The Master 200 GT credential covers vessels up to 200 Gross Tons on Near Coastal or Inland waters. It's the natural next step for captains who have outgrown the 100 GT endorsement and are moving into larger charter vessels, regional ferry routes, or small offshore supply operations. Vessels in this tonnage range include mid-size fishing charter boats (80–100 feet), passenger ferries, and crew boats on inshore oil-field routes.
Upgrade path from 100 GT
If you already hold Master 100 GT Near Coastal, the upgrade to 200 GT requires an additional 180 days of qualifying sea service on top of your 100 GT base — bringing the total to 540 days, with 90 days offshore. Alternatively, candidates without a prior license can apply directly for Master 200 GT with 540 days total. Either way, the NMC reviews your sea-service documentation as a package, so maintain your logbook carefully and ensure all entries are signed by the vessel owner or master.
Sea service requirement
540 days total on qualifying waters, with at least 90 days offshore (beyond 3 nm from shore) for the Near Coastal endorsement. Days must be underway on a documented vessel. Service on vessels of any size counts toward the day total, though the quality of tonnage experience matters — time as master or mate on larger vessels strengthens the application and is required for further upgrades.
Exam modules
The written examination covers the same five subject areas as Master 100 GT but with additional tonnage-specific content:
- Rules of the Road — 80% passing threshold, same as all license levels
- Charts & Navigation — chart work, aids, compass correction (70%)
- Navigation Problems — dead reckoning, currents, tides, speed/time/distance (70%)
- Deck General — stability calculations, cargo stowage, anchoring (70%)
- Safety — firefighting, damage control, GMDSS, survival craft (70%)
At 200 GT, stability and cargo stowage questions become more complex. Expect calculations involving GM (metacentric height), free-surface effect, and basic load distribution — concepts that become second nature with practice but trip up candidates who studied only for OUPV or 100 GT exams.
STCW requirements
The Near Coastal endorsement requires STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), PSSR, and the Maritime Security Awareness module. These are completed at an approved training provider and typically take 4–5 days in person. If you already completed STCW for the Master 100 GT, it transfers — no repeat training required unless certificates have expired (5-year renewal cycle).
Typical career paths
Master 200 GT holders commonly work as charter fishing and diving boat captains on vessels in the 80–100-foot range, regional passenger ferry captains on short commuter or island-hopping routes, and crew boat captains serving offshore platforms. From here, the route to 500 GT opens up: 720 days of total sea service with 360 offshore and completion of the Mate/Master 500 GT exam modules.