev. 10/08/2008
2009 Chief Mate/Master (CMM) Program Schedule - Rev, 12/11/2008
2009 Chief Mate/Master (CMM) Program Schedule - Rev, 12/11/2008
