(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as mate of near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 500 GRT is 2 years of total service in the deck department of ocean or near-coastal self-propelled, sail, or auxiliary sail vessels. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 1 year of the required service. One year of the required service must have been on vessels of more than 50 GRT. Three months of the required service must have been while performing bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer on vessels of more than 50 GRT.

(b) A person holding this endorsement may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §§ 11.309, 11.317, 11.319, and 11.321 of this part.