you got that right! A lot of changes since then. STCW is just one of them.
I've yet to see a ship's Master not on the bridge during any sort of harbor
entrance, canal transit, or going up and down rivers. The mate on watch is
also there but except for a qualified Chief or perhaps a 2nd Mate they are
there to assist and learn. Switch to the unlicensed personnel. It doesn't
matter how much experience an AB has if they haven't done the STCW
qualifications they don't get to drive. Makes sense if you think of an AB
who has been working deck and holds in MSC for many years and hasn't been
near a wheelhouse. They can be an AB Unlimited but aren't experienced.
Masters and Chief Mates always check the work history. Snaking up to
Savannah or in the Mississippi I had the unique experience of being paired
with an AB Unlimited who did not have the STCW endorsement. He also held a
3rd Mates ticket. But like a car license with no motorcycle endorsement he
did not get to touch the wheel. After Exxon Valdez things got real tight in
the industry and for good reason. The last thing we want is someone who has
a piece of paper but no experience out causing difficulties. Real life is
not a take home open book exam.

MST