Calculators for Mariner Credentialing Examinations The Deck and Engine Guide for the Administration of Merchant Marine Examinations
– August 2014 only allows mariners to use a non-programmable calculator when taking a Coast Guard-administered credentialing examination. Significant technological advancements make it difficult to find nonprogrammable calculators that have the necessary scientific functions required, particularly for deck officer examinations. Coast Guard personnel find it challenging to identify these calculators. When testing at a Regional Examination Center (REC), the Coast Guard will permit mariners use of programable calculators with memory capability. However, all calculators must have their programs and memories cleared before entering the examination room. Mariners must bring the original or a reproduction of the manufacturer’s instruction manual, or portion(s) thereof, which includes directions for clearing all programs and memory, and be prepared to demonstrate doing so for the examiner. If Coast Guard personnel cannot confirm all programs and memory have been cleared, the calculator will not be allowed and a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator will be provided. You can review the TI-30XIIS operating manual at TI-30X IIS Reference Guidebook. Only one calculator is allowed per mariner in the examination room. If a mariner wishes to bring an additional calculator as a backup, it must remain outside the examination room until needed. If the backup is different from the primary, the applicant must provide the manufacturer’s instructions and clear all programs and memory before use. Other electronic devices, including smart watches, are not allowed in the examination room.
Policy documents and the National Maritime Center website will be updated to include this guidance at next review. Calculators for testing not conducted at an REC will be addressed in individual Traveling Examination Team Plans.
Questions, concerns, or feedback should be addressed to the NMC Customer Service Center by emailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).
Sincerely, /B. W. Clare/ Bradley W. Clare Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer
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