ABLE SEAFARER - DECK

COURSE LENGTH: 40 HRS

FEE: See Course Schedule

COURSE NUMBER: TRL 731

Minimum Class Size: 5

Maximum Class Size: 12

Required Clothing: Steel-Toed Safety Shoes

Course Description

Students that successfully complete TRL’s Able Seafarer-Deck course will satisfy the training
requirements of STCW Code Section A-II/5, Table A-II/5 and the competency requirements of
46
CFR 12-603(a)(4) and enclosure (2) to NIVIC 14-14, Assessment Guidelines on Qualification
for
STCW endorsement as Able Seafarer-Deck
What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have the training and have
demonstrated practical assessments ensuring successful achievement of the level of competence
and knowledge, understanding and proficiency specified in Table A-II/5 of the STCW Code.

Subjects Covered:
 Watchstanding
 Occupational Health and Health Precautions
 Deck Equipment and Machinery
 Cargo and Stores Handling
 Berthing, Anchoring and Other Mooring Systems
 Shipboard Maintenance and repair
 Marine Environmental Solutions

ABLE SEAFARER-DECK

ABLE SEAFER-DECK

STCW Convention and Code, as amended in 2010, also updated the STCW Code to what is now
called the “STCW Code 2011 Edition.” The new amendments to the STCW Convention and
Code created the Able Seafarer Deck rating. The New STCW final rule in effect as of March 24,
2014 for U.S. mariners.

12.603 Requirements to qualify for an STCW endorsement as able seafarer-deck (AS-D).

Until January 1, 2017 considered to have met the requirement for AS-D endorsement if they
have served as a watchstanding AB or as an RFPNW for a period of not less than 12 months
within the 60 months prior to application.

2. If holding an AB before January 1, 2017 will be eligible for AS-D endorsement if:

(1) Hold the RFPNW endorsement, Table A-II/4;

(2) Completed approved training in Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) and rescue boats other
than fast rescue boats; or Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) and rescue boats, other than
lifeboats or fast rescue boats-limited (PSC-limited).

3. After January 1, 2017 to qualify for this endorsement as able seafarer-deck, you must:

(1) Be not less than 18 years of age;

(2) Meet the requirements for certification as a RFPNW, Table A-II/4;

(3) While qualified as an RFPNW, have seagoing service in the deck department of—

(i) Not less than 18 months; or

(ii) Not less than 12 months and have completed approved training;

(4) Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Table A–II/5 for AS-
D of the STCW Code. (Standards still to be published by USCG). (5) Completed approved
training in Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats; or
Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) and rescue boats, other than lifeboats or fast rescue boats-
limited (PSC-limited).

TABLE 1 TO § 12.603(E) – STCW ENDORSEMENT AS ABLE SEAFARER-

DECK

Entry Path From Sea Service STCW Table A- STCW Table A- Training Req’d if
National Able Seaman Required 1 II/4 Proficiency II/5 Proficiency Not Completed
(AB) Ratings ASMT ASMT
Endorsements.
AB Unlimited None Yes Yes PSC or PSC-Limited
AB Limited None Yes Yes PSC or PSC-Limited
AB Special 6 months 2 Yes Yes PSC or PSC-Limited
AB OSV (Offshore 12 months 3 Yes Yes PSC or PSC-Limited
supply vessel)
AB Sail 12 months 3 Yes Yes PSC or PSC-Limited
AB Fishing Industry 12 months 3 Yes Yes PSC or PSC-Limited

(1)Minimum additional sea service required for AS-D endorsement if already holding the
RFPNW endorsement.

(2)Sea service may be reduced to 3 months if training has been completed as part of an approved
AS-D training program.

(3)Sea service may be reduced to 6 months if training has been completed as part of an approved
AS-D training program.