United States Coast Guard (USCG)

National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED)

Credential: National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED)
Credentialing Agency: United States Coast Guard (USCG)

 

The Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) is the senior most rating in the engine room and also the entry level for any merchant marine Engineering Officers License. Each QMED rating must be endorsed separately, unless one qualifies for all QMED ratings. QMED duties include, but are not limited to, inspection of equipment such as pumps, turbines, distilling plants, and condensers; lubrication and maintenance of generators, steering systems, lifeboats, and sewage disposal systems; cleaning and restoration of tools and other equipment.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Attainability:    high

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience: 180 days
  • Education
  • Training: 90 Days With Approved Course
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

Exam Administration (View Details)

  • In-person exam
  • Remote proctored on-line exam
  • Third-party test vendor

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

United States Coast Guard (USCG)

United States Department of Homeland Security
2100 2nd St. S.W.
Washington, DC  20593-0001

Phone: (202) 267-0218

Email: iasknmc@uscg.mil

Experience REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

180 days of service in a rating at least equal to that of a wiper or coal passer.

  • Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer
  • Oiler
  • Fireman/Watertender
  • Junior Engineer
  • Pumpman/Machinist
  • QMED – Any Rating   (must hold all 5 ratings to be endorsed)
  • Approved training programs, other than those classified as a school ship, may substitute for up to one-half of the required service. 

OR

  • A graduate of a school ship may qualify for a rating endorsement as QMED, without further service, upon satisfactory completion of the program of instruction.  For this purpose, school ship is interpreted to mean an institution that offers a complete approved program of instruction, including a period of at-sea training, in the skills appropriate to the rating of QMED. (Please refer to COAP for approved school ships and the scope of their approvals.)
  • Training programs, other than those classified as a school ship, may be substituted for up to one-half of the required service.  The service/training ratio for each program is determined by the Coast Guard.

Show Written Exam Requirements / Hide Written Exam Requirements

  • Q800 Junior Engineer Part 1
    • Shipboard equip-systems
    • Motor propulsion
    • Steam propulsion
  • Q801 Junior Engineer Part 2
    • General subjects
    • Electrical
    • Safety-environmental protection

  • Q802 Electrician
    • General subjects
    • Electrical
    • Safety and environmental protection
    • Shipboard equipment and systems
  • Q803 Refrigerating Engineer
    • General subjects
    • Electrical
    • Safety and environmental protection
    • Shipboard equipment and systems

  • Q804 Oiler Part 1
    • Motor propulsion
    • Steam propulsion
    • Shipboard equipment and systems
  • Q805 Oiler Part 2
    • Electrical
    • General subjects
    • Safety-environmental protection

  • Q806 Firman-Watertender
    • General subjects
    • Safety and environmental protection
    • Shipboard equipment and systems
    • Steam propulsion

  • Q807 Machinist
    • General subjects
    • Electrical
    • Safety and environmental protection
    • Shipboard equipment and systems
    • Steam propulsion
    • Motor propulsion
  • Q808 Pumpman
    • General subjects
    • Electrical
    • Safety and environmental protection
    • Shipboard equipment and systems
    • Steam propulsion
    • Motor propulsion

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) examination:

An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.

Testing Information

  • Exam Administration

    Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) credential where checked:

    • In-person exam
    • Remote proctored on-line exam
    • Third-party test vendor

  • For more information on the United States Coast Guard (USCG) testing process, visit the agency website.

National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) include:

Applicants for the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must meet the listed general requirements:

  • Meet the credential age requirement.
  • Submit evidence of holding or having applied for Transportation Working Identification Card (TWIC) from TSA.
  • Submit completed MMC Application CG-Form 719B.
    • Must submit evidence of appropriate Sea Service as required. Military sea service may be counted towards the sea service required to become a mariner. This military sea service is only part of the MMC evaluation. Documentation is key and must be submitted with the MMC application package to a Regional Exam Center.
    • Provide photocopies the front and the back of all relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and Certifications.
    • Submit CG Form- 719C Disclosure Statement for Narcotics, DWI/DUI, and/or other convictions as applicable.
    • Provide proof of passing the appropriate vision, hearing, medical, or physical exam, documented on CG Form-719K or CG-719K/E.
    • Provide evidence of passing a DOT/USCG periodic drug test on CG From- 719P.
  • Submit evaluation, exam and issuance Fees as applicable.

