captains license

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by Capt.aaron

I also often say beware of the self taught mariner.

A good point, as usual.

Brian

[chef2sail]

Originally Posted by bradfalk

Hey thanks guys-- really helpful. So my takeaway from this is that the online course/6 pack etc is not what I need/want. I didn't realize that's really for people who want to commercially skipper/charter. I basically just want to officially "learn" the stuff that I've always just known from growing up cruising with the family etc. now that I've got a family of my own I want to be the safest most responsible sailor I can be and have my wife do the same. So I think those courses are probably overkill and perhaps i'll check out the CG auxiliary and ASA stuff since all I really want to do is learn- not get any kind of official ticket etc.

We keep the boat where I grew up in Annapolis- but live about 1:45h (ok so it's exactly 1:52h door to dock!) outside Philadelphia. So online is an attractive option given the travel issue.

thanks again for your input.

Brad

(Ches sailors- keep an eye out for "BAILA" C42!! Still have a sea trial/survey to go but looking good...).

Many of us sail around there. I grew up in Bryn Mawr and live in the Towson area now after living in Ocean City, NJ for over 18 years. We have a reala active Chesapeake Sailnet group and people like Wingnwing, Chuckles, T37chef, 4Arch, Swampcreek, Captain Riizo, MGMhead, Tranquilaity Base, Solare, DFerron,Brokesailor, Bubblehead, Palmettosailor, JSAronson, and others ( I know I forgot some) sail in areas close to you you may see on weekends. We are having a get together June 8 at the Maryland Yacht Club, about a 4 hour boat trip from Annapolis if you would like to come see this thread

2013 5th Annual Sailnet Chesapeake Rondevous- June 8, 2013

Sounds like you got a nice boat. I would suggest you find some time to get some offshore experience by crewing for others as well as maybe expanding you trip taking with your Cat 42 after your first years of getting to know her.
We travel up to the LI Sound and New England every year via Cape May and thats a great place to start to get some off shore experience.

Stay in touch.

dave

[brokesailor]

I just finished taking a 3 weekend OUPV License Course. Like previously stated the course just gets you ready to pass the exams. While the Rules of the Road, Plotting and NavAids were very helpful, everything else is a complete waste of time:weather, marlinspike, communications, boat safety etc. Unless you are looking to get that "Piece of Paper" you are better off taking a course for the particular area you are interested in. To me it was a personal goal but now that I reached it, it just doesn't mean as much as it used to.

[Columbia9_6]

Actually, I think you would be better served by attending an ASA sailing school. Your Captains license is purely academic.. meaning it's all paperwork, bookwork, you present your experience, they do not provide opportunities to hone your skills. There is a good sailing school in Kent Narrows that I know of. By attending the sailing school you will be required to learn rules of the road and such. Also, you will meet your state's boater safety requirements.

[eherlihy]

I completed the Captain's course, and have submitted my OUPV paperwork to the USCG Regional Examination Center in Toledo, OH. My motivation is that it is a goal that I set, and because I am between jobs, I had the time. I am hopeful that I will be able to find a low-paying job in the marine industry...

In the hope that others can benefit from my experience, here are my observations;

1. There is NO focus on sailing, the course is exclusively for powerboat operators
2. While the course costs $550, there is another $445 in associated costs (Physical, Drug Test, Test Fee, Application Fee, CPR/First Aid Certificate, etc.)
3. I see no reason to learn how to maintain manilla/hemp lines in this day, but it is part of the test. (hint, manilla will rot from moisture, and nylon will not)
4. The rules of the road section pertaining to sound signals and lights IS valuable, but you can get this as effectively and at a lower cost in an ASA accredited class.

I hope this helps!

[outbound]

Greatly appreciate wisdom in the posts in this section. Wonder if anyone would comment on their thoughts as to how to get the most "bang for the buck" on credentialling as regards insurance reduction(s). Personally like the OP have some experience,have done some offshore, have crewed for and had skilled sailors crew for me on various Bermuda races/ N.E. to Carribean transports etc. Firmly believe when you stop learning there should be dirt in your face or there soon will be.

[RobGallagher]

I'm on the verge of starting my OUPV class.

It's always something I have wanted to do and this particular class fits my work schedule.

ASA classes are good, depending on the instructor of course. I'd like to take more ASA classes, however, scheduling is always a problem for me and taking time off from work means loss of income (or vacation time that I need to keep sane).

I'm hoping that my semi-retirement gig will be around boats and it can't hurt to already have the paperwork.

[eherlihy]

I forgot to mention ~$145 for a TWIC in my earlier post.

That brings the total to ~$595 for misc, and $550 for the class.

[SteveInMD]

I was skeptical of training courses, but a friend convinced me to give it shot. I must say I've really enjoyed the courses I've taken. I went through the Annapolis School of Seamanship.

It's not a bad idea to start documenting your sea time just in case you want to get a license some day. I did get my 100 ton license and learned a lot of useful information along the way, but don't dive into that as your first training course.

[rgscpat]

Especially suitable for less experienced boat skippers or crew are the classroom or on-line "boating basics" courses offered by state agencies in the USA or commercial on-line schools. Some of the state-offered classes are free. These will give people an introduction to rules and regs, navigation (charts, buoys, sound signals, lights, rules of the road), and avoiding and handling basic emergencies. It's a good starting point, and could be followed up on with evening or weekend Power Squadron or CG Auxiliary classroom classes, also very inexpensive.