[sailingfool]

....You need a good, and patient doc to trudge through the Physical exam form with you. I make two physical exam appointments: the first for the exam, the second to fill out the form.

If you live in an area with a material commercial mariner population, you should find there is a local hospital that has a program specializing in completing this paperwork. My renewal is due, and I secured an appointment from the right local hospital within 10 ten days, at a cost of $80 out of pocket.

 

[christian.hess]

man 15 years ago you did the test at the school...comes back all dandy.

times change thats for sure

good luck op...hope you get a gig soon and a nice license whatever it may be

 

[erick_gill]

Hmmm.... I do only have partial vision in one eye. The other one is perfect. Guess I'll have to read up on the vision criteria. I pass the dol test, but they only require one eye.

No drugs, prescription or otherwise. Not worried about the physical part but it would sure suck to put in all the work and get denied because of my eye.

 

[erick_gill]

"Vision must be at least 20/200, correctable to 20/40 in each eye. Color sense must be satisfactory (Waivers are available in some cases)"

That's what I found. Not sure if I can meet that criteria or not.

 

[erick_gill]

Found this too.

"Not meeting a vision, hearing, or general physical condition requirements does
not automatically disqualify the applicant."

I can see fine with both eyes open and my peripherals are good on both sides. More red tape to cut through.

 

[Capt Len]

The colour blind test can bollocks the whole plan. Get past that before heavy dreaming.

 

[nolatom]

Waivers are often granted if you ask and your doc supports it so don't count yourself out too early.

 

[Night_Sailor]

If you think you will save up money for a Catamaran working as a Captain, you will find this difficult. The pay is poor. I do it as a part time job and have for many years.

I'd suggest you get the highest paying job you can find and then spend every other availble bit of time sailing and documenting sea time. Make your vacations ocean voyages as crew. Get lots of experience. Teach sailing--I have off and on for 33 years and I've sailed over 100 different types of boats. that is the sort of experience you want.

I also recommend a 100 ton license, and a RYA Yachtmaster Ocean--Commercially Endorsed is helpful but not required.

You also need a MROL radio license--required for a Captain. I went ahead and got the GROL and the GMDSS options plus Radar.

Take a Basic Safety Training course too--required to be a Captain many places.