Master mariner

[4][1] For those with an unlimited certificate, this has no limits on the tonnage, power, or geographic location of the vessel that the holder of the license is allowed to serve upon.

There are also various other levels of master's certificates, which may be restricted or limited to home trade/near coastal voyages and/or by gross tonnage.

The conventions or acts governing the certificate have evolved alongside the shipping industry and the official name of a master mariner's qualification has varied over the years.

The chief mate's license, in turn, requires at least 360 days of service (including 90 days in the most recent three years on vessels of appropriate tonnage) while holding a second mate's license, passing a battery of examinations, and approximately 13 weeks of classes.

Naval Academy (with approved courses and requisite sea time as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch), the U.S.

Then pass an examination for the license of master of vessels of any gross tons upon Great Lakes and inland waters.

A master of 1,600 ton vessels can, under certain circumstances, begin the application process for an unlimited third mate's license.

[15] Various US states require and issue shipmaster or captain licenses in order to be employed in operating a vessel for hire while navigating within "non-federal" waters.

These state licenses certify that the captain has given satisfactory evidence that they can safely be entrusted with the duties and responsibilities of operating or navigating passenger carrying vessels of the tonnage and upon the waters specified.