Obtaining USCG Certification

[Brian D]

How does one get USCG certified like 500-tonne, or 6-Pack certification? For you skippers that have this certification, can it be done on-line or is there some kind of "formal" schooling. Is it a written exam only or is there a practical application requirement also?

Please educate us so those that are interested can pursue this certification.

Thanks

 

[jibes138]

takes some work

I took a certified course that administers the exam. You could study and take the course at the coast guard station for your region. It is a written exam and includes navigation so plotting bearings and courses on charts is included. Navigation rules inland and international. You also have to take a DOT official drug test, take a first aid course and CPR, and you need a physical exam and you have to have a minimum amount of time out in your boat over the last five years and take an oath. You also have to pass an eye exam. Then you need at least three references, people that can write a letter vouching for your character. While much of it is the honor system like time on the water, you are also taking an oath that you provided accurate information. You turn in a package of information about an inch thick for the application, then you wait while they review it and do a check on you. My license expired after five years because I just didn't have enough time on the boat and am honest. It is really meant for people that work in the industry and you need an awful lot of boat time to continue to qualify. That said it taught me a great deal about navigation and I am really glad I took the course and got certified. I had a 50 ton Master license with towing and sailing endorsements. If you want to charter it is mandatory, otherwise you can take the course or study and learn a lot. The course was run by a former captain of a coast guard ice breaker so he really knew his stuff. GREAT EXPERIENCE!! It is pretty much the same course whether you get a 6 pack or a masters license.

 

[Chuck Creel]

Ahoy Brian,
At the risk of sounding negative about this whole thing, I am going to input some facts regarding Lic issue Now verses a few years ago.

Now, the sea time that you have to furnish to get say the 100 ton masters, has to have some of the sea time on boats larger than 26 gross tons i believe. This can be confirmed by one of the many schools that are certified by the USCG to administer the 100 and also the 200 ton exams in lieu of the testing at the USCG REC. Like Sea School, Houston marine, etc.
I believe you have to show at least 365 12 hr days of sea time for the 100 ton which is what i started out with but I was pursuing a career pushing barges at the time so I had to be a deck hand for 2 yrs " at age 38 i might add" to get the required sea time on larger boats.
Now with the history of accidents, homeland security, etc, the rules are changing fast.

For example,
To get anything 200 tons or over requuires fire fighting, STCW training, Bridge mangement, life boat training/certification, and other things like unlimted radar endorsement.
I think the 100 ton master class and testing byt the finish and actully holding your kic in your hand, should take about $3,000.00 dollars.

I guess the question is, Can the cost be justified?

After 15 yrs of pushing barges around the coastal ICW and Sounds, I am ready to hang it up because of the red tape and all the renewals and changes being made.
It is getting HARDER and HARDER to get and just as hard to keep.

If you like, you can email me direct and I will try and answer any more questions you might have .

Happy sailing and fair winds;

Captain Charles Creel
150 Ton Master, master of towing

charlesc@gulftel.com

 

[Winkfish]

There's a big difference in the 6-pack cert and the 500 ton cert. If you know any fishing guides in your area, ask them, as they should have a 6-pack certification.

 

[Winkfish]

Brian, check out this link.

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/cb_capt.asp

 

[Chuck Creel]

Brian, check out this link.

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/cb_capt.asp

Now thats right on track, Thanks so much for sharing the link.

Pretty much explains it.

May Neptune Smile upon your vouyage.

 

[Winkfish]

May Neptune Smile upon your vouyage.

May Neptune get me a sailboat first!!

 

[capejt]

As has already been pointed out, it is quite the red tape paper chase hassle! I got my 200 ton mate / 100 ton masters back in 1993. It was up for renewal this year, but I let it slide due to recent health conerns (diabetes, etc.) that would have diqualified me anyway.
Also, as has aready been stated, it is primarily for those working full time in the industry and it's next to impossible to keep up with the required sea time on a recreational basis.
Unless you're planning on doing charter captain work, it's not worse the bother.

 

[jibes138]

I assumed the 500 ton in the original post really meant 50 ton which is pretty much the lowest level above a 6 pack. My 35 foot boat is about 11 ton so a 50 ton still qualifies you for a decent size boat, but keep in mind volume is a cubic relationship so a 40 footer has a lot more tons than a 35 for example.
If you are looking to be a charter captain the 6 pack allows you to have 6 paying passengers while a 50 ton Masters gives you more flexibility. For small sailboats or charter fishing a 6 pack is likely adequate. If you want to captain say a small ferry boat or maybe run a water taxi that carries more than 6 or run a sightseeing vessel for tourists you probably want a masters license.
When I took the course in 2000 in was about 700 bucks. It was well worth it, I learned a lot.

 

[Andy1237]

Chuck-don't give up the ship! Hang in there. Always makes me feel better knowing that that barge MAY be driven by someone that knows I need to tack soon!

 

[Brian D]

Brian, check out this link.

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/cb_capt.asp

Winkfish, I was on that site and could not find that information, which is really what I was looking for. Thanks!

However, the nature of this thread was to help others who might have a desire to obtain USCG certification. Not so much myself. I would like to have a 6 pack license so if I wanted I could charter when I finally decide to do so.

What I am getting from this discussion at the very least is the value of the knowledge presented in the course work. That appears to be well worth the effort even if the goal is not to obtain any certification. I also see they have a sailing instructor certification, nice.

Thanks guys, as always, the knowledge base that resides on SBO never ceases to amaze me.