Section 11.516 - Service requirements for national endorsement as third assistant engineer of steam, motor, and/or gas turbine-propelled vessels(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for endorsement as third assistant engineer of steam, motor, and/or gas turbine-propelled vessels is- (1) Three years of service in the engineroom of vessels, 2 years of which must have been as a qualified member of the engine department or equivalent position;(2) Three years of service as an apprentice to the machinist trade engaged in the construction or repair of marine, locomotive, or stationary engines, together with 1 year of service in the engineroom as oiler, fireman/watertender, or junior engineer;(3) Graduation from- (i) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (engineering curriculum);(ii) The U.S. Coast Guard Academy and completion of an onboard engineer officer qualification program required by the service;(iii) The U.S. Naval Academy and completion of an onboard engineer officer qualification program required by the service; or(iv) The engineering class of a Maritime Academy approved by and conducted under the rules prescribed by the Maritime Administrator and listed in part 310 of this title;(4) Graduation from the marine engineering course of a school of technology accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, together with 3 months of service in the engine department of steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels;(5) Graduation from the mechanical or electrical engineering course of a school of technology accredited by the ABET, together with 6 months of service in the engine department of steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels;(6) Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive apprentice engineers training program approved by the Coast Guard; or(7) One year of service as assistant engineer (limited) of self-propelled vessels and completion of the appropriate examination described in subpart I of this part.(b) Experience gained in the deck department on vessels of 100 GRT or more can be credited for up to 3 months of the service requirements under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.(c) A person holding this endorsement may qualify for an STCW endorsement, according to §§ 11.327 , 11.329 , and 11,333 of this part.