Quote Originally Posted by Bulldoggie View Post
For my Lic. I had to document over 3500 hours on commercial vessels.
and sit for 2 days at the USCG testing office (monitored for cheating), first day was rules of the road and coast guard regs. 2nd day was Navigation and tide and current problems.
I'm limited to 99 ton vessels not counting the towed vessels.
99 ton and above requires a Masters Lic. (same test, more documentation)
Not an easy test, even for river pilots. (pilots have a local knowledge test)
I have a "Tankerman's All Grades" lic. but that was only about a 2 hour test.
I believe the "Six pak", (Commercial six passenger fishing charter Lic.) still requires the rules of the road written exam to be taken at the station.
The only Lic. that you mail in, is for operating POV.
I no longer work in the trade, but Boating is still my passion.
the rules may have changed since you took the course. i had to have 720 4 hour days . and yes i did take the written exam at the coastguard auxillary, they intern send out your papperwork to the nearest hub (miami for me). then it has to run through homeland security, then through the fbi then through the coastguard.my lic says master of 100 ton or less vessel near coastal