Sea School’s one (1) day Ratings Forming Part of a Navigation Watch (RFPNW) Course
Enroll today in Sea School’s RFPNW Assessment course and get tested by an approved assessor on NVIC 06-14 practical performance.
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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.
The RFPNW course at the Sea School is an assessment-based course on our simulator.
Sea School’s RFPNW course meets the new STCW 2010 amendments, conforms to the latest USCG NVICs and is applicable to Ordinary and Able Seafarer document endorsement for RFPNW on vessels of 200 GRT (US) / 500 GT or greater.
Ratings Forming Part of a Navigation Watch (RFPNW) Completion and Certification Requirements
The following RFPNW assessments will be satisfied by successful completion of this course:
NVIC 06-14 Tasks: 1.1.A, 1.1.B, 1.1.C, 1.2.A, 1.2.B, 1.2.C, 1.2.D, 1.2.E, 1.2.F, 1.2.G, 1.2.H, 1.2.I, 1.3.A, 1.3.B, 2.1.A, 2.1.B, 2.1.C, 3.1.A, 3.2.A, 3.3.A, 3.3.B, 3.4.A, 3.4.B, 3.5.A, 3.5.B, 3.6.A, 3.6.B
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.
Ratings Forming Part of a Navigation Watch (RFPNW) Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- Age 16
- US Citizen or permament resident
Assessment & Training Requirements
Assessment Program:
- Must show evidence of completing an approved assessment program at an approved school
Alternative / Legacy Option: Under Policy 14-02 ("Grandfather Issue"), candidates may qualify by:
- Having 1 year of sea service in the deck department between Oct 1, 1986 – Sept 30, 1991
- AND providing proof of Basic Safety Training (BST) completion
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:
- Students should bring a pencil, eraser, and notebook
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the RFPNW course
The RFPNW course is designed to test a mariner’s knowledge, understanding, and proficiency to safely perform duties as part of a navigational watch under the supervision of the officer of the watch.
Anyone who will be part of a navigational watch on a vessel of 200GRT, 500GT (ITC) or greater and wants an STCW.
- Anyone who will be part of a navigational watch on a vessel of 200GRT, 500GT (ITC) or greater and wants an STCW.
- Third Mate oceans or near coastal.
- Master / Mate 1600 oceans or near coastal.
- Master / Mate 500 oceans or near coastal.
- Master / Mate 200 oceans.
- Able Seaman unlimited who wants AB on their STCW.
- Able Seaman limited who wants AB on their STCW.
- Able Seaman Special who wants AB on their STCW.
- Ordinary Seaman who wants STCW RFPNW endorsement.
180 days of sea service on ocean, near coastal, great lakes which 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.
Note: 50% (90 days) of the required 180 days of sea service may be on inland waters on vessels to which STCW applies
AND
Have evidence of completing an approved ASSESSMENT PROGRAM at an approved school,
OR
"Grandfather Issue in Policy 14-02." Have evidence of one year of sea service within the deck department between October 1, 1986 and September 30, 1991 and have proof of completing Basic Safety Training.
If
Both Able Seafarer and RFPNW are requested at the same time then the applicant must meet all requirements for AB (including examination) to be exempted from presenting the watch standing service.
There are no written tests for Sea School’s RFPNW course. It is all practical assessment based.
No. Upon completing all of your assessments, you will receive a signed assessment sheet that you need to send to the USCG for official approval.
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.
