In-Person
Zoom Course
Self-Paced

QMED - Oiler Course

Enroll today in Sea School’s fifteen (15) day US Coast Guard-Approved QMED Oiler course and learn practical skills in maintaining and repairing engine room equipment. This USCG-Approved course serves as a substitute to the Coast Guard QMED exam.

Course Details
Course Schedule: 15 Consecutive Days
USCG-Approved Certificate
A QMED worker in a blue working outfit and safety gear smilling at the camera
Course Overview
01

Throughout Sea School’s fifteen (15) day QMED Oiler course, students will learn how to properly use, inspect, lubricate, and repair engine room equipment.

Students will also gain an understanding of the safety and environmental protocols for vessel operations, and be able to prepare records and reports for maintenance logs. Upon successful completion of all in-class and hands-on sessions, students will receive a certification of successful completion, which substitutes for the Coast Guard QMED exam.

Oilers are responsible for wiping oil; maintaining tools; and cleaning, preparing, and painting machinery, equipment, and related spaces. They also lubricate moving parts of propulsion engines and auxiliary equipment.

Locations

Bayou La Batre, AL

Location

,

Location

There are currently no offsite locations for this course. Please see our main locations!

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Course Data

Train from Anywhere with Sea School Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace

Train on your schedule with Sea School’s self-paced online courses. Designed for flexibility and convenience, our online programs allow you to complete key certifications and knowledge-based training from anywhere, at any time.

course type
In-Person
schedule
Course Schedule: 15 Consecutive Days
certification
USCG-Approved Certificate
Course Data

Call us today to get scheduled for our Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels bundle

Throughout this sixteen (16) day course, mariners will go through trainings for OUPV, Master 100 Ton upgrade, Master 200 Ton upgrade, Inland to Western Rivers and the Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels upgrade.

course type
In-Person
schedule
Course Schedule: 15 Consecutive Days
certification
USCG-Approved Certificate
All classes

Upcoming Zoom Trainings

Join our Captain’s License OUPV course from anywhere with our convenient Zoom sessions. Choose the dates that work best for your schedule and start your journey toward earning your license - without ever leaving home.

This Course Has Other Options for Learning

who is it for?

The Right Course for Every Seafarer

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key metrics

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.

7500
+
Fully educated students per year
30
+
Different courses to choose from
45
+
Years of proven experience
Trusted by Companies Nationwide
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Central Marine Logistics Logo
Crescent Towing logo
Dawn service logo
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COURSE CURRICULUM

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.

