How to Become a Licensed Captain
There are legal requirements for people who take paying passengers on a boat equipped with a motor.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Boat Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Life Jackets
- insulated, waterproof warm jackets
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1
Document 360 days under way. A day should be at least 4 hours, and you can't get more than one day in 24 hours.
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2
Contact your closest U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center. The government section of your phone book should have a listing. If not, check the USCG Web site (uscg.mil).
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3
Request an application.
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4
Complete all required portions of the application, including a physical exam and drug test.
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5
Study appropriate exam topics. Experience alone could never prepare you for the technical aspects of a USCG license exam. Take a prep course, get a book or download exam questions from the Web site.
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6
Apply for an examination appointment. It will take the better part of a day to sit for the exam. Don't plan anything else on exam day.
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7
Get your exam results and a copy of your new license.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Successful applicants become licensed operators. With more experience and a different test, you could get a master's license. Despite the colloquial usage of the term "captain," you don't get to become a captain unless you enlist.
Many experienced, well-trained people have failed the licensing exam. Don't show up for the exam without adequate preparation.
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Comments
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Jul 03, 2006
It takes 720 "days" of sea time. The level of license you get then depends on tonnage. I currently Captain a 130 ft 3-masted schooner. -
Jul 03, 2006
It takes 720 "days" of sea time. The level of license you get then depends on tonnage. I currently Captain a 130 ft 3-masted schooner.
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Nov 22, 2005
The best way to study for a captains test is to sign up for a course (Sea School, etc.). The courses are about a week or two, but they teach you everything that will be on the test. So much easier than studying on your own.
