(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as mate of self-propelled vessels of less than 1,600 GRT is—

(1) Three years of total service in the deck department of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels, as follows:

(i) Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 18 months of the required service.

(ii) One year of the required service must have been on vessels of more than 100 GRT.

(iii) One year of the required service must have been as a master or mate of self-propelled vessels, or master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, or equivalent position while holding a license or MMC endorsement as master, mate, or master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels. Six months of the required service as master or mate of self propelled vessels, or master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, or equivalent position must have been on vessels of more than 100 GRT; or

(2) Three years of total service in the deck department on ocean or near-coastal self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels of more than 100 GRT. Six months of the required service must have been while performing bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer.

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