The Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing endorsement is the first of three steps to Master of Towing. The intent of the Apprentice Mate is twofold. Firstly it is to allow the mariner to stand a watch under the direct supervision of the Master or Mate. Secondly it is to assist the mariner in gaining vessel operating experience. While, at the same time, completing the Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR).
Professional Requirements for Towing Endorsements
Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing
The Apprentice Mate endorsement requires a total of 540-days of sea service experience. This total experience must include 360-days on towing vessels; and 90-days on the requested route. Towing endorsement routes include; Ocean, Near Coastal, Inland, Inland and Great Lakes, and Western Rivers.
Mate (Pilot) of Towing
Mate (Pilot) of Towing requires a total of 900-days of sea service experience. This total experience must include 360-days on towing vessels while holding the Apprentice Mate endorsement. Additionally the applicant must complete approved courses for Basic Firefighting and Radar Observer. And a Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) for the route. No further exams are required.
Master of Towing
Master of Towing requires a total of 1440-days of sea service experience. This total experience must include 540-days as Mate while holding a Mate of Towing endorsement. No further examination is required.
Towing Endorsement Courses
Apprentice Mate (steersman) Upgrade Course ($400 / 2-days)
To qualify for this upgrade course the the applicant must one of the following criteria. First, they hold a Master 200-ton endorsement. Second, they have completed the 200-ton exams within one year prior to taking the course. Third, they have completed a 200-ton upgrade course within one year prior to taking the course.
This course may be scheduled any Monday and Tuesday that the school is open. As an alternative it may also be scheduled any Thursday or Friday. Call 503-841-6066 for scheduling options.
Partial Course ($1,000 / 6-days)
This two-course sequence includes the Upgrade Master 100 to 200-ton, and the Apprentice Mate Upgrade courses. To qualify for this course sequence the applicant must hold a Master 100-ton endorsement. Additionally these two course must be taken in sequence; meaning that the Upgrade Master 100 to 200-ton must be completed before taking the Apprentice Mate Upgrade course.
Full Course ($2,200 / 16-days)
The full three-course sequence must be completed in order. But as an alternative to consecutive days it may be scheduled as two or three separate courses. The first course in the sequence is Master 100-ton. The second course is Upgrade Master 100 to 200-ton. And the third course is the Apprentice Mate Upgrade.
Master 100 and 200-ton information >>