How to Become a Canal Boat Operator

A canal boat usually offer charters through a canal. The Erie Canal has such a boat, a large vessel that takes passengers on a two- to three-hour tour. If you have always loved water and boating, perhaps you'd enjoy becoming a canal boat operator.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get a valid driver's license. All boat operator jobs require you to have a driver's license as identification and to establish your driving history. Steering a boat is not that unlike steering a car, so your good driving record on land means you are likely to be a good operator on the water.

2. Locate a list of schools (see Resources below) that offer both training and documentation required for the Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW) certification. This training can either substitute for the test by the Coast Guard or help you pass the test.

3. Take the training referred to as "Six Pack" training. Once you complete the training, you're allowed to carry up to six passengers. This is the first step and requires classes, certification and 360 hours of experience.

4. Apply for an upgrade to the Master level to operate a canal boat that carries more than six passengers. This may require an additional 360 hours of experience. It requires that you either obtain certification from a school or pass a test.

5. Understand that you have to have the STCW requirements if you're going to be an international canal boat operator. The requirements are similar to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) certification or licensing regulations.

6. Fill out all the forms that are necessary. The United States Coast Guard requires that forms certifying physicals, drug test, identity, certification and application be completely filled before they can consider you.

Resources

• Find training academies at Boats Depot.

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