(a) The minimum service or training required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as third mate of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage is—

(1) Three years of service in the deck department on ocean self-propelled vessels, with a minimum of 6 months of bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer. Experience gained in the engine department on vessels of appropriate tonnage may be creditable for up to 3 months of the service requirements for this officer endorsement;

(2) Graduation from—

(i) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (deck curriculum);

(ii) The U.S. Coast Guard Academy with qualification as an underway officer in charge of a navigational watch, underway officer of the deck, or deck watch officer;

(iii) The U.S. Naval Academy with qualification as an underway officer in charge of a navigational watch, underway officer of the deck or deck watch officer; or

(iv) The deck class of a maritime academy approved by and conducted under rules prescribed by the Maritime Administrator and listed in part 310 of this title, including the ocean option program in the deck class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy; or

(3) Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive apprentice mate training program approved by the Coast Guard.

(b) Graduation from the deck class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy will qualify the graduate to be examined for an endorsement as third mate self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage with a route appropriate to the program completed.

(c) While holding a license or MMC endorsement as master of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 1,600 GRT, 1 year of service as master on vessels of more than 200 GRT operating on ocean or near-coastal waters will qualify the applicant for an endorsement as third mate of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage.

(d) An individual holding an endorsement or license as mate of Great Lakes and inland, self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage, or master of inland, self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage, may obtain an endorsement as third mate of oceans or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage by completing the prescribed examination in subpart I of this part.

(e) A person holding this endorsement may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §11.309 of this part.