Any applicant successfully completing the Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Upgrade (MarTow-033) course and presenting our Certificate of Training within one year of the completion of training, will satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 11.466 for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 227(e)(iii) for renewal of an endorsement as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels; OR Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels provided that they either: hold an endorsement as Master Less Than 200 GRT; OR hold an endorsement as Master Less Than 25, 50, or 100 GRT and have completed your Upgrade Master 100 GRT to Master 200 GRT course within one year of completion of the Apprentice Mate course; OR have completed a Master 100 GRT course and Upgrade Master 100 GRT to Master 200 GRT or a Master 200 GRT course within one year of completion of the Apprentice Mate course; AND If applying for a Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels provided that they meet all other requirements of 46 CFR 11.465(f) will satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 11.465(f)(3) and may obtain an endorsement as Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels.

The Assistance Towing endorsement must not be confused with Apprentice Mate (Steersman)/Mate (Pilot)/Master of Towing Vessels Licenses for commercial towing vessels such as tug boats, ATBs and ITBs. The Assistance Towing Endorsement only allows the holder to provide assistance towing of disabled vessels for consideration within the scope and limitations of the license held such as the services provided to recreational vessels by Sea Tow and Tow Boat U.S.