General requirements for entry-level ratings.

§ 12.703 General requirements for entry-level ratings. (a) Rating endorsements will be issued without professional examination to applicants in capacities other than able seaman, lifeboatman, lifeboatman-limited, tankerman, or QMED, including— (1) Ordinary seaman; (2) Wiper; (3) Steward's department; and (4) Steward's department (F.H.). (b) Holders of MMCs or MMDs endorsed as ordinary seaman may serve in any unqualified rating in the deck or steward's department, except as a food handler. (c) Holders of MMCs or MMDs endorsed as wiper may serve in any unqualified rating in the engine or steward's department, except as a food handler. (d) Only MMCs or MMDs endorsed as steward's department (F.H.) will authorize the holder's service in any capacity in the steward's department, including food handler.