Sea Schools,

[ughmo2000]

Well, I guess it's time I quit messin around and finally get my captain's license.

Anybody have any suggestions on which school to attend? (east coast or FL)

Stories, good/bad?

Thanks in advance!

Cliff

[SailinJay]

I took a basic marine diesel course (two days) at the Annapolis School of Seamanship, located at 601 Sixth Street in Annapolis (Eastport). They have a variety of courses, including a captain's license course. John Martino, the principal in the operation, appears to be very knowledgable and experienced. He himself holds a 500-ton license. Here's the web site:

http://www.annapolisschoolofseamanship.com/

[ughmo2000]

Thanks Jay, I'll check 'em out.

[bubb2]

Both my wife i and went to sea school years ago. I can not speak more highly of them. We both have our 100 ton masters of oceans. The Instructor we had became a very good friend of ours and will be spending the holidays with us. I also have had an friend who went to a different school (less money) he did not pass his coast guard test. He will also be spending the hollidays with us. It is a topic we don't talk about at the dinner table. http://www.seaschool.com/

[slocum2]

Decide if you want to learn something or go to a license mill. Try Maritime Professional Training in Fort Lauderdale, they are professional mariners. At risk of offending some, there are too many six-packs out there that should never leave the dock.

[sailingdog]

Unfortunately, "paper" certifications are all to common in many industries... not just with USCG licenses.

[kwaltersmi]

Cliff - If you don't mind me asking, what's your motivation for going to school? Why do you want a captain's license?

[Slooptattoo]

Just FYI, the Maritime Professional Training program in Fort Lauderdale is where I obtained my upgrades and endorsements and I can honestly say that their training and school is excellent. My original license was obtained via a direct Coast Guard exam in New Orleans. As in most certificate orientated schools, they teach the test and generally assume you have the experience to follow the abreviated courses. There is no Coast Guard administered test, you submit your completion and sea time paperwork to the CG after MPT issues you the proper documents and checks your file to insure all appropriate paperwork is filled out correctly. You will have to check their website to see if any of their training fits into your schedule and, not knowing your location, if it in fact would be feasable for you due to it's location, but it's a good reason to escape the frozen wastelands of the North during winter. Here is the link and good luck in your endeavor, http://www.mptusa.com/ . If you plan on carrying passengers for hire you will also need to take an STCW course.