Wiper to QMED

By Captain Mike · 50 years at sea · former MITAGS faculty
Requirements checked against NMC checklists and 46 CFR · September 2026

Before you file: Requirements and NMC policy change. Open the current NMC checklist linked at the bottom of this page and confirm every number against it.

The numbers that matter

180 daysService in a rating at least equal to Wiper or Coal Passer 46 CFR 12.503

ExamOn the subjects for the QMED rating you want, or an approved course in lieu 46 CFR 12.505

SeparateEach QMED rating is endorsed separately unless you qualify for all of them 46 CFR 12.501

QMED means any engine-department rating above Wiper and below officer. The ratings are Oiler, Fireman/Watertender, Junior Engineer, Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer, and Pump Technician/Machinist. You'll also need a medical certificate and a passing drug test or exemption 46 CFR 12.501.

Wiper to QMED, step by step

Decide which rating you're going for

Oiler and Fireman/Watertender are the usual first QMED ratings. Electrician or Pump Technician can pay better but have their own exam subjects. Pick the one that matches the jobs you're after and study to that rating's subject list.

Make your wiper time count

You need 180 days in the engine department. Make sure every letter says engine department and states your rating, plus the vessel's propulsion type and horsepower. Future engineering endorsements will ask about both.

Consider an approved course

Coast Guard-approved QMED courses can stand in for the exam, and some also credit part of the sea service. For example, a Fireman/Oiler/Watertender course may credit 60 days. The Coast Guard sets the credit for each course, so confirm it in writing before you enroll.

Think about STCW

Sailing on seagoing vessels usually means you'll also need an STCW rating endorsement such as Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch. It has its own checklist and requirements, so plan for it alongside the national QMED.

Assemble and audit

Put letters, course certificates, medical and drug test together. Then check each day you're claiming against a vessel, a capacity and a date range.

Traps in the engine room paperwork

"Utility" or combination jobs. If you split time between deck and engine, the letter has to break out the engine-room days. Evaluators won't guess.
Missing horsepower and propulsion. They may not matter for QMED, but they will for DDE or Third Assistant later. Get them on the letter now.
Course credit you assumed. Not every course credits sea time. Check before you pay.
Forgetting the drug test. A first QMED endorsement needs drug-test compliance, even if your MMC is current.

Next: your first engineer license. Third Assistant up to Chief Engineer, step by step. The Engine Officer Ladder →

Ready to apply? Applications now go through Navita, the Coast Guard's online credentialing system. It changes how you apply, not what you need. Navita: what changed →