National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/GT
Credential: National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/GT
Credentialing Agency: United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Renewal Period: 5 years
The National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine, is a mid-level license and a member of the engineering department on a merchant vessel. Engineers monitor the safe and efficient operation of engineering machinery, conduct routine maintenance and repair of engine room machinery and auxiliary equipment, and observe engine room repairs and work done by shipyard or other contractors. They also perform watch standing duties, respond to emergencies, and report special events in the appropriate logs. Engineer’s participate as a lifeboat crewmember and a firefighting and emergency response team leader and report to the Chief and/or First Assistant Engineer. There are several pathways outlined in the licensing documents to obtain a United States Coast Guard license as a Third Assistant Engineer. Candidates must meet a minimum sea service, training, and exam requirement.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/GT
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 5220 Shipwright |  Other |
The following civilian occupations are related to this credential:
| Civilian Job | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Engineers |  Bright Outlook |
 find local salary |
||
| Ship Engineers | find local salary |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite: 720 days as QMED
- Experience: 1080 days
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 5 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
United States Department of Homeland Security
2100 2nd St. S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001
Phone: (202) 267-0218
Contact Page
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must meet the following Sea Service Requirements:
- Experience options:
- 1080 days of service in the engine room, WITH 720 days as QMED, 90 days of deck service on vessels over 100 GRT may be creditable, OR
- 1080 days of service as an apprentice to the machinist trade WITH 360 days service in engine room as Oiler, Watertender, or Jr. Engineer, OR
- Graduate of an USMMA (engineering), USNS/USCGA w/EOW qual, or approved Maritime Academy engineering class per 46 CFR 310, OR
- Graduate of an ABET accredited school in marine engineering course WITH 90 days of service in the engine room, OR
- Graduate of mechanical or electrical engineering course of an ABET accredited school of technology, WITH 180 days service in the engine room, OR
- Completion of an approved three year apprentice engineer training program, approved by NMC, OR
- OR 360 days service as Chief Engineer (Limited-Near Coastal) with appropriate examination
- Propulsion: At least 1/3 of the minimum service requirements must have been on the particular mode of propulsion for which applied.
- Horsepower: Unlimited horsepower of at least 50% of the required service on vessels over 4000 HP, OR Limited horsepower of Max HP that 25% of the required service was obtained or 150% HP on which at least 50% of the required service was obtained, whichever greater.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/GT credential has the following other requirements:
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Candidates must meet the following general requirements:
- MMC Application Submittal Checklist
- TWIC Card
- CG-719B Application
- NDR Consent and Check
- Oath
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Photograph
- SSEB Screening complete
- Must be age 21 or older
- CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, and Drug Testing Compliance
- Mariner Fees
- Copy of Current Credentials and Sea Service Letters or Discharges
- First Aid and CPR
- Firefighting Course Basic and Advanced
Knowledge Test 3AE01
- Q531 Motor Plants
- Q532 Motor Plants 2
- Q533 Gas Turbines
- Q534 Engineering Safety & Environmental Protection
- Q535 General Subjects
- Q536 Electricity, Electronics & Control Engineering
- Q537 Steam Plants
- Q538 Steam Plants 2
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/GT examination:
National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/GT include:
Applicants for the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must meet the listed general requirements:
- Meet the credential age requirement.
- Submit evidence of holding or having applied for Transportation Working Identification Card (TWIC) from TSA.
- Submit completed MMC Application CG-Form 719B.
- Must submit evidence of appropriate Sea Service as required. Military sea service may be counted towards the sea service required to become a mariner. This military sea service is only part of the MMC evaluation. Documentation is key and must be submitted with the MMC application package to a Regional Exam Center.
- Provide photocopies the front and the back of all relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and Certifications.
- Submit CG Form- 719C Disclosure Statement for Narcotics, DWI/DUI, and/or other convictions as applicable.
- Provide proof of passing the appropriate vision, hearing, medical, or physical exam, documented on CG Form-719K or CG-719K/E.
- Provide evidence of passing a DOT/USCG periodic drug test on CG From- 719P.
- Submit evaluation, exam and issuance Fees as applicable.
National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/GT include:
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) National Maritime Center (NMC) awards credentials to fully qualified mariners to assure a safe, secure, economically viable and environmentally sound Marine Transportation System. There are generally two types of mariner credentials: National and International, and they are awarded in two primary operational departments, Deck and Engine. However, before any mariner credential is awarded, applicants must first attain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
The International credentials are governed in compliance with Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). These international standards (STCW) were first developed in 1978 when the international maritime community realized that human factors played a dominant role in the prevention of marine casualties. The last major revision to the international STCW Convention and Code were adopted in 2010 in Manila, Philippines and took effect on 1 Jan 2012.
General Application Requirements include drug test compliance, medical screening, First Aid and CPR certificates of training, and firefighting training. In addition to the general application requirements, the primary data elements that NMC evaluators need from military mariner applicants to assess their experience and suitability for National or STCW level credentials are Military Sea Service history and Vessel Information as described below:
MILITARY SEA SERVICE
Military sea service experience must be a reasonable equivalent to the service required of a merchant mariner who is seeking an identical license. Evaluations of military sea service require submission of a Transcript of Sea Service (TOSS) or a Sea Service Letter. Each service has a slightly different version of their Sea Service letter; this example shows U.S. Navy Sea Service Letter requirements. U.S. Army applicants can request a copy of their Sea Service history through the Sea Pay system.
NMC Regional Examination Centers may also require an official description of duties statement, letters of qualification, service record entries, or letters from former supervisors or commanding officers as well. Specific details about sea service requirements for the various different credentials can be found in 46 CFR Part 10 - Merchant Mariner Credential, and 46 CFR Part 12 - Requirements for Rating Endorsements. Additional details related to criteria for accepting military sea experience can be obtained from the Marine Safety Manual-Vol III, and Section 3 of the Military File Evaluation Manual.
VESSEL INFORMATION
Each Service also has corresponding vessel information.
U.S. Navy applicants can reference this U.S. Navy Vessel Information chart for details on Ship Type, Name, Hull number, Ship Class, GRI ITC Tonnage, GRT Tonnage, Horsepower, and Propulsion Type when completing their Sea Service Letter.
U.S. Army applicant’s Vessel information will be included in the Sea Pay letter they request for military sea service history.
National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/GT include:
Requirements for renewal:
- The applicant must either—
- Present evidence of at least 1 year of sea service during the past 5 years;
- Pass a comprehensive, open-book exercise covering the general subject matter as appropriate to the credential;
- Complete an approved refresher training course;
- Provide evidence of employment as a qualified instructor or in a position closely related to the credential.
- A credential may be renewed at any time during its validity and for 1 year after expiration.
There are no professional requirements for renewal for the following endorsements:
- Ordinary seaman, Wiper, Steward's department, Steward's department (F.H.).
- Cadet, Student observer, Apprentice engineer, Apprentice mate.
- Person in charge of medical care, Medical first-aid provider.
- GMDSS at-sea maintainer, GMDSS operator.
Certain STCW endorsements must complete approved refresher or revalidation training.
MOST
SOME
Registered Apprenticeship