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Captains License

4K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  SailNet Archive 
#1 ·
I recently qualified to take the Coast Guard''s test to obtain a "Master-Near Coastal" license.I''ve started studying to take the test using some manuals I purchased.Are there any fellow sailors out there that studied to take the test on their own like I''m doing,and then opted to attend a program like "Sea School? There is so much material that will be covered on the test, I''m trying to get a handle on whether someone like "Sea School" which specializes in this type of training would be the better way to go.I would appreciate opinions of anyone that has been through this process.Thanks!
 
#3 ·
Thanks for your comments Marc.I''m leaning more and more towards attending "Sea School." My biggest concern is over what is the appropriate study material to use on my own.I don''t want to waste my time studying information that isn''t going to be on the test.It seems to me that "Sea School" being an approve USCG approved school would stream-line the material to cover only what is needed. The fun part you mentioned sounds good too. I might see if the school is being held close enough to harbor near me where I could take my boat and stay on her while attending school. Of course playing "hooky" would be aweful tempting. ;^)
 
#4 ·
The schools are very good at preparing you to take the test. They are not a substitute for knowledge and experience. I had a smorgasbord of emotions over the 5 days of the class I attended. The first day I thought, WOW this is a tremendous amount of stuff to remember, the second day, there is no way I can do this, the third day, why am I torturing myself with this, I have a day job, the fourth day, there is NFW I can pass the exam, the fifth day, it could be possible to pass but plan on taking the test 2 or 3 times. The classes were 8 hours long and at least 4-5 hours of study every night is required. If I’m making it sound difficult it is because it was! Do not take these courses casually or you will fail miserably. Some parts of the test required that you get 90% or better correct to pass the module, most modules can be passed with a score of 70% or better. Naturally, I passed the first time with very good scores. Be tested as soon as possible after the completion of your course so you don’t forget stuff. Ask the USCG to be tested for such endorsements as towing, auxiliary sail, colregs etc. you''ll be glad you did…..someday.

Capt. denr
 
#5 ·
Denr, you comfirmed my suspicions about the difficulty of the exam.I try to study at least two hours a day.One source of study I have suggests reading "Bowditch" at least twice,along with numerous other books.Not exactly thrilling late night reading material.After a long day,I find my eyes starting to cross, and my head bobbing like a cork trying to review some of the material.Man, my little pea brain is overloaded!I''m thinking now that maybe the best way to approach this is to keep studying on my own until "Sea School"offers a course in my area next year. Maybe by then,my pea brain will have expanded some, and the material presented then will be retained a little easier. Thanks for your comments Capt!
 
#7 ·
A couple of comments on the Mastee''s 100T course and exam. Fully agree that a 5 day course, 8 hrs per day is just too much, too fast. If you''re lucky you''ll pass but in 3 wks will have forgoten most of the mat''l. If possible, find a course given over an eight to ten week period - 3 hrs a nite, three times a week. It''ll give you time to read, digest and assimilate the matl because there is a lot. A good course will NEVER "teach to the test" - if the material is taught correctly and you have time to study, the test takes care of itself. Re: texts - Bowditch certainly the bible but is more than needed at the 100 T level. "Wing" is a good book - a little brief on text but has the questions both printed and on a CD-ROM that comes with it. Be sure to get the Coast Guard''s "Navigation Rules" (COMDINST M16672.2D)- a white covered paperback that most marine stores have. Much easier to use than reading them on a screen. The only section of the test that requires a 90% is Rules of the Road - the other three (Chart Plotting, Nav General and Deck General) require 70%. It is a lot of work, but it''s worth the effort, especially if you choose a good course with good people and not simply a "mill". Good luck.
 
#8 ·
Hookieseven:

I CLEARLY stated that these courses are not a substitute for knowledge or experience!
I took the test some time ago (score of 94% on the rules) and I''m certain I could pass the test today. You''re right about the Navigation rules, one has to understand and know all of the rules in this publication in order to get a passing grade of 90% or better. I would also agree that you must have the Rules book rather than using the Internet for study purposes. I would also ask the USCG to be tested for other license endorsements. Why you say, even if all of your experience has been on a sailboat, in order to carry passengers for hire on a sailing vessel you’ll need the “auxiliary sail” endorsement, which is another module you’ll need to be tested on for competency.
Captain denr
 
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