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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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.
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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
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.
Sea Service & Experience Requirements
Primary Requirement:
- STCW Basic Training is required
- 180 days of sea service on ocean, near coastal, or Great Lakes waters
- Service must include training and experience associated with navigational watchkeeping functions
- Duties must be performed under supervision of a Master, Mate, or qualified STCW deck rating
Inland Service Allowance:
- Up to 50% (90 days) of the required time may be on inland waters aboard vessels to which STCW applies
Able Seafarer Combination:
- 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.
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.
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.
