Q: What classes other than Captain do you offer?
Q: Of those classes which ones are approved for testing?
Q: How long is the Captains (6-Pak/100-Ton) License course?
Q: Is the Captain's (6-Pak/100-Ton) License course computer based?
Q: Do I have to take the USCG exam after taking the Captain's (6-Pak/100-Ton) License course?
Q: Will I learn everything asked on the exam in the course?
Q: What do I need in order to be ready for the beginning of class?
Q: Must all of my forms (USCG application, sea service letters, reference letters, physical, drug screening) be filled out prior to attending the course?
Q: Does successfully completing the Captain's (6-Pack/100-Ton) License course guarantee me a US Coast Guard Captain's License?
Q: What license will I receive from the USCG?
Q: What can I do once I am a Captain?
Q: What are some of the duties of a deckhand?
Q: What about illegal drugs and alcohol?
Q: Who provides transportation to and from work?
Q: What are the work schedules and living conditions?
Q: Is there a downside? (yes there is one)
Q: The good part- The pay!
Q: What is your passing success rate?
A: 96-98% Q: What classes other than Captain do you offer?
A: Able Seaman, Radar, Celestial Navigation, Upgrade 200-1600GT, CPR/First Aid,
One-day License Renewal, and FCC Radio License.
Q: What classes other than Captain do you offer?
A: Able Seaman, Radar, Celestial Navigation, Upgrade 200-1600GT, CPR/First Aid,
One-day License Renewal, and FCC Radio License.
Q: Of those classes which ones are approved for testing?
A: Radar, Celestial Navigation, CPR/First Aid, One-day License Renewal, and FCC Radio License.
Q: How long is the Captains (6-Pak/100-Ton) License course?
A: 80 hours as required by the United States Coast Guard (2 weeks, usually Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm).
Q: Is the Captain's (6-Pak/100-Ton) License course computer based?
A: No, a professional instructor teaches all 80 hours.
Q: Do I have to take the USCG exam after taking the Captain's (6-Pak/100-Ton) License course?
A: No, the USCG in lieu of their exam honors the exam we administer on the last day of class.
Q: Will I learn everything asked on the exam in the course?
A: Along with your required outside boating experience, this intense, fast-paced course is jam packed with the knowledge covered on our exam. We wrote our course and we wrote our exam, both with full USCG approval.
Q: What do I need in order to be ready for the beginning of class?
A: Pre-register to get the course book. You will need the book "Navigation Rules (International-Inland)" by the US Department of Transportation USCG, Navigational Gear (Triangle, Roll Plotter, and Dividers) and a basic-function calculator. These items are available for purchase through Maritime Institute. It is recommended that you receive your course and "Navigation Rules" books at least one month in advance. This is to ensure that you have had ample time to go through and learn the 200 Rules of the Road questions listed in the course book.
Q: Must all of my forms (USCG application, sea service letters, reference letters, physical, drug screening) be filled out prior to attending the course?
A: No, but we recommend having your packet as near to completion as possible so you will be that much closer to receiving your license. We will also be happy to check your completed packet before you submit it to the USCG.
Q: Does successfully completing the Captain's (6-Pack/100-Ton) License course guarantee me a US Coast Guard Captain's License?
A: No, your license is based on the USCG's evaluation of your entire packet, plus the certificate issued upon successful completion of our course.
Q: What license will I receive from the USCG?
A: The USCG determines the type and tonnage of your license based on your sea time and vessel tonnage experience. Basic Guide: 360 days = 6-Pak; 720 days = tonnage license (for 100 GT, 360 of the 720 days must be on vessels 35 GT or greater, otherwise the license will be limited to 25 GT or 50 GT.)
Q: What can I do once I am a Captain?
A: Yacht Delivery, Sailing Instruction, Private Yacht Captain, Scuba and Skin Diving Charters, Backwater or Offshore Fishing Guides, Local Sightseeing Tours for Hotels or Resorts, Yacht Broker or Manufacturer's Representative, Captain for Caribbean Sailing Charter Operations, Showing Waterfront Property for Realtors and their Customers, Picnic Charter Cruises Along Beaches and Islands, Operation of Sightseeing or Ferry Vessels, Operating Yacht Club or Resort Launches, Para-Sail or Water Ski Operations, Demonstrating Boats for Dealers, Commercial Towing Assistance, Instructor at Maritime Institute, Tug Boat Captain, Park Ranger, River Guide.
Q: What are some of the duties of a deckhand?
A: Deckhand is an “entry level” position so you are there to learn. Typical duties include handling lines, keeping the interior and exterior of the boat clean, chipping rust ( the larger boats are steel) and painting, standing a radio or anchor watch and any other duty that may be assigned to you. The work typically isn’t hard but at times it will call for long and irregular hours.
What about illegal drugs and alcohol?
Boat companies have a zero tolerance for alcohol or drug abuse. Expect to be tested prior to employment and on a regular basis afterwards. If you ever test positive for either, you will not only loose your job but you will also lose any documentation or license issued to you by the Coast Guard, and you will find it very difficult to reenter the industry at a later date. Don’t take a chance on losing your job over drugs or alcohol, it’s just not worth it.
Q: What about illegal drugs and alcohol?
A: Boat companies have a zero tolerance for alcohol or drug abuse. Expect to be tested prior to employment and on a regular basis afterwards. If you ever test positive for either, you will not only loose your job but you will also lose any documentation or license issued to you by the Coast Guard, and you will find it very difficult to reenter the industry at a later date. Don’t take a chance on losing your job over drugs or alcohol, it’s just not worth it.
Q: Who provides transportation to and from work?
A: You will be responsible for your own transportation at the least to your employer’s office. Some employers provide company vehicles to take you to the port where the vessel is located, other require you to drive your own vehicle directly to the boat.
Q: What are the work schedules and living conditions?
A: Most companies work a 28/14 schedule. For 28 days you live, work, eat, and sleep on board. Everything is provided for you except cigarettes and personal toiletry items. Washers and dryers are aboard most boats as well as T.V. and VCRs. You are not allowed to leave the vessel without permission. You will be able to call home when in port but your family members will not be able to call you unless an emergency arises.
Q: Is there a downside? (yes there is one)
A: You will be away from home for two thirds of the time. When you are at work, it won’t be easy to contact you, so your family must be self-sufficient and be able to solve problems without you. Some people are prone to sea sickness and are never able to overcome it. Some get homesick and can’t tolerate the time spent away from family and loved ones. These things should be considered before you commit to this line of work, it is not for everyone.
Q: The good part - The pay! What is the pay?
Not all employers pay the same (as in other industries) but beginning pay ranges from approximately $525 to $700 per week. After you have worked 120 days total (not all at once, of course) you’re eligible for your Able Seaman document. After passing your Coast Guard exam, your pay will increase to $900 to $1000 per week! Another 120 days and you’re eligible for a Mate 100 or 200 Ton license, which pays on average $1100 to $1300 per week and you’re second in command of a crew or utility boat just one year after entering the industry. If you’re motivated enough to take the opportunities available to you and are not afraid to learn something new, in 3 to 5 years after entering the industry you can easily earn up to $50,000 to $70,000 per year on a 28/14 schedule.
