APPRENTICE MATE (STEERSMAN), MATE (PILOT) & MASTER OF TOWING VESSELS

The following shows progression of the Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Mate (Pilot) & Master of Towing Vesssels for inland and near coastal routes:

Towing License Progression for Service, Training, and Exam Requirements

LICENSE

TOTAL VESSEL SERVICE

TOWING VESSEL SERVICE

TIME ON ROUTE

TOAR

EXAM

DAYS OF OBSV FOR NEW ROUTES

AP MATE (STEERSMAN)

18 months

12 mos. srvc on towing vessels

90 days

NO

YES(2)

90 days on any route

MATE (PILOT) OF TOWING V.

30 months

12 mos as AP Mate (STMN)

90 days

YES

NO(1)

90 days for increase in the scope of routes on the license

MASTER TOWING VESSELS

48 months

Srvc. as Mate (Pilot) 18 mos.

90 days

NO(1)

NO(1)

90 days for increase in the scope of routes on the license

  • To Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels – 18 months service; pass USCG Apprentice Mate exam or #2. above; 12 months on towing vessels; and 3 months on route(s).
  • Apprentice Mate to Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels – 12 months service as Apprentice Mate; TOAR or Approved Course; 3 months on route(s); Radar Observer Certificate.
  • Mate (Pilot) to Master of Towing Vessels – 18 months service as Mate; 12 months of experience other than limited local area: 3 months on route(s).
  • 1st Class Pilot or Mate of vessel over 200GRT to Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels – Minimum of 30 day of training & observation on route(s); exam as necessary; TOAR or Approved Course.
  • Master of vessel over 200GRT to Master of Towing Vessels – Minimum of 30 days of training & observation on route(s); exam as necessary; TOAR or Approved Course.

Effective October 14, 2008 NEW RULE (Master of 200GRT or Less to Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels):

  1. Proof of 36 months of service as Master under the authority of the license
  2. Minimum of 30 day of training & observation on route(s)
  3. Successfully completed TOAR
  4. Take the appropriate Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Coast Guard exams -OR- complete QMT’s Coast Guard approved Apprentice Mate (Steersman)/Master/Mate (Pilot) Of Towing Vessels Upgrade course (QUALMI-33)