Step by Step Guide.

• Officer of the Watch (OOW) Yachts (up to 3000 GT):Requires approximately 12–36 months of sea service on yachts, depending on prior experience and training. This certification limits officers to yachts of up to 3000 GT and is intended for those primarily operating within the yachting industry.
• Chief Mate Yachts (up to 3000 GT):Builds upon the OOW certification with additional courses and assessments but generally does not require further sea service beyond that required for OOW. Qualifies officers to serve as Chief Mate on yachts up to 3000 GT.
• Master (Captain) Yachts (up to 3000 GT):Requires about 36 months of sea service, often including time served as an OOW or Chief Mate. This certification allows officers to serve as the Master (Captain) on yachts of up to 3000 GT.

• Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Small Vessels (up to 3000 GT):Typically requires 12-24 months of sea service in an engineering role on vessels up to 3000 GT, with power ratings up to 9,000 kW. This certification is suitable for engineers in the small vessel/yachting sector.
• Chief Engineer Small Vessels (up to 3000 GT):Requires approximately 24–36 months of sea service, generally including time served as an EOOW. Qualifies engineers to serve as Chief Engineer on vessels up to 3000 GT with power up to 9,000 kW.

Unlimited Route (Commercial, Merchant Navy, and Fishing) For those aiming to work on larger vessels with unlimited tonnage and higher responsibilities, the unlimited route offers a progression pathway for both deck and engineering roles.

• Officer of the Watch (OOW Unlimited):Requires approximately 12 months of sea service, alongside STCW training and completion of approved courses. This certification allows officers to serve on vessels of any size, across both commercial shipping and the merchant navy.
• Chief Mate (Unlimited):Generally requires an additional 12-18 months of sea service as an OOW, along with advanced training and examinations. Qualifies officers to serve as Chief Mate on vessels of unlimited tonnage, suitable for a broad range of commercial vessels.
• Master (Captain) Unlimited:Requires extensive sea service, often around 36 months as a Chief Mate, as well as advanced courses and an oral exam. This is the highest deck officer rank, allowing officers to serve as Master on vessels of unlimited tonnage.

• Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW Unlimited):Typically requires 12 months of sea service in an engineering capacity, with completion of STCW-approved courses. This certificate qualifies engineers to serve on vessels of any size, making it suitable for those aiming for a career in larger commercial vessels or merchant navy.
• Second Engineer (Unlimited):Requires 12-18 months of experience as an EOOW, along with advanced courses and assessments. Qualifies engineers to serve as the second-in-command in the engine department on vessels of unlimited tonnage.
• Chief Engineer (Unlimited):Requires around 36 months of sea service as a Second Engineer, plus completion of advanced courses and exams. This is the highest engineering rank, allowing engineers to serve as Chief Engineer on vessels of unlimited tonnage.

• Deck and Engine Room Ratings (Limited and Unlimited):For both limited and unlimited tonnage pathways, ratings generally require 6-12 months of sea service, in addition to basic STCW training. Ratings can progress to officer positions through additional sea service and training, in either the 3000 GT-limited or unlimited route.