On 2 June 2011 the AIMPE Federal Council unanimously carried a resolution for AIMPE to explore with AMSA the possibility of further enhancing our proposed engineering reforms by asking AMSA to investigate:-

·enabling an AMSA E.C.3 holder to be considered for direct entry into Engineer Watchkeeper oral exam if they have completed the Watchkkeeper subjects, have at leasta ‘non-approved’ metal basedtrade and 18 months sea service with STCW E.C.3 ; and

·enabling an AMSA E.C.3 holder to be considered for direct entry into the Engineer Class 2 oral exam if they have completed the E.C.2 subjects, have an APPROVED Trade and 24 months sea service with the STCW E.C.3 certificate.

A graphic representation of the existing proposal AIMPE has already taken up with AMSA, together with how these two new proposals might appear, is set out below for members information and discussion. Your letters to the Editor on the subject will be welcomed:-

AIMPE PROPOSAL #1 :Notes:

AIMPE has approached AMSA requesting them to create a BRIDGE to Watchkeeper for Class 3 holders without a Trade who can demonstrate (e.g. letter from company) 30 months of qualifying sea service MAINTAINING + operating on vessels above 750kW whilst holding Engineer Class 3.

^zIf rather than the Class 3 workshop modules the applicant did the Watchkeeper-level workshop [competencies from Cadet-course] before this 30 months experience in lieu of a Trade then the 30 months period could be reduced to 24 months.

If the qualifying sea service meets the Watchkeeper qualifying sea service requirements a candidate who meets the above could gain entry to the Watchkeeper course and may require no further seatime before sitting the AMSA Orals for Watchkeeper.

AIMPE PROPOSAL #2 :Notes:

Explore with AMSA their willingness to shorten to 18 months the experience requirements in our proposed BRIDGE to Watchkeeper for AMSA/STCW Class 3 holders with a non-approved Trade.

AIMPE PROPOSAL #3 :Notes:

Explore with AMSA their willingness to also create a BRIDGE to Class 2 for AMSA/STCW Class 3 holders with an approved Trade.

Henning Christiansen Jim Mallows

Federal Secretary Director Professional Standards

AIMPE's discussion paper on marine engineer skill shortage and training requirements can be downloaded here.