46 CFR § 12.503 - Service or training requirements.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s12.503"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 12.503 - Service or training requirements."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "12.503"
section_name: "Service or training requirements."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN"
part_number: "12"
part_name: "REQUIREMENTS FOR RATING ENDORSEMENTS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
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."
regulatory_source: "USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77975, Dec. 24, 2013, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "12"
---


# 12.503 Service or training requirements.

(a) An applicant for an endorsement as Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) must provide the Coast Guard with proof of qualification based on 6 months of service in a rating at least equal to that of Wiper or Coal Passer.

(b) Approved training programs may be substituted for the required periods of service as follows:

(1) A graduate of a school ship may qualify for a rating endorsement as QMED, without further service, upon satisfactory completion of the program of instruction. For this purpose, school ship is interpreted to mean an institution that offers a complete approved program of instruction, including a period of at-sea training, in the skills appropriate to the rating of QMED.

(2) Training programs, other than those classified as a school ship, may be substituted for up to one-half of the required service. The service/training ratio for each program is determined by the Coast Guard.

[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 77975, Dec. 24, 2013, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93101, Nov. 25, 2024]