A United States Coast Guard Ballast Control Operator is required to pass an exam and to have 1 year related experience, including at least 28 days as a trainee under a licensed Ballast Control Operator or a degree in engineering or engineering technology and at least 28 days as a trainee. Specialized training is also required in stability of the mobile offshore drilling unit (ODU), survival at sea, and firefighting. Federal regulations can be found at the web site http://frwebgate2.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=051618583+1+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve, http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/index.htm, and the Federal Code of Regulations (46CFR10) at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/46cfr10_02.html.
