USCG License

[dcg9381]

Anyone have or go through the certification process for a USCG captains license?

Something that you need class room time for? Or pass a test?
Interested in: Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or ?6-Pack? License

Info I've found currently:
http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/cb-capt.htm

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: USCG License

I got mine in 1993. 125 gross ton limit with a towing endorsement. Get a copy of Chapmans and read it from cover to cover, over and over until you have a working knowledge of all aspects of it. Make flash cards for the rules of the road, you need a 90% to pass that part. Get your underway resume in order and make sure you have enough hours to get the license you want. Be prepared to back up the hours you log on your resume. Have someone who's taken the exam test your knowledge before you take the exam. Study your weak points alot. You must pass each section of the exam AND the exam as a whole. So, you can get a 90% on the whole exam, but get a 74% on weather and still fail. So study your weak points until your comfortable with the material and don't give up on a subject and hope there won't be many questions on it. Each section, except for the rules of the road, has nearly an equal number of questions (about 5 or so), and each section requires a different grade to pass. So it only takes a little "oops" to fail the whole thing.

It's a hard test, especially taking it your first time. I would say an experienced mariner should study regularly for at least a month before taking the test.

Another tip: You can take the Rules of the Road test separately and I would suggest doing that. Study all out for that, take and pass it, then take the rest of the exam. If you want the towing endorsement, tell them ahead of time. It's also a separate test, 10 questions and VERY easy if you know anything about towing.

Good luck and let me know if I can help further.

DR.

 

[JB]

Re: USCG License

Got my sixpack in 1983.

Had to pass a tough test and get an endorsement from a licensed Captain that I had crewed for him for some number of hours (OJT).

I used Chapman's and a study guide that I bought at a marina.

 

[oops!]

Re: USCG License

I got mine in 1993. 125 gross ton limit with a towing endorsement.

mannnnn....ya live in a desert !!!!

good post

cheers
oops

 

[BillP]

Re: USCG License

It's easier to get a license now than it used to be. They no longer test for specific locations...(asking what marker or light is at a named location on the chart). Back then you had to memorize ever marker/light/sandbar, etc in the area you were tested in...where I live in SE Florida it included about 500 miles of coastline. Now it's a general rules and regs test and going to one of the "capt license" schools is the easiest and best way to prepare. Some are approved to test you. Chapman's is the hardest way to do it and doesn't cover all the legal stuff. It will leave you studying a lot of things you don't need while not giving everything you do need. Among documented sea time you also need a physcial and being even partially "colorblind" will likely bust the deal for a ticket. Taking an "approved" CPR class is also required. There is a one yr deadline after passing the test to get the physical and CPR requirements done.

bp

 

[erikgreen]

Re: USCG License

Just passing on what I've heard here, there seems to be a general agreement among some captains on the great lakes that I know that the US Captain's license is a joke when compared to the European license or SOLAS regs.

If you're planning on cruising the ocean, you might want to check out the european requirements too.

 

[dcg9381]

Re: USCG License

I'm an "inland" boater - in Texas, so the big lakes are a few miles across and maybe 60-80 miles long...

No "commerical" intentions - just general knowledge of navigation if I ever ventured out to the coast..

Anyone do the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or ?6-Pack? License in particular?

There are on line courses in the 400-700 range - something I can study for myself obviously.. thanks for the book reference.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: USCG License

dcg, the test questions are the same. I haven't looked at the online prep classes, but I'd bet they are adequate. That's alot of money to spend on information you can get for free, but it would surely narrow your field of study. If you have little or no commercial experience now, it might be in your interest to take a class, online or otherwise. It's alot of information, most of which you've never been exposed to. I prepared for the test exactly how I described in my previous post and I passed it on the first try. I've heard the failure rate is as high as 90% on the first try, but I don't know how factual that is. Like I said, it's a hard test. Once you get it, never let it lapse.

 

[dcg9381]

Re: USCG License

Thanks, I appreciate the reference to the material.. I may start there.
I'm an engineer by profession - and probably won't ever exercise this license in the commercial sense. Think it's worth pursuing as a boater?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: USCG License

I think it's a worthwhile goal. The "test" gives you motivation to learn the material and the material is worth learning for all boaters. Go for it, it's an achievement you can be proud of.

 

[Boatist]

Re: USCG License

Out here in California you have to crew on a boat for a long time even if you pass the test. I think it is like being on the water every day for 2 year to get the required hours. That is probably for the offshore license.