USCG "Six-Pack" License Schools

seanshine · Sep 30, 2011

Why do you need one, and have you considered the legal ramifications if you get one? Just a thought.

Benny17441 · Sep 30, 2011

Careful about what it may do to your insurance rates.

mcrow33 · Sep 30, 2011

I got a lower insurance rate due to my Master License.

AlwaysFORSAIL · Sep 30, 2011

The only insurance discount I got was with membership to the power squadron. I have taught Sea School most folks find it informative and useful. My rcommendation would be to take a class and go for all the certification you can stand, six pack, masters, towing and sailing, at one sitting. You never know what you might need.

If you study well on your own you can save some money ut I found that it was much more hassle free to go to class.

Good luck.

Salty · Sep 30, 2011

I am also thinking of doing it but I think for a couple hundred $$ and 20+ more questions, I'll do the masters instead.

capejt · Oct 1, 2011

I gat a lower rate too

mcrow33 said:
I got a lower insurance rate due to my Master License.

I too got a lower rate as a result of my masters license. I don't think the insurance companies take the six-pack too seriously. Sort of like an unlimited truck license compared to a learners permit.

Alex Dare · Oct 1, 2011

Unless you're going to actually use it to make money or because of a legal requirement, think twice about getting licensed. It does indeed open you up to potential liability issues.

mcrow33 · Oct 1, 2011

I may agree with Alex. Unless you are going to use it for business. Why go through the time and expense to get licensed? Beside the cost of the class, there is cost of drug testing, TWIC card, medical exam, and fees to the USCG. You are looking at about an added cost after the class cost.

woodster · Oct 1, 2011

i dont see the need to get one.......my buddy went through all the schools and all the medical things and the testing and processing and as far as i can see it didnt help him one iota as being a better sailor and when all was said and done he had spent about 3 grand doing it .......if are for hire maybe yes but i am not impressed with the out come....he is still just as green and has a long way to go in learning the mechanics of sailing.......looks more like an ego thing... than an improvement in sailing and i wonder if challanged on his seamanship if he could rise to the challange....and yes he is still my buddy just the same......although haveing that little book does some times make it hard to be buddys....

regards

woody

Cayennita · Oct 1, 2011

One of the boat owners at my dock bought a Gulfstar 50 without ever having sailed before.
He used his time on a 2- foot Carolina skiff to meet the requirements. Does it make him a better sailor than me with over 3500 days documented in large sailboats. Not counting the years in hobbie cats, IC's, Etchells, Solings, even Cape Cod Frosties.
If you are the only CG licensed person on a friend's boat and there is an accident, you are liable. I've done many deliveries as skipper and no license. Unless you are going commercial, forget it. I also have the lowest possible insurance rate you can get.

kenn · Oct 1, 2011

Classes are cool!

rfrye1 said:
I'm not sure I can sit thru 2 weeks of classroom at this point in my life.

Just commenting on that - as a middle-aged person who completed one of the ABYC technical certifications by doing a week-long course last fall,... why the heck wouldn't you do the classroom thing? I bombed out of university, but I have still taken courses when the opportunity presents itself, and I'm finally smart enough to understand the value of education, and why it's something worth doing well. I got alot out of the class... stuff I don't think I would have picked up through an online course.

As to the suitability of the USCG certifications.... I can only say how sad it is that one has to consider NOT getting them, in order to minimize their possible liability. Sad commentary on a legal system.

Ross · Oct 1, 2011

There are many good reasons for getting an education and several reasons for having the papers to prove it. Bragging rights are not a good reason for getting the paper. If you think that opportunity may present itself if you have the creds for a particular position then go for it but if you just want to call yourself Captain, forgetaboutit.