46 CFR § 12.703 - General requirements for entry-level ratings.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s12.703"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 12.703 - General requirements for entry-level ratings."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "12.703"
section_name: "General requirements for entry-level ratings."
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"
---


# 12.703 General requirements for entry-level ratings.

(a) Rating endorsements will be issued without professional examination to applicants in capacities other than Able Seafarer, Lifeboat Operator, Lifeboat Operator-Limited, tank vessel endorsement, or QMED, including—

(1) Ordinary Seafarer;

(2) Wiper;

(3) Steward's Department; and

(4) Steward's Department (F.H.).

(b) Holders of MMCs or MMDs endorsed as Ordinary Seafarer may serve in any unqualified rating in the deck or steward's department, except as a Food Handler (F.H.).

(c) Holders of MMCs or MMDs endorsed as Wiper may serve in any unqualified rating in the engine or steward's department, except as a Food Handler.

(d) Only MMCs or MMDs endorsed as Steward's Department (F.H.) will authorize the holder's service in any capacity in the steward's department, including Food Handler.

[USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93105, Nov. 25, 2024]