(a) An individual in charge of an engineering watch on a mechanically propelled, seagoing, documented vessel of 200 GRT or more, other than an individual described in § 15.820 of this subpart, must hold an appropriately endorsed license or MMC authorizing service as an assistant engineer.

(b) On vessels subject to STCW, the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold an STCW endorsement as officer in charge of an engineering watch with the appropriate propulsion power for the vessel upon which he or she is operating, except as noted in § 15.105(g) of this part for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.

(c) An offshore supply vessel of at least 6,000 GT ITC (500 GRT if GT ITC is not assigned) as defined in § 125.160 of this chapter, for which the Coast Guard has accepted the use of automated systems to replace specific personnel pursuant to subpart 62.50 of this chapter, must carry at least one credentialed assistant engineer, in addition to the individual described in § 15.820 of this subpart.

(d) The OCMI determines the minimum number of credentialed engineers required for the safe operation of inspected vessels.