General Subjects
  • Auxiliary Machinery
  • Basic Safety Procedures
  • Bearings
  • Care of Equipments & Machine Parts
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Lubrication Principles
  • Maintenance Procedures
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Pipes, Fittings & Valves
  • Pollution Prevention
  • Properties of Fuel
  • Refrigeration Principles
  • Remote Control Equipment
  • Use of Hand Power Tools
  • Watch Duties
General Subjects
  • Auxiliary Machinery
  • Basic Safety Procedures
  • Bearings
  • Care of Equipments & Machine Parts
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Lubrication Principles
  • Maintenance Procedures
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Pipes, Fittings & Valves
  • Pollution Prevention
  • Properties of Fuel
  • Refrigeration Principles
  • Remote Control Equipment
  • Use of Hand Power Tools
  • Watch Duties
Electrical Subjects
  • Generation Equipment
  • Maintenance
  • Motors
  • Safety
Electrical Subjects
  • Generation Equipment
  • Maintenance
  • Motors
  • Safety
Safety & Environmental
  • Communications
  • Damage Control
  • Elementary First Aid
  • Emergency Medical Equipment
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Emergency Survival Equipment
  • Fire Prevention
  • Firefighting Equipment
  • Firefighting Principles
  • Fire Awareness & Safety
  • Firefighting Procedures
  • General Safety
  • Hazardous Materials
Safety & Environmental
  • Communications
  • Damage Control
  • Elementary First Aid
  • Emergency Medical Equipment
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Emergency Survival Equipment
  • Fire Prevention
  • Firefighting Equipment
  • Firefighting Principles
  • Fire Awareness & Safety
  • Firefighting Procedures
  • General Safety
  • Hazardous Materials
Shipboard Equipment & Systems
  • Ballast
  • Bilge
  • Compressed Air
  • Desalination
  • Fuel Oil - Storage/Transfer
  • Fuel Treatment
  • Lubrication
  • Potable Water
  • Refrigeration
  • Sanitary/Sewage
  • Steering Gear
Shipboard Equipment & Systems
  • Ballast
  • Bilge
  • Compressed Air
  • Desalination
  • Fuel Oil - Storage/Transfer
  • Fuel Treatment
  • Lubrication
  • Potable Water
  • Refrigeration
  • Sanitary/Sewage
  • Steering Gear
Steam Propulsion
  • Auxiliary Turbines
  • Boiler Fundamentals
  • Combustion Principles
  • Condensate Systems
  • Drive Systems
  • Feed Water Systems
  • Fuel Service Systems
  • Maintenance
  • Safety
  • Steam Fundamentals
  • Turbine Fundamentals
Steam Propulsion
  • Auxiliary Turbines
  • Boiler Fundamentals
  • Combustion Principles
  • Condensate Systems
  • Drive Systems
  • Feed Water Systems
  • Fuel Service Systems
  • Maintenance
  • Safety
  • Steam Fundamentals
  • Turbine Fundamentals
Motor Propulsion
  • Air Charge Systems
  • Cooling Water Systems
  • Diesel Engine Principles
  • Drive Systems
  • Fuel Service Systems
  • Metering & Flow Measurement
  • Fuel System Leak Alarms
  • Fuel System Trips & Shutdowns
  • Intake & Exhaust
  • Lubrication Systems
  • Starting Systems
  • Waste Heat/Auxiliary Boilers
  • Condensate & Feed Water Systems
Motor Propulsion
  • Air Charge Systems
  • Cooling Water Systems
  • Diesel Engine Principles
  • Drive Systems
  • Fuel Service Systems
  • Metering & Flow Measurement
  • Fuel System Leak Alarms
  • Fuel System Trips & Shutdowns
  • Intake & Exhaust
  • Lubrication Systems
  • Starting Systems
  • Waste Heat/Auxiliary Boilers
  • Condensate & Feed Water Systems
our team

The Instructors Behind the Course

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Our Process
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Captain:

A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career

01

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).

02

Enroll & Prepare

Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.

03

Get Certified

After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

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Career opportunities

Advance your Maritime Career

Tankers, Cargo Ships, Passenger Vessels, Offshore Vessels, Government Vessels, Engine Room Duties

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01

Cargo Ship Captain

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01

Passenger Vessel Captain

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01

Offshore Vessel Captain

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01

Government Vessel Captain

Person in the engine room with safety gear
01

Engine Room Duties

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01

Tanker Captain

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Very well taught.

A lot of information in a short time.

Anthony M.

Bayou La Batre, AL

Instructor was very knowledgeable and very helpful!

Emanuel A.

Bayou La Batre, AL

Office staff were very nice.

Classroom kept very clean. Instructor was very knowledgeable of material. Does a great job taking his time to make sure everyone understands. Very interesting course!

Denzie F.

Bayou La Batre, AL

Instructor was very knowledgeable on course topics.

Michael K.

Bayou La Batre, AL

Instructor’s teaching abilities are superb.

His experience on sea and as an instructor are remarkable.

Atsu B.

Bayou La Batre, AL

Best instructor!

Great teacher. Very thorough. Made sure everyone was able to understand and comprehend all material.

Tajle J.

Bayou La Batre, AL

Very friendly, accommodating, and informative office staff.

Very obvious that this man invested a lot of effort for his students in the use of his teaching practices.

Derrick E.

