Advice on getting my captain’s license?
Posted by honestfyi@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 20 comments
It’s the off-season here in Michigan and I am ready to begin the process of getting my captain’s license. All the captains I know recommend US Captain’s Training, which is a local company. I called them a few months ago to get a sense of what it looks like and how much it’ll cost.
They told me it’ll be about $2K “all-in,” meaning the documentation, background and drug tests, training, materials and testing.
The thing that gives me pause is that all the training is online videos. (Plus a book of some kind, of course.)
I was hoping/expecting at least some kind of in-person, classroom-style instruction. I do well in a traditional academic environment, but I’m worried about doing this as a self-paced online course (which is what it sounds like).
I’ve got the sea time, I’m ready to do this. And I’m hoping to have my captain’s license (at least a 6-pack) by next season. So hopefully by May?
I know these things take time, so I want to get started sooner than later.
My questions to the community: is online-only training the norm? Where did you get your captain’s license and what was it like? What advice do you have in general as I begin this process?
Thank you in advance for your input! There’s a lot I don’t know at this point, so please feel free to answer questions I didn’t ask. :)
silverbk65105@reddit
Professional mariner here, a couple of thoughts in no particular order;
Do you plan on using your USCG license to make money? If not I would avoid it, its a lot of hassle and bureaucracy and they don't give out the dandy red books anymore. If you want it for bragging rights, and have extra cash, by all means.
Having a license does not make you a mariner. I see hacks with licenses all the time, they must have cheated on the exam, and or embellished their seatime because they have no skills.
Different people respond to different kinds of teaching. Some people like the classroom, other people can get it done online. Anecdotally, out here in the big leagues all serious training is done in the classroom. You cannot work anywhere serious without an MROP and a radar observer endorsement, so you will be at a school at some point. If you have aspirations for a "big" license you will be looking at about 40k in classes.
I started with a six pack through MLS back in the day. Then I ended up at SUNY maritime. Having that silly little license actually helped my career. Right after SUNY I found work immediately on a tug and barge. I had not officially graduated or "sat" for my license yet. I was able to use the seatime during that purgatory when I was "sitting" for master. It worked out well.
Good luck
honestfyi@reddit (OP)
I appreciate your thoughts! Yes, I do intend to use the license to make money. Two years ago I started crewing on charter sails in my area, I’m helping run a local charter business, and I’m serious about this as a career pivot.
I’m also aware of the fact they don’t give out the fancy books anymore, which is lame. Funny story, one of the captains I work with told me that someone they know tried to laminate their credential. Apparently it melted. 😂
I hear you on the “having a license doesn’t make you a mariner” thing. I’ve run across at least one or two folks with a license that…must have cheated somehow. One captain I know who has been in the industry since he was 18 called the 6-pack a “crackerjack license” meaning they hand them out in crackerjack boxes. Which I found amusing rather than offensive.
Right now my career “plan” doesn’t extend beyond the next charter season here, but I’m interested in doing deliveries (despite the horror stories I’ve heard), getting paid more for charters here (captain rates vs first mate aka unlicensed deckhand rates). Not sure if I’m aiming to play in the big leagues, part of me feels like I’m too old to do that, but we literally have a maritime academy where I live, so I really need to contact them for more information.
I feel pretty strongly about wanting in-person instruction. I don’t care if the exam is proctored online.
Super appreciate your input here! Thank you so much.
silverbk65105@reddit
The TLDR answer is "If you can attend an academy, you should"
You are not too old. I started SUNY Maritime at 40 after sailing unlicensed for many years. I was not even the oldest cadet there. there was a guy starting at 53, he already had an MBA from Loyola. It was the best thing I ever did. The 100ton master license is a kind of glass ceiling. Its hard to break through. All salaries for this license top out. Presently that rate in NY Harbor is about $30 per hour. Some companies will give benefits and a few more bucks, if you are there for awhile. Most captains have to work several boats to make ends meet.
Tug captain pay has now reached $1000 per day in NY Harbor. Mate and engineer somewhat less. Just telling you this to put things in perspective for you. Officers on ships usually work out of union halls and their pay varies by contract and ship, typical kid out of an academy makes at least 120k.
All your "big" licenses require significantly more training and education. While it is still possible to advance without an academy (hawsepiping), it will require investment in classes, currently that cost sits at about $40k. This makes SUNY and the other schools an attractive option.
garage149@reddit
Seems like 50/50 people getting online vs in class. I plan on getting mine this winter too, our local place is the Annapolis School of Seamanship (Google it). I hear it’s good, two weeks classroom, $1,425.
I’ve also heard good things about online-only Mariners Learning System, cheaper at $895. I’m leaning towards classroom, because I doubt my discipline to stay get the online done.
