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):
- Proof of 36 months of service as Master under the authority of the license
- Minimum of 30 day of training & observation on route(s)
- Successfully completed TOAR
- 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)