---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 12.811"
title: "46"
number: "12.811"
heading: "Restrictions."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/12.811"
---

# §12.811. Restrictions.

- (a) An MMC issued to a non-resident alien under this subpart authorizes service only in the steward's department of the U.S.-flagged large passenger vessel(s), that is/are under the same common ownership and control as the foreign-flagged passenger vessel(s) on which the non-resident alien served to meet the requirements of [§ 12.807(a)](/cfr/46/12.807.md?p=a).
  - (1) The MMC will be endorsed for service in the steward's department, in accordance with [§ 12.703](/cfr/46/12.703.md).
  - (2) The MMC may also be endorsed for service as a Food Handler if the applicant meets the requirements of [§ 12.703](/cfr/46/12.703.md).
  - (3) No other rating or endorsement is authorized, except Lifeboat Operator or Lifeboat Operator-Limited, in which case all applicable requirements of this subchapter and the STCW Convention and STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see [§ 12.103](/cfr/46/12.103.md)) must be met.
- (b) The following restrictions must be printed on the MMC, or be listed in an accompanying Coast Guard letter, or both:
  - (1) The name and official number of all U.S.-flagged vessels on which the non-resident alien may serve. Service is not authorized on any other U.S.-flagged vessel.
  - (2) Upon issuance, the MMC must remain in the custody of the employer at all times.
  - (3) Upon termination of employment, the MMC must be returned to the Coast Guard within 10 days, in accordance with [§ 12.805](/cfr/46/12.805.md).
  - (4) A non-resident alien issued an MMC under this subpart may not perform watchstanding, engine room duty watch, or vessel navigation functions.
  - (5) A non-resident alien issued an MMC under this subpart may perform emergency-related duties, provided that -
    - (i) The emergency-related duties do not require any other rating or endorsement, except Lifeboat Operator or Lifeboat Operator-Limited as specified in [paragraph (a)(3)](#a-3) of this section;
    - (ii) The non-resident alien has completed Familiarization and Basic Training (BT), as required in [§ 15.1105](/cfr/46/15.1105.md) of this subchapter;
    - (iii) If the non-resident alien serves as a Lifeboat Operator or Lifeboat Operator-Limited, they have the necessary Lifeboat Operator or Lifeboat Operator-Limited endorsement; and
    - (iv) The non-resident alien has completed the training for crewmembers on passenger ships performing duties involving safety or care for passengers, as required in [§ 15.1103](/cfr/46/15.1103.md) of this subchapter.
- (c) A non-resident alien may only serve for an aggregate period of 36 months of actual service on all authorized U.S.-flagged large passenger vessels combined under the provisions of this subpart.
- (d) Once this 36-month limitation is reached, the MMC becomes invalid and must be returned to the Coast Guard under [§ 12.805(d)](/cfr/46/12.805.md?p=d), and the non-resident alien is no longer authorized to serve in a position requiring an MMC on any U.S.-flagged large passenger vessel.
- (e) An individual who successfully adjusts their immigration status to become either an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States, or a citizen of the United States, may apply for an MMC, subject to the requirements of [§ 10.221](/cfr/46/10.221.md) of this subchapter, without any restrictions or limitations imposed by this subpart.

## Notes

### Amendments

[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93106, 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 93106, Nov. 25, 2024]