---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 12.401"
title: "46"
number: "12.401"
heading: "General requirements for Able Seafarer endorsements."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/12.401"
---

# §12.401. General requirements for Able Seafarer endorsements.

- (a) **General.** An Able Seafarer is any person below officer and above Ordinary Seafarer who holds a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Able Seafarer by the Coast Guard.
- (b) **Categories.** The following categories of Able Seafarer endorsements are established:
  - (1) **Able Seafarer-Unlimited.**
  - (2) **Able Seafarer-Limited.**
  - (3) **Able Seafarer-Special.**
  - (4) **Able Seafarer-OSV.**
  - (5) **Able Seafarer-Sail.**
  - (6) **Able Seafarer-Fishing Industry.**
- (c) **Requirements for certification.** To qualify for an endorsement as Able Seafarer, an applicant must—
  - (1) Be at least 18 years of age;
  - (2) Pass the prescribed physical and medical examination requirements specified in [46 CFR](/cfr/46.md), [part 10](/cfr/46/part10.md), [subpart C](/cfr/46/subpartC.md);
  - (3) Provide evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or of qualifying for an exemption from testing as described in [§ 16.220](/cfr/46/16.220.md) of this subchapter;
  - (4) Meet the sea service or training requirements set forth in this part;
  - (5) Pass an examination for Able Seafarer;
  - (6) Qualify for an endorsement as Lifeboat Operator or Lifeboat Operator-Limited; and
  - (7) Speak and understand the English language as would be required in performing the general duties of Able Seafarer and during an emergency aboard ship.
- (d) **Additional requirements.**
  - (1) The holder of an MMC or MMD endorsed for the rating of Able Seafarer may serve in any rating in the deck department without obtaining an additional endorsement, provided—
    - (i) That the holder possesses the appropriate Able Seafarer endorsement for the service of the vessel; and
    - (ii) That the holder possesses the appropriate STCW endorsement when serving as an Able Seafarer-Deck or Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch (RFPNW) on a seagoing ship.
  - (2) Any MMC endorsed as Able Seafarer will also be endorsed as Lifeboat Operator or Lifeboat Operator-Limited, as appropriate.
  - (3) The Able Seafarer endorsement will clearly describe the type of rating that it represents (see [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section).

## Notes

### Amendments

[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93099, Nov. 25, 2024, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102336, Dec. 17, 2024]

### Authority

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701; 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 2110, 7301, 7302, 7503, 7505, 7701, and 70105; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77975, Dec. 24, 2013, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93099, Nov. 25, 2024, as amended by USCG-2021-0834, 89 FR 102336, Dec. 17, 2024]