Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) USCG Approved Endorsement Course
Looking to learn the practical skills necessary to monitor the engine room environment of workboats and towing vessels? If so, Quality Maritime Training x Sea School's Designated Duty Engineer for 1000/4000 HP vessels could be the right choice for you! Check out our requirements below and enroll today to receive classroom and hands-on training from our world-class instructors.
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Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Successful completion of this course and presenting our certificate of training the the U.S. Coast Guard within one year from the completion date of the training, will satisfy the professional examination requirements of 46 CFR 11.903(a)(34) for a national officer endorsement as Designated Duty of Engineer (DDE) of less than 4,000 Horsepower, Motor.
Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Designated Duty Engineer Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Education & Testing Requirements
- Successful completion of this course and presenting our certificate of training the the U.S. Coast Guard within one year from the completion date of the training, will satisfy the professional examination requirements of 46 CFR 11.903(a)(34) for a national officer endorsement as Designated Duty of Engineer (DDE) of less than 4,000 Horsepower, Motor.
- Option to take the exam at a U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center (REC).
- Not all REC locations offer testing, and candidates are expected to be fully prepared without guided instruction.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- DDE 1000 / 750 kW - 18 Years Old
- DDE 4000 /3000 kW - 19 Years Old
Boating Experience (Sea Time):
- DDE 1000 / 750 kW - 360 days of service in the engine room on vessels, with 180 days as a QMED or equivalent position.
- DDE 4000 / 3000 kW - 720 days of service in the engine room on vessels, with 360 days as a QMED or equivalent position.
- Recency – 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels (deck service may apply)
- 1 Day Defined: 4 consecutive hours underway in a 24-hour period - This statement is true IF the vessel is under 100GT. Once a vessel is 100GT or over, a day is considered at least 8 hours.
- Near Coastal: Time past the jetty (line of demarcation).
- Inland: Time inside the jetty.
Medical & Drug Testing Requirements
Medical
- A USCG-approved physical is required.
- Sea School offers in-house physicals at most brick-and-mortar locations.
- Form CG-719K
Drug Test / Consortium Membership:
- Required for licensing.
- Sea School offers drug testing through its in-house consortium, APCA.
- Sign up at: apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727.
Safety & Security Certifications
CPR / First Aid Certification:
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- Certification Age: Must be less than one year old.
- USCG Approval: Certification must be USCG-approved.
- You can take the CPR/First Aid Training: Sea School Courses at All Locations
- Other recommended providers are: Emergency University and the Red Cross - *If you do choose to go with alternate providers, please contact them to confirm the CPR/FA course you wish to take is USCG-approved
Fire Fighting:
- Approved Basic Fire Fighting Course within 5 years of application date (unless previously met) Valid STCW BT is acceptable.
- Advanced Fire Fighting Course within 5 years of application date (unless previously met) Valid STCW Advanced Firefighting is acceptable.
TWIC Card (Security Clearance):
- Required for U.S. government security clearance.
Real-World Expertise
Excellence starts with a strong foundation. We believe in mastering fundamental skills, building confidence, and ensuring every mariner has the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in their career.
Flexible Learning Options
True leadership is demonstrated through action. We foster a hands-on approach, where mariners learn by doing and gain real-world experience that prepares them for the challenges of the industry.
Career Advancement
In the maritime world, challenges are inevitable - but so are solutions. We encourage proactive thinking, problem-solving, and the courage to take initiative.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
We never settle for mediocrity. Whether in training, leadership, or problem-solving, we strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
A Strong Community & Industry Network
Success in the maritime industry requires a strong work ethic. We embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, knowing that real growth comes from effort and persistence.
Confidence & Leadership Development
Ttrue professionals must be ready to adapt. We believe in staying agile, embracing change, and continuously expanding our skills to meet new challenges.
We’ve developed comprehensive, engaging, and practical curriculum to set you up for success on the water
While the curriculum represented on the Sea School website is a general layout of course information, it is not the exact order in which lessons are taught.
A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career
Choose Your Course
Pick the course that fits your experience level and sea time and select the available format that works for you (in-person, Zoom, or online).
Enroll & Prepare
Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.
Get Certified
After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
What Our Clients Say
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in your DDE Course
Our Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) course covers the necessary material for both the DDE 1000 HP Endorsement and the DDE 4000 HP Endorsement. The difference in what you are eligible for comes down to your sea time and your age.
For DDE 1000 / 750 kW you must be at least 18 Years Old and have 360 days of service in the engine room on vessels, with 180 days as a QMED or equivalent position.
For DDE 4000 / 3000 kW you must be at least 19 Years Old and have have 720 days of service in the engine room on vessels, with 360 days as a QMED or equivalent position.
Every other requirement for this endorsement can be found in above and will be the same for the DDE 1000 and DDE 4000 endorsement.
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
