(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as master of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 500 GRT is—

(1) Three years total of service on ocean or near-coastal waters. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 18 months of the required service. Two years of the required service must have been as a master, mate, or equivalent position while holding a license or MMC endorsement as master, mate, or operator of uninspected passenger vessels. One year of the required service as master, mate, or equivalent position must have been on vessels of more than 50 GRT; or

(2) One year of service on vessels of more than 50 GRT on ocean or near-coastal waters as a master or mate of self-propelled vessels, or master or mate of towing vessels while holding a license or MMC endorsement as mate of ocean self-propelled vessels of less than 500 GRT.

(b) The holder of a license or MMC endorsement as master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels authorizing service on oceans or near-coastal routes is eligible for an endorsement as master of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 500 GRT after both 1 year of service as master or mate of towing vessels on oceans or near-coastal routes and completion of a limited examination.

(c) A person holding this endorsement may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §§11.307, 11.309, 11.311, 11.313, and 11.315 of this part.