(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for an endorsement as Mate of Great Lakes and inland self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage is—

(1) Three years of service in the deck department of self-propelled vessels, at least 3 months of which must have been on vessels on inland waters and at least 6 months of which must have been while performing bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the Master or a qualified officer;

(2) Graduation from the deck class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy; or

(3) While holding an MMC endorsement as Master of Great Lakes and inland self-propelled vessels of less than 1,600 GRT, 1 year of service as Master on vessels of 200 GRT or more. A tonnage limitation may be placed on this MMC endorsement in accordance with § 11.431.

(b) Service gained in the engine department on vessels of appropriate tonnage may be creditable for up to 6 months of the service requirements under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.