Mate of 500-1600 GRT upon Near Coastal Waters. This is an advanced-level merchant mariner credential. The general requirements for this credential are TWIC Card (Identification, Fingerprints, Citizenship, Social Security number, etc), CG-719B Application, NDR Consent & Check, Oath, 3 letters of recommendation, photograph (supplied by TSA), SSEB Screening complete, age of 21 or over, CG-719K Physical Exam, Medical Tab in MMLD, Drug Testing Compliance, Mariner Fees, and Sea Service Letters or Discharges. Sea service requirements include recency- 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate tonnage. MATE 1600, 720 days of service on Ocean or Near Coastal waters, of which 360 days must be on Ocean or N/C waters, and 360 days of service on vessels over 100 GRT, and 180 days of service as AB, Boatswain, Quartermaster, or equivalent position on vessels over 100 GRT while holding certification as AB. MATE 500, 720 days of service on Ocean or Near Coastal waters, of which 360 days must be on Ocean or N/C waters, and 360 days of service on vessels over 50 GRT, and 90 days of service as AB, Boatswain, Quartermaster, or equivalent position on vessels over 50 GRT while holding certification as AB. Sail or Auxiliary Sail, 360 days on appropriately sized sail or auxiliary sail vessels, and complete CG exams or approved course. Other requirements include a First Aid course, CPR course, approved firefighting courses, (Basic & Advanced), Valid, approved radar observer course, Qualification as AB Unlimited or Limited (AB Special or AB-OSV satisfy the AB requirement for Officer endorsements permitting service on vessels of 1600 gross tons and less), Flashing Light- course, Basic Safety Training; or Continued Competency in BST, Medical Care Provider / Medical 1st Aid Provider, and Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW)- raining and Assessments. All candidates must complete an examination.
