(a) A person enrolled in a Mate training program approved by the Coast Guard, and who provides a letter or other documentary evidence that they are enrolled, may be issued an MMC rating endorsement as Apprentice Mate and may be signed on a vessel in this capacity. The rating endorsement as Apprentice Mate may be in addition to other endorsements; however, this endorsement does not authorize the holder to replace any of the regular required crew.

(b) Persons holding the endorsement as Apprentice Mate are deemed to be seafarers.