The 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention came into force on January 1, 2017. This Coast Guard notice concerns the requirements for qualified assessor (QA).
The 2010 amendments were incorporated into regulation as part of a final rule that included provisions that impact seafarers serving on vessels subject to the STCW Convention (vessels operating beyond the boundary line).
Assessments of competence for STCW endorsements must be signed by a Coast Guard-approved QA in
accordance with 46 CFR 11.301(a)(1)(i) and 12.601(b)(1)(i). QAs must be approved by the Coast Guard either individually or as part of a Coast Guard-approved or accepted course or training program, as described in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 19-14 (Policy on Qualified Assessors).
Current policy allows for the acceptance of STCW assessments, performed for and signed by an assessor
not approved by the Coast Guard, until December 31, 2021. Such an assessor must meet the professional requirements in 46 CFR 10.405(a)(3) to determine competence for the specific
endorsement.
The Coast Guard is aware that as a result of the limited number of approved QAs, there may be a hardship on mariners trying to complete STCW assessments after Dec. 31, 2021. In consideration of this, the Coast Guard will continue to allow STCW assessments to be signed by an assessor who meets the requirements specified in NVIC 19-14 until Dec. 31, 2023. These assessments must be submitted to the Coast Guard as part of a complete application no later than June 30, 2024. Qualified military personnel need not be approved QAs and may continue to sign assessments after Dec. 31, 2023.
Mariners are encouraged to obtain approval as a QA in accordance with 46 CFR 10.405(a). Additional
information on obtaining approval can be found in NVIC 19-14 Enclosure (1). NVIC 19-14 may be
viewed at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/NVIC/.
Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division
at (202) 372-2357 or [email protected] with any questions or feedback.
