Captain's License info

Jim Bucko

Jim Bucko

Active member
Does anyone have some advice on getting a Captain's License. I know there are online, classroom, etc ways to go about this but I also know some of them are bogus. I want to look into getting my license before the regulations change again.
Any info is appreciated.
Jim/Fowlfishing
 
Contact the Coast Guard in your area or talk with some current captains and find out where they took their class.
If you were near us in the Great Lakes (Lk. St. Clair), I could steer you to the classes.
My oldest son has a 200 ton license and is getting ready to take a class for his towing endorsement.
Lou
 
I got my original ticket from Sea School back in 1992.

It's nice because you send them your packet after completing the course & they review it.

If somethings missing, they will not forward it till it's complete.

SS still functions that way today.

When I upgraded to to 100 ton Nearshore Masters, I used Adams Marine.

I would also recommend them even though they do not have the office staff that SS has.

If you can put a class together, both schools will come to your area.

Just make sure the course if recognized by the USCG/NMC.

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

http://www.uscg.mil/...plications_forms.asp

http://www.seaschool.com/frm-schedulechoice.htm

http://www.adamsmarine.com/
 
Last edited:
Check out American Boat school, http://amboatschool.com/

I got my captain's License there. Pretty good set up. Classroom style and a test after each couple chapters and then you move on to the next. He offers a variety of license options too.

Good luck.
 
I got my 25T and towning endoursement through American Boat school and they were very good to deal with. Highly recommend taking the class over weeks because you really learn vs. a crash course over one weekend and you are preping for a test I think. Hank
 
There is a fee and plenty of studying involved to pass the test. But on the upside you can finally wear that hat you have always wanted.

My brother just finished his PhD. Now he is Dr. Grant. I am considering getting a captain's license to not only be safer on the water but be able to be called Capt'n Grant. Until then I think I can get away with Andrew Grant Esquire.
 
I'm on my 9th renewal. When I got my license it was a 2 day test at the Battery in NYC. Now everybody gets it. Contact Sea School for a spot in your area, they give the test to you, everybody passes
 
Just curious--for the log of sea time, is there any restriction on what counts as a "vessel"? I'd have no difficulty making the 360 hours if I can count all my time in canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and small sail boats, but I probably couldn't document that many hours in power boats. Just curious.

I'd feel a little silly trying to calculate the gross tonnage of my canoe :)
 
I'm on my 9th renewal. When I got my license it was a 2 day test at the Battery in NYC. Now everybody gets it. Contact Sea School for a spot in your area, they give the test to you, everybody passes
Click to expand...


I wouldn't say everybody passes you still need to do the work and study for the test, if you truly been around the water for any length of time it should be relatively easy. Sea School does a good job just focusing whats on the TEST
 
Jeff,

Another vote for Sea School here. Talk to some local guys and ask around who they think is the best in your area. Get an instructors name. The instructor can make or break the class. It's alot of work but well worth doing right. There are schools on the Island here that will let their student cheat on exams and only teach what you need to pass the test. A good school will give you a good foundation to build on. Then it's up to you.
As far as what counts as a vessel. The tonage on your license will be based on the experience you document. If you just want to get a six pack license (OUPV) then yes, your own jon boat can count. If your looking to get a 100 ton Master then you will need to have time and tonage for that class license.
Another issue to consider is where you gained your experience. When you submit your application to the USCG they will be looking at the geographical area where you have gained your experience. In other words, you will not be issued a near coastal license if you have never left the inland waterways. Also, they can restrict you to local waters only, if you don't show enough experience in other areas.

Good luck,
Capt. John
 
I did Sea School, they were great. They will teach you to pass the test. Takes alot of studying, colregs, safety, plotting etc. Passing the test doesn't make you a Captain, experience does. You do not need a license unless you take parties or charter. Ask Capt Jack, job sounds great, every day, every weather. Got mine a while ago. Worked for Tow Boat. Worked towing gig, do you know there aren't designated working hours? Any day, any weather, any hour.
Great course, learned alot. If you have the time and money, get you 6 pack, towing and sail endorsements. If you have time get the Masters, it is only a few other hours and about the same test.
Make sure the school can give you the test on prem, some only teach the school and you take the test at a CG facility.
The knowledge you get is worth it. Try working with a old salt like Jack for experience. I worked as a mate in Florida, sounded like a great job.
GOOD LUCK
 
I'm on my 9th renewal. When I got my license it was a 2 day test at the Battery in NYC. Now everybody gets it. Contact Sea School for a spot in your area, they give the test to you, everybody passes
Click to expand...


I wouldn't say everybody passes you still need to do the work and study for the test, if you truly been around the water for any length of time it should be relatively easy. Sea School does a good job just focusing whats on the TEST
Click to expand...

All jokes aside, I am certain you need to study. Taking a paying customer out on a boat is serious business. If everyone passes, it must be because they spend enough time studying and take it serious. Good luck on your next adventure!
 
I'm on my 9th renewal. When I got my license it was a 2 day test at the Battery in NYC. Now everybody gets it. Contact Sea School for a spot in your area, they give the test to you, everybody passes
Click to expand...


I wouldn't say everybody passes you still need to do the work and study for the test, if you truly been around the water for any length of time it should be relatively easy. Sea School does a good job just focusing whats on the TEST
Click to expand...

I'm sure there are people that dont make it, but none that I'm aware of. I see a lot of so called captains out here that what to make the big bucks and dont have a clue as to how to fish or handle a boat yet they went to sea school and got their license and bought a Grady White offshore model and are in the charterboat business as a part timer advertising in the Long Island Fisherman that they have 25 years expeareance fishing Montauk waters. When the fact of the matter is they were my customer for that time. Nobody does it the old fashioned way. They go to sea school and come out with their license. I'm 63 years old have earned my living as a charterboat captain since I was 18 I'm not as easy going as I used to be. I guess that comes with age
 
Hi Jim, I went through sea school over 20 years ago to get my 100Ton Masters. I also went back to Sea School for my towing endorsement about 10 years ago. I highly recommend them!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top