(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an officer endorsement as master of ocean self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT is—

(1) Three years of total service on ocean or near-coastal waters. Service on Great Lakes and inland waters may substitute for up to 18 months of the required service. Two years of the required service must have been as master, mate, or equivalent position while holding a license or MMC endorsement as master, as mate, or as operator of uninspected passenger vessels; or

(2) Two years of total service as a master or mate of ocean or near-coastal towing vessels. Completion of an examination is also required.

(b) In order to obtain an officer endorsement for sail or auxiliary sail vessels, the applicant must submit evidence of 12 months of service on sail or auxiliary sail vessels. The required 12 months of service may have been obtained prior to issuance of the master's license or MMC endorsement.

(c) A person holding this endorsement may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §§ 11.315, 11.317, 11.319, and 11.321 of this part.