OK once more to help add or eliminate confusion, sea service time in a 24 hour day 4 hours at a minimum underway does in fact count as 1 day worth of time. So to all captains working 4 hour charters, or mates alike; you can utilize 4 hour a day in a 24 hour period for your logged time.
I do know that some have said that there has been a change in this rule to 8 hours. This did raise some concern to charter captains and mates. This past weekend while at the Atlantic City Boat show I did inquire with 2 different schools about this, and they said that they were not aware of any change in this and that it is still 4 hours. These are the guys who usually try to stay abreast in any changes affecting USCG Licensing for captains. I did try to share my information, but the question of uncertainty came about. With that I spent countless hours researching this on the internet and talking with about 1 dozen captain schools all over the country for their take. Consensus was still 4 hours. I took it upon my self to contact the USCG REC in New York and spoke with Chief Sullivan on this matter. He said to me that there has not been a change, and that there is not one on the table at this time. He insists that it is in fact still 4 hours and referred me to the CFR. Those wanting to see for them selves in black and white please refer to CFR sec 10.103 and review Day Means. This is the clause that is of our concern: On
Vessels of less than 100 gross tons, a day is considered as eight hours
Unless the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection determines that the
Vessel's operating schedule makes this criteria inappropriate, in no
case will this period be less than four hours.
So if you are going for an OUPV "six Pack" Masters of up to 100 gross ton this applies.
Any greater than 100 gross ton approximately 125' vessel this would not apply and I do believe that the rule has not changed for that but I think it is between 6-8 hrs. Do not quote me on this.
If anyone does not agree...
Please by all means indicate it, and back it up with supporting documents so that we all comply.
I hope this helps.
Good luck to all.
Capt. Mike
