(a) The minimum service required to qualify for a master of near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT is—

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

(2) One year of total service as master or mate of towing vessels on ocean or near-coastal routes. Completion of an examination is also required.

(b) To obtain this officer endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 12 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels. These 12 months of experience may have been obtained before qualifying for an officer endorsement.

(c) Holders of this endorsement are considered to be in compliance with the STCW Convention (incorporated by reference, see §11.102) while operating within the limitations of this endorsement.