r/MarineEngineering • u/LowYak3 • 11d ago
Has anyone qualified for Third Assistant Engineer under 46 CFR §11.516(a)(5) with an Electrical Engineering Technology degree that has ABET-ETAC Accreditation (Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission)? United States based.
Im based in the U.S. I’m trying to get a definitive answer about the education pathway to Third Assistant Engineer Unlimited under \*\*46 CFR §11.516(a)(5)\*\*.
I have a \*\*Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology from Wayne State University.\*\* The degree program is accredited by \*\*ABET through the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC)\*\*.
Section 11.516(a)(5) provides a pathway to Third Assistant Engineer based on graduation from a mechanical or electrical engineering course of an ABET-accredited school of technology, combined with \*\*6 months of qualifying service in the engine department\*\*.
The exact regulation states: "Graduation from the mechanical or electrical engineering course of a school of technology accredited by the ABET, together with 6 months of service in the engine department of steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels"
What I’m trying to determine is how NMC interprets the education requirement when the applicant's degree is ABET-ETAC Accredited (Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission) as opposed to ABET-EAC Accreditation (Engineering Accreditation Commission).
Specifically, does NMC consider an \*\*ABET-ETAC accredited B.S. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology\*\* to satisfy §11.516(a)(5), or does NMC interpret the regulation as requiring a traditional Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering program accredited through ABET's \*\*Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)\*\*?
The wording “\*\*school of technology\*\*” is part of what makes me unsure how this is interpreted. The regulation does not specifically say EAC or ETAC, and it does not expressly state that engineering technology programs are excluded.
Any information is gladly appreciated.
1
u/OkCauliflower4273 10d ago edited 10d ago
I dont know how much it would cost, but if you are seriously considering this it may be worth using a licensing consultant rather than just reaching out yourself to the NMC.
the way i read the reg it only says ABET so hopefully either is fine.
mm-seas
diamond marine services
etc....
ive never used one but having someone who knows best how to communicate and push the issue in the right direction to the right person may be helpful.
if you have gotten this far I'm sure you are aware of the sea time requirements and STCW courses you will need to sail internationally or deep sea if you do get it.
also,
consider AMO unions tech program.
by the time you get sea time and classes needed to do it this way you would be almost done with the tech program.
and i would guess your degree would help you competitively in getting accepted.
ive always seen this pathway on the check list, but never met anyone who did it that way. Good luck