National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) include:

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) National Maritime Center (NMC) awards credentials to fully qualified mariners to assure a safe, secure, economically viable and environmentally sound Marine Transportation System. There are generally two types of mariner credentials: National and International, and they are awarded in two primary operational departments, Deck and Engine.  However, before any mariner credential is awarded, applicants must first attain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

The International credentials are governed in compliance with Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). These international standards (STCW) were first developed in 1978 when the international maritime community realized that human factors played a dominant role in the prevention of marine casualties.  The last major revision to the international STCW Convention and Code were adopted in 2010 in Manila, Philippines and took effect on 1 Jan 2012.

General Application Requirements include drug test compliance, medical screening, First Aid and CPR certificates of training, and firefighting training. In addition to the general application requirements, the primary data elements that NMC evaluators need from military mariner applicants to assess their experience and suitability for National or STCW level credentials are Military Sea Service history and Vessel Information as described below:

MILITARY SEA SERVICE

Military sea service experience must be a reasonable equivalent to the service required of a merchant mariner who is seeking an identical license. Evaluations of military sea service require submission of a Transcript of Sea Service (TOSS) or a Sea Service Letter. Each service has a slightly different version of their Sea Service letter; this example shows U.S. Navy Sea Service Letter requirements.  U.S. Army applicants can request a copy of their Sea Service history through the Sea Pay system.

NMC Regional Examination Centers may also require an official description of duties statement, letters of qualification, service record entries, or letters from former supervisors or commanding officers as well.  Specific details about sea service requirements for the various different credentials can be found in  46 CFR Part 10 - Merchant Mariner Credential, and 46 CFR Part 12 - Requirements for Rating Endorsements.  Additional details related to criteria for accepting military sea experience can be obtained from the Marine Safety Manual-Vol III, and Section 3 of the Military File Evaluation Manual.

VESSEL INFORMATION

Each Service also has corresponding vessel information. 

U.S. Navy applicants can reference this U.S. Navy Vessel Information chart for details on Ship Type, Name, Hull number, Ship Class, GRI ITC Tonnage, GRT Tonnage, Horsepower, and Propulsion Type when completing their Sea Service Letter.

U.S. Army applicant’s Vessel information will be included in the Sea Pay letter they request for military sea service history.

National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) include:

Requirements for renewal:

  • The applicant must either—
    • Present evidence of at least 1 year of sea service during the past 5 years;
    • Pass a comprehensive, open-book exercise covering the general subject matter as appropriate to the credential;
    • Complete an approved refresher training course;
    • Provide evidence of employment as a qualified instructor or in a position closely related to the credential.
  • A credential may be renewed at any time during its validity and for 1 year after expiration.

There are no professional requirements for renewal for the following endorsements:

  • Ordinary seaman, Wiper, Steward's department, Steward's department (F.H.).
  • Cadet, Student observer, Apprentice engineer, Apprentice mate.
  • Person in charge of medical care, Medical first-aid provider.
  • GMDSS at-sea maintainer, GMDSS operator.

Certain STCW endorsements must complete approved refresher or revalidation training.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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COOL Summary

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Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.

CG Bucks

Current Coast Guard policy states all credentials listed on CG COOL may be reimbursed assuming the enlisted service member meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program Policy (COMDTINST 1540.1(series))

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 through E9

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 through E9

Early Career

1-6 years experience; Officer O1 through O2

Mid Career

6-12 years experience; Officer O3 through O5

Late Career

12+ years experience; Officer O6 and Above

LaDR

This credential is recommended on the rating Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for Sailors currently in the pay grade indicated on the icon, BUT MAY BE TAKEN BY SAILORS IN OTHER PAY GRADES.

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GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

ANAB (ANSI)

This credential has been accredited by ANAB (ANSI).

Click to go to the external ANAB web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS.

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Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch

Army e-learning

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NKO e-learning

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Ship Engineers
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Ship Engineers

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Ship Engineers

This is an official U.S. Navy website
Updated: January 07, 2021
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