---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 12.703"
title: "46"
number: "12.703"
heading: "General requirements for entry-level ratings."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/12.703"
---

# §12.703. General requirements for entry-level ratings.

- (a) Rating endorsements will be issued without professional examination to applicants in capacities other than Able Seafarer, Lifeboat Operator, Lifeboat Operator-Limited, tank vessel endorsement, or QMED, including—
  - (1) Ordinary Seafarer;
  - (2) Wiper;
  - (3) Steward's Department; and
  - (4) Steward's Department (F.H.).
- (b) Holders of MMCs or MMDs endorsed as Ordinary Seafarer may serve in any unqualified rating in the deck or steward's department, except as a Food Handler (F.H.).
- (c) Holders of MMCs or MMDs endorsed as Wiper may serve in any unqualified rating in the engine or steward's department, except as a Food Handler.
- (d) Only MMCs or MMDs endorsed as Steward's Department (F.H.) will authorize the holder's service in any capacity in the steward's department, including Food Handler.

## Notes

### Amendments

[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93105, Nov. 25, 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 93105, Nov. 25, 2024]