Alumni Question: Upgrading w/ Active Duty Time

taco09

taco09

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2012
Messages
2
Hey All,

I'm an '09 grad that's been serving AD afloat since commissioning and am finally getting around to upgrading my 3rd Mate's license. I've been absolutely stunned with all the loopholes required and frankly not sure where to start. If anyone has any experience with this or knows a union mob insider that might be able to offer some guidance it would be greatly appreciated.
 
taco09 said:
Hey All,

I'm an '09 grad that's been serving AD afloat since commissioning and am finally getting around to upgrading my 3rd Mate's license. I've been absolutely stunned with all the loopholes required and frankly not sure where to start. If anyone has any experience with this or knows a union mob insider that might be able to offer some guidance it would be greatly appreciated.
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Get a sea service letter from the navy. A drug free letter from your commanding officer, a physical and fill out the CG form and mail it into the NMC. Not rocket science.
 
Does that in any way replace the requirement to have your TWIC verified, NDR consent and check, SSEB screening, Basic Safety Training competency, flashing light course and exam and approved radar observer course...?
 
taco09 said:
Does that in any way replace the requirement to have your TWIC verified, NDR consent and check, SSEB screening, Basic Safety Training competency, flashing light course and exam and approved radar observer course...?
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Most of that is internal to NMC and is just what NMC does. You shouldn't have to take BST, just make sure any letter documenting your sea service includes verbage that you have participated in all training and drills.

The NMC website posts checklists for your use in applying to make sure you have everything you need. Some of your questions will be answered there.

Don't expect full credit for your sea service. CFR 46 includes a section on military sea service and it is usually credited at 60%.

The drug free letter has to state that you are on a random testing program and that you have neither refused nor failed any tests.
 
taco09 said:
Does that in any way replace the requirement to have your TWIC verified, NDR consent and check, SSEB screening, Basic Safety Training competency, flashing light course and exam and approved radar observer course...?
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As long as your sailing BST is good, plus you graduated in 09 so your BST date is that. Flashing light is now a one time thing. Your TWIC Card shod still be good. If not just renew it. The NDR happens when you fill out the CG paperwork for upgrade. Again you graduated in 09, Radar renewel is every 5 years, so your radar is good. The CG no longer puts a radar expiration date on your MMC, it's on you to make sure that it stays valid. By the way there are a ton of places in the Norfolk area to do a one day radar renewel class and the average cost is $250. In FL there are a ton of merchant marine schools to take Radar renewel. Just fill out CG 719B, CG 719K, get a drug free letter from your command, get a sea service letter on navy letter head, mail it in with a check for the cost of upgrade and evaluation and in 4 weeks you'll have your second mates license. Just realize this the CG is only going to give you 60% sea time for sailing on navy ships.

Your making more of this than it is.
 
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tankercaptain said:
Flashing light is now a one time thing.
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I had to retake Flashing Light for my 1600 Ton Master upgrade. For upgrading purposes, it is only good for one year. Biggest waste of half a day and $150 but they got you by the ***** on that. You cannot test directly at an REC - must go to a school. Not sure if you need it if you're just going for 2/M. You will also need a USCG physical from within the last three years to upgrade to Master. The last one they had on file for me was Nov 2008, so I had to get another.

Again, not sure to what extent those will apply if you're just going for 2/M and not bothering with the 1600 Ton Master crossover. I'm sure it's all in the CFR's...
 
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2009KPer said:
I had to retake Flashing Light for my 1600 Ton Master upgrade. For upgrading purposes, it is only good for one year. Biggest waste of half a day and $150 but they got you by the ***** on that. You cannot test directly at an REC - must go to a school. Not sure if you need it if you're just going for 2/M. You will also need a USCG physical from within the last three years to upgrade to Master. The last one they had on file for me was Nov 2008, so I had to get another.

Again, not sure to what extent those will apply if you're just going for 2/M and not bothering with the 1600 Ton Master crossover. I'm sure it's all


They are trying to do away with that requirement. Here is the CFR for flashing light. 46 CFR 11.401(h) if you have to take it just go to a local school. it's an easy day.
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