4th Class STCW endorsement and license changes at TC

[gibson2024]

Hello everyone,

bit of a long post but,

I currently hold a 4th class motor License without an STCW endorsement which leaves my ticket restricted (Limited Contiguous waters voyage). This is ok for me right now because I work on domestic ferries however it is a huge disadvantage not being able to work offshore, coast guard, ect. I am currently in the process of having this limitation removed which requires me to do a cadet training book (kind of ridiculous considering I've been in charge of a watch on very large vessels for nearly 15 years), and 5 additional exams (Applied mathematics, Applied mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electro-technology and Naval architecture) There is very little information on these exams available online, I cannot go to school because I have a full time job, mortgage, bills, ect. does anyone have the same ticket as me and/or any information on what I can expect on these exams. are they multiple choice or written answer? I was hoping that if TC makes any changes to the currently system, given my experience I could possibly be grandfathered in and have the restrictions removed under a new ticket but now I am kind of concerned that my license will with no longer valid under a new system and be totally worthless. any information that anyone has in regards to restricted 4th class, the exams, what I can expect in the future if i do not get these done it time, ect would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[The Dieselduck]

I don't know what to tell you, but you and many others, individuals and ship operators, have been left to rot, and TC has no plans for you and the many vessels in Canada that require junior certificates. TC is paralyzed, why, I don't know. So in order to "look busy" they have mashed together a bunch of requirements that are not achievable realistically by people like yourself.

I would love to tell you to do the work, but the reality is that its onerous and stupid to follow the TC way of getting a Engineering CoC. The "Part A"s are the same at the the third class, second class, and first class. Which you have to repeat every CoC - its ludicrous. The fourth I assume, is slightly watered down, depending on the examiner and how they feel that day.

TC does not seem to have any plans to move forward, they cannot even produce regulations that comply with the Manila Amendments officially accepted in 2010 - it's now 2024. I suspect that they are relying entirely on refugees and migrants that have been trained elsewhere to fill future vacancies on ships in Canada - they are much more pliable and desperate. Companies have made absolutely no efforts to transition from the boomers. They have, many decades ago, downloaded all responsibilities of training to individuals, like you, but also held TC's attention hostage, so that tools, like block accreditation have not come to be.

I think the intent is to finally kill any form of Canadians working on ships, moving seaborne cargo in Canada. Not sure who's gonna run the smaller ferries and things but that's none of the concern of the few shipowners who control TC. Of course they still want a protected market, god forbid that we have flag of convenience ships operating in Canada which would mean competition - but i think inevitable that we will have flag of convenience ships operating ferry routes and non Canadian manning. That will complete our banana republic nicely.

Sorry I have nothing positive to add, just absolutely depressing to see the complete collapse of the marine industry in real time - so that a few old geezers can stroke their egos just a bit more.