Captains Licence

[Tranquilo]

While I know I'm getting waaaayy ahead of myself, can anyone offer insight on what is required to get a captain's licence? Specifically, I'm wondering what would be required if my long term desire was to earn proper certification to be able to be hired to run peoples pleasure crafts down the the Caribbean, or to captain their boats, and offering sailing lessons? (after getting this experience myself of course!! )

[sailingfool]

USCG license:
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/credentials/...OUPV.pdf&B1=GO!

ASA instructor:
Become a Sailing Instructor - American Sailing Association

[eherlihy]

See THIS THREAD

[SteveInMD]

Step 1. Document 365 days at sea on the coast guard Small Vessel Sea Service Form. If you plan on operating as a captain in near coastal waters you will need 90 days of near coastal experience to qualify for a license that allows this.

I'm not trying to discourage you. Start documenting today so you can get your license some day if you want to.

[eherlihy]

The USCG requires 360 days of service, 90 of which have to be in the last 3 years.

[jrd22]

Take one of the classes when you have the sea time, it's the only way to go IMO (I didn't, that's how I know).

[boatpoker]

Tranquilo is in Cambridge, Ontario, none of the advice offered is applicable unless he is also a US citizen.

Canadian Masters License are more difficult to obtain see Transport Canada

[Tranquilo]

I plan on travelling the US coast, and down into the Caribbean beginning in 2014. I will be sailing this summer and next, in Canada. But most of the experience referenced above will come from outside Canada. Does that qualify me to go through US programs?

[boatpoker]

If you are a Canadian citizen the only US license you can qualify for is the OUPV (six pack) and that can be a time consuming affair for a Canadian what with the required drug tests from a USCG Approved Doctor (there used to be one in Kitchener), police check and travel to Toledo (nearest to you) USCG office to write the exam. etc.