Do I have to meet the requirements for STCW to receive a domestic officer endorsement?

No, you do need to meet STCW requirements for a domestic officer endorsement.

What is Domestic vs STCW?

Domestic (National) Endorsements are what you're sailing on in US waters. Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping or STCW (International) Endorsements are what are attached to domestic endorsements for going into international waters. Which means you have to hold the equivalent Domestic Endorsement to obtain an STCW Endorsement.

What are the Domestic endorsements equivalent to STCW?

Below are some common equivalents. This is not an exhaustive list.

Domestic

STCW

QMED

RFPEW

Master 100 GRT Inland

NO STCW GOES WITH INLAND

Unlimited Chief Mate OC

Chief Mate 3000 GT or More

Management Level

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