To obtain a United States Coast Guard license as a First Assistant Engineer - Upper Level, the applicant must complete 360 days of service as a Second or Third Assistant Engineer; while holding a Second Assistant Engineer license. Other requirements include passing a written exam, a physical exam, and completion of a first aid course and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course within the past 12 months. This license is valid for 5 years and may be renewed through various options involving recent work experience, passing an open-book exercise, or completing a refresher training course. Further information can be found at the USCG web site http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/index.htm and the Federal Code of Regulations
