STCW 2010 Engine Upgrade - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do these tasks on the ship?
Who can sign these tasks?
Who has to do the tasks?
When can I start these tasks and if I do start them, do they expire?
If I sail 3AE but had my 1AE license before 3/24/14, do I have to do the tasks?
Where are the list of tasks?
Can I get a book to take on the ship?
If I come to STAR, how long will it take to cover all the tasks and the required training?
How do I become a Qualified Assessor (QA)?
Can I do these tasks on the ship?
Yes. Some of these tasks may be completed onboard. NVIC 15-14 includes a list of 38 tasks to be assessed (including propulsion mode specific tasks). Tasks that may be signed off outside of a required course can be:
- Completed onboard OR
- As part of an approved Upgrade Task Assessment (rather than training) Course. These assessment courses are different than the required training courses. They are designed only to evaluate performance of the tasks and do not include training for the task.
See New Task Assessment section above
Who can sign these tasks?
All assessments must be signed by a qualified assessor approved by the Coast Guard in accordance with 46 CFR 10.405. The Coast Guard is aware that as a result of the limited number of approved QAs, there may be a hardship on
mariners trying to complete STCW assessments after December 31, 2017. In consideration of this, the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 02-14 until December 31, 2019. These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30,2020.
Mariners are encouraged to obtain approval as a QA in accordance with 46 CFR 10.405(a).
Additional information on obtaining approval can be found in NVIC 19-14 Enclosure (1).
In the interim, the Coast Guard will accept assessments signed by mariners who hold an appropriate national endorsement and have at least 1 year of experience as Chief Engineer or 1st Assistant Engineer on seagoing vessels of at least 3,000kW/4,000HP.
STAR Center information and training on becoming a Qualified Assessor may be found here. – (STAR QA Program) https://www.star-center.com/qa.html
Who has to do the tasks?
If your sea service (i.e. sea time towards First Assistant Engineer while holding a second assistant license including time spent as 3AE while holding a 2AE) or training towards your First Assistant/Chief Engineer requirements started on or after 3/24/14 or you will be upgrading AFTER 12/31/16, you must adhere to the new upgrade system under new 46 CFR 11.325, 46 CFR 11.327 and NVIC 15-14.
When can I start these tasks and if I do start them, do they expire?
You can start these tasks at any time after obtaining OICEW endorsement. The regulations that cover these requirements do not specify a time frame that they would expire.
If I sail 3AE but had my 1AE license before 3/24/14, do I have to do the tasks
No. If you already had your 1AE license before 3/24/14 you only need Gap Closing courses. If your sea service (i.e. sea time towards First Assistant Engineer while holding a second assistant license including time spent as 3AE while holding a 2AE) or training towards your First Assistant/Chief Engineer requirements started on or after 3/24/14 or you will be upgrading AFTER 12/31/16, you must adhere to the new upgrade system under new 46 CFR 11.325, 46 CFR 11.327 and NVIC 15-14.
Where are the list of tasks?
The list of tasks can be found in NVIC 15-14 (enclosure 2).
Can I get a book to take on the ship?
The following links provide the required information to in order to complete the appropriate assessments onboard and can be printed and used when needed.
- Assessment Guidelines NVIC 15-14 (enclosure 2).This includes who can conduct and how to conduct assessments
- Record of Assessment NVIC 15-14 (enclosure 3). This includes the document which is signed for each task assessment and is handed in to the USCG.
- List of Engine Upgrade Task Assessments by STAR Course - Click here to see how NVIC 15-14 required tasks are included in STAR Center's STCW Upgrade Task Assessment courses.
If I come to STAR, how long will it take to cover all the tasks and the required training?
If an individual does not get anything signed off onboard, a total of approximately 7 ½ weeks are required at STAR to complete all the required training and task sign-offs :
Required Courses
- Leadership and Managerial Skills (G500)(1 week)
- Engine Resource Management (E050) (1 week) (required course unless previously taken for gap closing or original license)
- Management of Electrical and Electronic Control Equipment (E133) ( MEECE) (2-weeks) -Note This 2-week version of the MEECE course must be completed by those required to upgrade under the new system defined in NVIC 15-14 who do not get the MEECE specific task assessments signed off onboard. Anyone who has the MEECE task assessments properly signed off onboard can take the one week MEECE course.
Required Task Sign-Offs but not formal courses
- STCW Upgrade Task Assessment - General Engineering (E135 as amended) (5 days)
- STCW Upgrade Task Assessment - Motor (E120 as amended) (3 days)
- STCW Upgrade Task Assessment - Steam (E121 as amended) (5 days)
- STCW Upgrade Task Assessment - Gas Turbine (E122 as amended) (3 days)
How do I become a Qualified Assessor (QA)?
The following link provides a step by step process to obtain USCG
Qualified Assessor status:
https://www.star-center.com/qa.html