Fair winds
https://mariners learning system.com/products/25-50-100-ton-master
honestfyi@reddit (OP)
Yeah I looked at the Annapolis School of Seamanship and I’m definitely interested. The main hurdle is that it’s not local to me so I’ll be adding to my costs with finding a place to stay. Maybe someone needs a cat and plant sitter.
I’m with you on the discipline thing when it comes to an online course.
Even finding a person or group of people to study with and discuss things would be a huge help. I had this when I took ASA 101/103 in August and it made a huge difference. I’m much more motivated (and a little competitive) with other people vs by myself.
Kahliss814@reddit
mptusa.com
fortlauderdalecrewhouse.com
The 100 ton master course is $899 and about 11 days. Crew house is $50/night. This doesn't include testing, radio op permit, or other endorsements. Granted it breaks out to about the same cost but it's in person. This is just an example. MPT is a captains factory churning them out by the dozens every week. Lots of people go down and do this. Lots of cheap places to stay. If you want to stay around and work on yachts after, you could easily find some day work paying $200+/day cash.
DO NOT GET A 6 PACK!
The sea time requirement for a 6pack is the exact same as a master inland. You will even be in the same class the only difference is you literally have one extra test to get your masters. And a master inland includes a 6 pack. If you get a 6pack and want to upgrade to a master, you have to go back and take tests again. Whereas if you get your inland (at any tonnage) you can upgrade all the way up to 100T Near Coastal Master by just sending in $90 and some paperwork to the CG. This is exactly what I did.
honestfyi@reddit (OP)
Thank you! These are new to me. Will check them out.
Boondoggle_1@reddit
$2k seems a little on the high side. I used US Captains and had a great experience. There are real people online with you during your tests. And if you get something wrong, they will stick around with you post-test to discuss, review, correct, etc. I found this to be the perfect blend of online and "in person" for my style of learning.
If you don't already know - the TWIC card gets you TSA Precheck. A nice added bonus.
MLS runs pretty deep sales around turkey day I think. I've heard of a few folks not having a great experience with them, hence my choice for US Captains. YMMV...
honestfyi@reddit (OP)
The estimate included everything, like the TWIC card, drug test, etc.
I did not know the thing about the TWIC card and Precheck! I already have TSA Precheck but this is a good tip, since I’m not sure when my most recent renewal expires.
Thanks for your comment!
dwkfym@reddit
I got my courses done through Mariners Learning System. they are decent. IIRC I paid 600 bucks at the boat show. This must have been almost 5 years ago, since my MMC expired few weeks ago. I better renew and not drag it out, though renewal period is 6 years now.
If paperwork drives you nuts, check out MM-Seas.
fredrandall@reddit
I sent my MMC renewal in a month ago it was in process of being evaluated when the government shutdown, license also expired around the same time. The only saving grace is that the boat I currently run is private and I don't currently need a capt license. Although I think they usually offer a bit of a grace period because they know their process is broken af.
silverbk65105@reddit
https://maritimeinstitute.com/uscg-announcement-lapse-in-appropriations-and-government-shutdown-update-2-mitigation-efforts-extensions/
honestfyi@reddit (OP)
Oh I forgot about MM-Seas! Thank you. Yes, paperwork is definitely an issue for me.
HarlemPaul@reddit
I did Mariners learning systems. You have to be a self starter, but the cost is good.
EddieVedderIsMyDad@reddit
MLS runs a well oiled machine. As long as you’re self-motivated enough to stick to the program, you 100% will get through it (unless you’ve got a major learning disability or something). I needed 2-3 weeks to get through OUPV>Master 100T>Sail Endorsement coursework and exams, though that was a fairly aggressive pace. MLS uses their own remote proctored on demand exams that they prepare you very well to take.
Ak47owner@reddit
What this guy said. At home, at your own pace, the system works. Test when you’re ready. They walk you through the process to get the paperwork done etc.
SailingPinjo@reddit
If you are serious I suggest try to go on a private boat to see if you like it. Make sea-time get to know different kind of yachts. After that if still wanting to do it I would go to Florida( ft.lauderdale) check for IYT captains licence. It is internationally recognized if you may think to build a career. I have been a superyacht captain for 3 decades and started with a Atlantic crossing. Good luck to you.
Scooott@reddit
I got mine at the Maritime Institute in San Diego and would highly recommend it. It was in-person and well staffed and taught. Happy to answer specific questions if you've got 'em. Might be nice to spend a couple weeks in San Diego over the Michigan winter!
honestfyi@reddit (OP)
Thank you! And yes, it would. One of the benefits of the off-season is I’m free to travel again.
That said, funds are limited at the moment and we have a Maritime Institute here, so I think I will reach out to them and see what’s what.
How long ago did you get your license? What was the hardest part? Also do you happen to remember how much it cost?
Redfish680@reddit
Guarantee to pass (or retest until you do)?