(c) have not less than a total of three years approved education (IMO Model Course 7.04) or training, relevant to the duties of a marine engineer;
(d) have completed an adequate period of seagoing service (6 months) which may have been included within the period of three years in sub-paragraph(c)
(e) satisfy the Administration that he has the theoretical and practical knowledge of the operation and maintenance of marine machinery appropriate to the duties of an engineer officer;
(f) have attended an approved practical fire-fighting course;
(g) have knowledge of safe working practices
In preparing IMO Model Course 7.04 to meet the minimum age for certification (18 years) and to obtain the minimum of three years specialized education or training, the age of entry could be 15 years, or less.
4. STCW 95 - Chapter III - Engine Department - Regulation III/2
Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3000 kw propulsion power or more
Paragraph 2 in Regulation III/2 of the STCW 95 (Ref. 1) convention states
Every candidate for certification shall;
.1 meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of an engineering watch and;
.1.1. for certification as second engineer officer, shall have not less than 12 months' approved seagoing service as assistant engineer officer or engineer officer, and
.1.2. for certification as chief engineer officer, shall have not less than 36 months' approved seagoing service of which not less than 12 months shall have been served as an engineer officer in a position of responsibility while qualified to serve as second engineer officer; and
.2 have completed approved education (IMO Model Course 7.02 Chief and Second Engineer Officer (Motor Ships) - Ref.4) and training and meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-III/2 of the STCW Code.
SUMMARY - This implies that a 14/15 year old candidate who started the basic full-time general education at the age of 4, can be an E/O at the age of 18 attending to a three years of IMO Model Course 7.04 Education which includes 6 months seagoing service, after an exam. Then after 1 year of IMO Model Course 7.02 Education, with another one year on board a vessel as E/O, he can sit for an exam of second E/O, at the age of 20. Or with another 3 years on board a vessel as 1 year E/O, and 2 years second E/O, he can sit for an exam of a Chief Engineer at the age of 23.
This is enabling a 14/15 years old candidate with 10/11 years of basic full-time general education to be a C/E in 8 years time at the age of 23 attending to some private courses without any High School Education, never mind University Education.
