Advice on Boating Courses

bslook · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009

I've sailed all my life and the only sailing test I ever took was the opt out for hte NJ boating saftey exam.

So what cources do I need to take to lead to a captains license and where can I find more information on the Internet?

Also, Do I get credit for past time expereince even without keeping a log. I ususaly get out twice a week racing for at least 3 hours most weeks in the summer. That must count for something, I hope.

sailingfool · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009

Do a google and you'll find plenty of resources for training. I believe most captains-to-be take one of the school programs. Their web pages are good sources. I recommend the book Get Your Captains License from Pearsoft PEARSoft Corporation - Boating Products . You should aoso see what the local library has.

It seems that as long as you can document ownership of a vessel for the relevant time, the USCG will accept whatever number of days and type of experience you claim.

seafrontiersman · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009

Check out Chapman's school of seamanship in Port St. Lucie, Fl. and Maritime Professional training in Ft. lauderdale. Both have exellent training available if you don't mind making the trip south for a week or two.

Good luck!

AlanBrown · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009

Unless you have a professional need to get your USCG 6-Pack license, I'd suggest you look into any USCG Auxiliary or Power Squadron courses offered in your area.

I got my captain's license back in 1999, before leaving for the Bahamas. Although it taught me a great deal, especially how to identify different types of vessels from their lighting configuration, I probably could have received much of the same information from books or local classes. Remember, your instructor's primary focus will be to prepare you to answer the USCG exam questions, not help you to be a more competent skipper.

bslook · #5 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009

Alan,

Good observations. I took a NJ safe boating exam because it was require and outside of covering how many ways alcohol and water don't mix (which I already new) there wasn't much of practical informaiton in the whole course.

Thanks all.