Bayou La Batre, AL

Instructor was excellent!

Cameron C.

Bayou La Batre, AL

Great office staff!

Answered all of my questions. Chief is an amazing instructor who knows what he is talking about.

Yaron F.

Bayou La Batre, AL
Course comparison

Course Comparison

features
OUPV (6-Pack) License
Master License
Passenger Limit
Up to 6 passengers
More than 6 passengers
Vessel Type
Uninspected vessels only
Inspected & Uninspected vessels
Area of Operation
U.S. Waters
U.S. & International Waters
Sea Service Requirement
360 days (90 in last 3 years)
720+ days (varies by tonnage)
Required for
Fishing guides, small boat charters
Ferries, tour boats, larger charters
Course requirements

QMED-Oiler Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Age

  • Must be 18 years old

Citizenship Status:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residence

Sea Service Requirement

Service Time:

  • 180 days of service in a rating at least equal to that of a wiper or coal passer

Medical & Drug Testing Requirements

Medical Exam (Form CG-719K):

  • A valid USCG physical is required or valid Medical Certificate
  • Physicals available at most Sea School brick-and-mortar locations

Drug Test & Consortium Membership:

  • Required for licensing
  • Sea School provides access to APCA, a USCG-approved drug consortium
  • Sign up at apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727

Check All Drug Testing Requirements on Our Website!

View Website
View Website
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Application & Licensing Process

Will need:

  • Application (CG719B)
  • TWIC
  • Fees
  • (plus sea time, medical, drug test, class certificate)

frequently asked questions

All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the QMED-Oiler course

What is a QMED

A QMED is a Qualified Member of the Engine Department working on a vessel. QMED crew members are responsible for the maintenance, operation, and repairs of the major mechanical systems on a vessel.

Where can I find approved QMED Courses?

The Sea School offers QMED - Oiler courses at our Bayou La Batre, AL location. You can also find a list of approved courses on the NMC website under the “Approved Courses” tab.

What are the Requirements for a QMED-Oiler Certification?
  • Age: 18 years of age or older
  • Physical Exam: Physical that satisfies the Form CG-719K
    • We offer physicals at most of our brick and mortar locations
  • Drug Testing: Consortium membership / drug test compliance
    • Sea School has its own USCG drug consortium, APCA. Interested students can sign up for a drug test/consortium membership at apcadrugtesting.com or by calling (727) 522-2727
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship OR alien admitted for permanent residence
  • Security Clearance: TWIC Card - Required for U.S. government security clearance
  • Mariner Fees: Mariner Fees

Sea Service: 180 days of service in a rating at least equal to that of a wiper or coal passer.

How long is a QMED-Oiler certificate valid for?

Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) certificates are valid for 1 year.

How can I renew my QMED-Oiler endorsement?

Mariners holding the QMED-Oiler endorsement can renew their endorsement in the following ways (only one needed):

  1. Present evidence of at least 360 days of sea service during the last 5 years
  2. Pass a comprehensive, open-book exercise covering the general subject matter as appropriate to the credential
  3. Provide evidence of employment as a qualified instructor or in a position closely related to the credential

A credential may be renewed at any time during its validity and for one year after expiration.

What kind of vessels can a QMED-Oiler work on?

QMED-Oilers can work on a number of different vessels, some include:

  • Cargo ships
  • Tankers
  • Tugboats
  • Passenger Vessels
  • Research Vessels
Is the QMED-Oiler Course Completion Certificate I Receive after Passing the Class my Official Endorsement?

No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official QMED-Oiler certification, mariners must:

  • You need to submit to the certificate to the CG within 12 months with all the other requirements for the license in order to have it listed on your MMC.
  • Complete the necessary USCG application forms and required documentation.
  • Submit both the Sea School Course Completion Certificate and USCG application form to the USCG.

The USCG then processes the application and issues the official QMED-Oiler certification.

It’s Time to Start Your Maritime Career!

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.

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