(a) To qualify for an STCW endorsement in proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC), the applicant must—

(1) Be at least 18 years of age;

(2) Meet the requirements for a lifeboatman endorsement in §12.407 of this part and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see §12.103 of this part); and

(3) Complete basic training (BT), found in §12.602 of this subpart.

(b) Continued professional competence.

(1) Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section must provide evidence of maintaining the standard of competence as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code every 5 years.

(2) The Coast Guard will accept onboard training and experience, through evidence of 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the following areas, as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code:

(i) Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat during and after launch, including—

(A) Interpreting the markings on survival craft as to the number of persons they are intended to carry;

(B) Giving correct commands for launching and boarding survival craft, clearing the ship, and handling and disembarking persons from survival craft;

(C) Preparing and safely launch survival craft, operating its engine, and clearing the ship's side quickly; and

(D) Safely recovering survival craft and rescue boats.

(ii) Operating a survival craft engine, including—

(A) Rowing and steering a boat and steer by compass;

(B) Using individual items of equipment of survival craft, except for pyrotechnics; and

(C) Rigging devices to aid location.

(iii) Using locating devices, including communication and signaling apparatus, including—

(A) Using of portable radio equipment for survival craft.

(B) [Reserved]

(iv) Applying first aid to survivors.

(3) The Coast Guard will only accept evidence of assessments conducted ashore as meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the areas not included in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, as set out in Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code.

(4) Applicants who cannot meet the requirement for 1 year of sea service within the last 5 years, as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, will be required to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section or complete approved or accepted refresher training.

(c) Seafarers holding an MMD or MMC endorsement as lifeboatman before January 1, 2017 will be eligible for this endorsement upon showing evidence of sea service of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months. The sea service must be completed prior to January 1, 2017.

[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77975, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2018-0874, 84 FR 30882, June 28, 2019]