USCG Captains Course Question?

cjmcfall · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

I am (again) interested in pursuing my USCG six pack or 50 ton Masters license. About four years ago I took a week long course for my six pack license and passed the test, but because of several reasons did not follow through with the license. The certification is now expired (I only had one year). I have a few questions:

1) Does anyone know of an online course I could take as I cannot afford a week off of work at this point?
2) Can I take the USCG test without taking the prep-course, and if so, can I do this online?
3) I have more than the required 720 days logged for the 50 ton Masters license, but do I only need 360 if I plan on sailing in the great lakes? (It will be a real pain to find and document some of my days)
4) Any ideas on costs for any of this?

Thanks for any information. Happy sailing.

bubb2 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

With all due respect, I would ask for a refund as you should know the answers to questions if you got you money worth for the course you took.

No, you can not take the test on line.

Yes, you can walk into any Coast Guard testing site and take the test no course needed. call ahead!

Costs? just the testing fees. and drug test.

Time on board that one is on you to prove that.

regards, 100 ton near Coastal Masters

cjmcfall · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

bubb,

Do you know of any good study materials? I did a google search, and a bunch came up. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with these.

Also, I found an online course I can take that also has a test. Has anyone completed this type of schooling?

Thanks!

bubb2 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Can you take the test on line?

cjmcfall · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

No, it looks like you have to go to a proctored site for the test. There isn't a list of locations, but if one is close to home, I may go this route.

Thoughts? w w w . explorersguidellc . com

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

I seriously doubt you can take the actual test online, since it is for a USCG supplied certificate. The USCG probably would like to know that the person taking the test is indeed the person that they're giving the certificate to, especially post 9/11 and being a part of DHS.

nolatom · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

It's been several decades for me, so this could be well out of date, but I went to a nautical supply store and bought an exam-prep booklet, prepared my own application and affidavit of underway time, and passed the 100-ton aux sail course. If you've already had the classroom, that may be all you need. And I wouldn't think they do the original-license exams on-line as opposed to in-person. But the big thing is to make sure you get to sit for the maximum tonnage license exam you qualify for. If you can get 25 or 50 or 100 tons, don't settle for a 6-pack.

harryhoratio · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

I used the Charles Wing book called Get Your Captains License which comes with a CD containing all the questions and sample tests. There are mistakes in the book as well as in the coast guards questions themselves but overall it worked for me. I just passed the exams on the first try however this is a renewal of a 15 year old license I let expire so it is the second time I have taken the test as is the case with you.

I never did a class and would expect your knowledge on everything except the Colregs would only need review. The colregs or nav rules portion of the test is the most demanding.

I don't think you need the class. Get the book and go for it. The costs are around 150 bucks for testing plus whatever you need to pay for the drug test. The book is around 60 bucks.

Good Luck,

Craig

bubb2 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Yes, if they say you can take a test on line then it is a rip off.

there is no cheep and easy way, we are living post 9-11.

There are books out there to review, sit down courses or you can walk into a CG test site.

harryhoratio · #10 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Another bit of new info: I understand that all holders of marine licenses must get a TWIC document as well which is another 150 bucks or so. Also the Coast Guard in the process of centralizing all license approvals. The regional exam centers still do the testing and in person verification etc but the licenses are now issued from one central location. I passed the tests 2 months ago and still have not received my license.