How to Get Your National Able Seafarer and STCW Able Seafarer-Deck Endorsement

If you're looking to advance your maritime career, getting your National Able Seafarer (AB) rating and STCW Able Seafarer-Deck (AS-D) endorsement is a smart next step. These two credentials open the door to more jobs, more responsibility, and better pay.

There are several ways to qualify, but this guide outlines a cost-effective, step-by-step path that works especially well for mariners working on passenger vessels, small commercial vessels, or coastal service vessels.

We’ll break it into two phases—though if you already meet all the requirements, you can apply for both at the same time. Meeting all of the requirements includes having at least 540 days of sea service. 

✅ Step 1: Get Your National AB Rating and RFPNW

You’ll apply for a Domestic AB credential (such as AB Special or AB Limited) along with the RFPNW (Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch) endorsement.

💰 MM-SEAS Stress-Free Application Package: $349
Includes federal fees, application support, document prep, and expert guidance from the MM-SEAS team.

What You Need

• Medical Certificate – USCG Form CG-719K
• TWIC – Transportation Worker Identification Credential
• Drug Test – Negative test result or employer letter
• Proof of ID – Passport or birth certificate
• Sea Time – At least 180 days of qualifying service
  
  • For AB Sail, this must be on qualifying vessels (not recreational sailboats)
• Federal Fees – Included in the $349 MM-SEAS package

Recommended Training

To avoid taking exams at a USCG Regional Exam Center, complete the following courses:

• AB Course
  🟢 Recommended: Practical Navigator AB Course, Pathfinder Maritime Training AB Course bundle, Columbia Pacific AB course, or Maritime Institute AB Course
  
  • These courses cover Domestic AB only
  • Contact the course provider directly for best rates
    
    
• Lifeboatman-Limited / PSC
  🟢 Recommended: Practical Navigator Lifeboatman-Limited Course or Pathfinder Maritime Training AB Course bundle
  
  • For vessels without enclosed lifeboats
    You can take additional training to upgrade later to full Lifeboatman if needed

                  OR Lifeboatman (full course)
             🟢 Recommended: Maritime Institute Lifeboatman / PSC course

• STCW Basic Training
  🟢 Recommended: Maritime Institute Basic Training course
  
  • This course can wait until Step 2 if you are also waiting until Step 2 to submit your RFPNW assessments. 
  • Contact the course provider directly for best rates

Onboard Assessments

You’ll need two sets of assessments signed by a Qualified Assessor:

• Lifeboatman-Limited Assessments 
  
  • These assessments are met without needing onboard sign-offs if you take the full Lifeboatman/PSC course.
• RFPNW Assessments 
  
  • Some tasks may need to be done off your vessel depending how your vessel is equipped. 
  • These assessments are met without needing onboard sign-offs if you take an RFPNW assessment course.
  • RFPNW is not a requirement for applying for your Domestic AB - you can submit your AB application without the RFPNW Assessments complete - we just recommend taking this step now if you can! It will not hold up getting your STCW Able-Seafarer Deck if you wait to submit your RFPNW assessments in Step 2.

📄 Need the assessment forms?
You can message the MM-SEAS team directly through your free mmseas.com account and request the assessment checklists as a PDF.

✍️ Need a Qualified Assessor?
You can schedule assessments with North Coast Mariners, based in Traverse City, MI.
→ Contact: Sarah Hirsch, USCG-approved Qualified Assessor

Submitting Your Application

1. Upload documents to your MM-SEAS account
2. Click “Submit Application”
3. MM-SEAS takes it from there—no guesswork, no stress
   
   

✅ Step 2: Add Your STCW Able Seafarer-Deck (AS-D) Endorsement

Once you’ve gained additional sea service, you're eligible for the STCW endorsement that lets you sail internationally and on larger vessels.

     💰 Cost:

• FREE if you’re only applying for the STCW AS-D (no federal fees!)
  
  
• $349 if you’re also upgrading your Domestic AB rating (e.g., AB Special → AB Unlimited). Includes MM-SEAS stress-free service and federal fee coverage.
  
  

What You Need

• Sea Time – 540 days total (360 more than Step 1)
• Assessments – All STCW AS-D assessments must be completed
• RFPNW and STCW Basic Training - if you did not apply for RFPNW/Basic Training in your first application, you will need to submit for it now.
  Optional Domestic AB Upgrade – $95 federal fee (included in $349 price)

           🔹 No drug test required for STCW-only applications

Training or Assessment Options

You can meet the assessment requirements in one of two ways:

Option 1: Take a Course

These schools offer courses that cover most—but not all—STCW AS-D assessments:

• 🟢 MITAGS AB to AS-D Course
  Covers most assessments
  Additional assessments must be completed onboard
  
  
• 🟡 Maritime Professional Training AS-D Course
  
  • Includes fewer practical assessments
  • Certificate may only be valid for submission for 1 year—check before using for long-term planning.
    
    

Option 2: Use a Qualified Assessor

If you already have the sea time, this is often the most affordable and efficient option.

• Complete all required assessments onboard or dockside with a Qualified Assessor
• No course required

📄 Need the STCW AS-D assessment forms?
You can message the MM-SEAS team directly through your free mmseas.com account and request the assessment checklists as a PDF. We’ll send them straight to your inbox so you can start working with a Qualified Assessor right away.

✍️ Need a Qualified Assessor?
You can schedule assessments with North Coast Mariners, based in Traverse City, MI.
→ Contact: Sarah Hirsch, USCG-approved Qualified Assessor

‍

Submitting Your Application

1. Upload your sea service and assessments to MM-SEAS
2. Ask the MM-SEAS team to clear the drug test task (not required for STCW upgrades).
3. Submit the application with confidence—MM-SEAS will handle the rest
   
   

⚓ Final Thoughts: A Practical Path to Advancement

Getting your National AB and STCW AS-D credentials may seem complex, but with the right support and plan, it’s completely achievable.

By using the MM-SEAS stress-free application service, choosing affordable courses, and working with a Qualified Assessor, you can move forward without breaking the bank or getting lost in paperwork.

Need help getting started?

📄 Create your MM-SEAS account

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