Things to consider when writing or reading a sea letter. The letter will serve as documentation of your qualifying experience used for obtaining future employment, endorsement(s) or a license(s). 

First start by looking if your sea letter represents the information need by the Coast Guard to advance your career. Sea letter writing guidance can be found in 46 CFR 10.232. The following highlights are key elements required by regulation and recommendations. 

Vessel data: 

Vessel name(s) and official numbers listed on the registration, certificate, or document issued. Gross tonnage of the vessel. Propulsion power and mode of propulsion of the vessel. The routes Oceans, Near Coastal, Inland, Great Lakes, upon which the experience was acquired. (See Boundary Lines). 

SOLAS/STCW Application: 

Whether the vessel is manned and equipped in accordance with SOLAS. Any other information necessary to determine the applicability of STCW to the vessel. 

Shipboard equipment:

For those seeking to renew a radar observer endorsement, whether the vessel is equipped with radar and if the mariner served in a position that routinely uses radar for navigation and collision avoidance purposes. 46 CFR 11.480(g) & USCG Policy Letter 03-19.

Employment Statements

Employed position: The amount and nature (e.g. chief mate, assistant engineer, etc.) of the applicant's experience. Applicable dates of service for each vessel, and the operational routes including ports or terminals if applicable. Inside passage voyages consider a statement “Domestic Near Costal Voyage / Inside Passage Canada” 

Operational statements: 46 CFR 10.232

Documenting that required sea service was associated with watchkeeping functions and the performance of duties under the supervision of a qualified officer. 

Documenting 12-hour day service based on employment requirements that has been authorized by the United States Coast Guard, per vessel manning requirements. 

Documenting ongoing participation in training and drills relevant to company policy or regulations. Fishing vessels 46 CFR 28.270 or on yachts, recreation vessels and etc. 

RFPNW 12.605 -includes training and experience associated with navigational watchkeeping functions and involves the performance of duties carried out under the supervision of the master, mate, or qualified STCW deck rating; NVIC 19-14 Enclosure 2 and NVIC 06-14 

Possible additional service statement:

Serves as acting pilot in accordance with 46 CFR 15.812 (b) (2) 

Need additional course or career information.

Contact: C. Spence & Maritime Associates 

Phone: 206.788.0491  

Email: [email protected]