Captain's license requirements

[Jon Bastien]

Hi folks, I'm thinking about working towards my USCG "6-pack" OUPV license (with the towing and sailing endorsements, of course).  Part of the requirements are that you track your time on the water, and I have some questions about this... What really needs to be tracked- Name and type of vessel? Master or mate? Length of trip? Location of trip? Do they require any type of certification for the log? I'm also planning on attending a school, as I understand it's extremely difficult to pass the exam without doing so. are there any favorite or recommended schools in the south Florida area? Thanks in advance...--Jon BastienH25 'Adagio'

 

[Lee Urbani]

Call the USCG

As a holder of a USCG Masters License and the owner of a company that requires USCG Licensing for our employees I can tell you that the process is not an easy one. The best advice is to call the South Fla USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) and ask them to send you information on the testing proceedures. This will detail the sea service required, how to document it and the many other items you will need to qualify for testing, such as reference letters that are notarized (yes notarized reference letters, and they are sticklers on this). The information packet will also include samples of the 44,000 questions that they select from for the different testing modules. We run our own school for employees and potential employees but I would highly recommend that you attend one that offers a guarrantee that if you don't pass the first time (and few do) you can attend their class until you do pass. In addition to the testing you will also need current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications. To use your license you must be enrolled in a random drug testing program that is approved by the USCG (we use The Maritime Consortium, Inc. www.drugfreevessel.com) And there's a lot more, trust me and call the REC Center. Good Luck

 

[Chris McLoughlin]

I would suggest. . .

That you log onto www.seaschool.com They offer a course on taking the USCG test.They have a guarantee if you don't pass the test the first time ( in the class of about 20 that I took the test with, I think only one fellow did not pass the first time).The information packet you get from them will be much more understandable then anything you get from the CG.This winter I will probably upgrade to 50 ton master. I don't work in the marine trades but since I don't skiI have nothing better to do with myself over the long NE winter.Good Luck! Chris

 

[Charlie Gruetzner]

Sea School

Jon, I just completed the Sea School course and got my "6 Pack" license. It is a long 9 days but you do come out of it well prepared for the exam. I would give them a call. I know they have classes down in Florida but I am not sure where. Like Chris I will proably upgrade to the Masters license in the Spring but first things first. good luckCharlie GruetznerS/V Angels' GraceBeneteau 361