(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as mate of Great Lakes and inland self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage is—

(1) Three years of service in the deck department of self-propelled vessels, at least 3 months of which must have been on vessels on inland waters and at least 6 months of which must have been while performing bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer;

(2) Graduation from the deck class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy; or

(3) While holding a license or MMC endorsement as master of Great Lakes and inland self-propelled vessels of less than 1,600 GRT, 1 year of service as master on vessels of 200 GRT or more. A tonnage limitation may be placed on this license in accordance with §11.431 of this subpart.

(b) Service gained in the engine department on vessels of appropriate tonnage may be creditable for up to 6 months of the service requirements under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.