Which vessels are required to have a credentialed Master in command? Answer in under 100 words.

Details / How it works

Under 46 CFR 15.805(a), an individual holding an appropriate valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Master endorsement must be in command of the following vessel categories:

• Every self-propelled, seagoing documented vessel of 200 GRT and over.
• Every self-propelled inspected vessel.
• Every inspected passenger vessel.
• Every inspected small passenger vessel.
• Every towing vessel of at least 8 meters (26 feet) in length.
• Every uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 GRT.
• Every uninspected passenger vessel engaged on an international voyage.

For towing vessels, the required commander is a Master of Towing Vessels, or a mariner holding an MMC endorsed as Master of inspected, self-propelled vessels greater than 200 GRT who also holds either a completed Towing Officer's Assessment Record (TOAR) signed by a Designated Examiner, or a License/MMC endorsed for Master of Towing Vessels.

Numbers & thresholds

On vessels subject to STCW, the Master must also hold an STCW endorsement as Master with the appropriate tonnage for the vessel being operated.

Exceptions & edge cases

• STCW exception: The STCW endorsement requirement does not apply on vessels operating on domestic near-coastal voyages, as noted in § 15.105(g).
• U.S. citizenship requirement: Every vessel documented under U.S. law, other than a vessel with only a recreational endorsement, must be under the command of a U.S. citizen.
• Towing vessel alternative: A mariner holding an MMC endorsed as Master of inspected, self-propelled vessels greater than 200 GRT may command a towing vessel if they hold a completed TOAR or a Master of Towing Vessels endorsement.