Charter Boat Captain Training

Anyone planning to skipper a charter boat must have a USCG license.

Becoming a charter skipper requires a number of interpersonal skills, ability to handle a vessel, knowledge of weather, navigation and radar and, most importantly, a U. S. Coast Guard captain's license in one of several forms. To acquire a license, candidates must be able to document sea time, satisfy a number of basic requirements regarding identification and health, sit for and pass a four-part exam and (as of April, 2009) provide a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Training to maneuver vessels, learn navigation and pass exams is available through different schools around the country, and sea time will provide foundational, direct experience on the water.

Basics

Some sailing vessels take out passengers and captains must have a sailing endorsement.

CPR, First Aid, a USCG/DOT drug test and physical exam tests must be passed before proceeding with original licensure. CPR and First Aid can be taken at various hospitals and Red Cross programs that offer such. All persons applying for licensure must be over 21 and provide citizenship verification. Course completion certificates are also needed from any training programs a candidate has attended. The USCG website lists all approved schools that offer training in many different courses; some focus solely on taking the exams, and others on more safety and handling courses. Schools vary considerably in courses offered. Quality Maritime Training in St. Petersburg, Florida and Mid Atlantic Maritime in Virginia Beach, Virginia are very different programs than the Maritime College of New York or the Maritime Institute of San Diego.

On the Water

Fishing and other sporting or wildlife viewing operations fall under charter boating.

Training on the water can occur in a number of ways. Some people own their own vessels and keep log books and records of sea time. Others volunteer or hire on as deckhands and crew for other boats--charter, privately owned or commercial vessels-- in the tonnage of the license they aim to acquire. The USCG requires 360 days of documented sea time, so it's important to keep records of all time on the water signed by captains and/or boat owners. Candidates may also enroll in specific courses to become proficient at docking, maneuvering, anchoring, safety, managing all ship's systems, emergencies and other boating skills. Combining Inland, coastal and open ocean time will give the trainee broader options toward licensing.

License Types

To operate larger vessels requires a 100 Ton Master's License or higher.

The licenses offered by the coast guard for Charter Boat captains include the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or the “6-Pack” License, which is for boats carrying no more than six passengers for hire in near coastal waters. The OUPV Limited License is for those who will maneuver boats locally for organizations like marinas, schools and yacht clubs. A Limited Master License (less than 100 gross register tons) is issued to captains of USCG inspected vessels. Master, "100 Tons License (less than 100 gross register tons and only for 25, 50 or 100 gross register tons)" is the license many captains have for inspected boats carrying more than six passengers. The type of license and tonnage sought will determine what courses and additional training a candidate will pursue.

Exams and Endorsements

Understanding radar is fundamental to operating a vessel.

The USCG exam can be taken at some training programs or at USCG facilities. Some people choose to take the exams directly at schools where they have trained. Typically the four modules of the exam include Rules of the Road, Plotting, Navigation General, and Deck General. Anyone wishing to get the sailing, towing or other endorsement will want to train specifically for those additional tests. A few programs now offer online training for exam preparation. Schools like American Sailing Association and U. S. Sailing offer classes nationwide. Starpath School of Navigation in Seattle is one of the top in the country for learning the Rules and every form of navigation.

Benefits

About 33, 000 captains, mates and pilots of water vessels were employed in 2008.

Training at reputable schools and being at sea for 360 days can lead to becoming a charter boat captain. The best ones also train in basic people skills, computers and business. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 33,000 captains and pilots were employed in 2008. Earnings as of May, 2009, were reported between range from $30,760 to $114,720 annually. Charter boat captains may work only seasonally, depending on their location. Some work year-round. The best jobs come with the best training and credentials. Careful investigation of training options is imperative, selecting quality programs run by high-integrity leaders will lead to satisfying and lasting, results.

References

• USC National Maritime Center: Charter Boat Captains
• USCG: Approved Courses
• Transportation Security Administration: Program Information
• U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Water Transportation Occupations
• ONet: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Resources

• Starpath
• The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc: Views and Positoins
• Ship's Captain and Crew: Yacht Crew Jobs and Yachting Industry Information
• Free Manuals: Annapolis Book of Seamanship