09 Feb Kevin talks about Captains Licensing
The Coast Guard License
Many classroom and directed study options are available to those seeking an US Coast Guard Captains License. Selecting the correct option depends upon your level of expertise in addition to the amount of time and money that you are willing to spend. Unfortunately there is no quick and easy express method to obtaining a license. However, there more informed you are about the process, the more streamlined it will become.
Accumulate Sea Time: A Limited Masters License requires 360 days of sea time after your 15th birthday. 90 days of which must be accumulated within the past 3 years on boats of the appropriate tonnage. 120 days of sea time aboard a sailboat is required to obtain a sailing endorsement.
Take the Test: Whether you take the test at the Coast Guard or at an approved training center you will have to pass a timed examination that will demonstrate your ability to operate and navigate safely under a variety of conditions. A passed examination will expire after a year if you do not obtain a license.
Get Medical Clearance: Pass a physical exam given by an USCG approved physician and enroll in a DOT 5 Panel drug testing consortium conducted by an USCG approved laboratory.
Gather Your Identification: A TWIC is necessary for obtain a license. TWIC stands for Transportation Waterway Identification Card. To apply for a TWIC, Homeland Security will need to see your driver’s license, social security card, fingerprints, and proof of citizenship.
Gather Your Character References: To facilitate a proper character evaluation, three non-relative references are required. To save time it may be best to have the owners of the boats on which you accumulated sea time to also provide a reference. Remember that all owner signatures must be notarized.
Complete The MMC Application: Once you have assembled all of the required documents and passed the exams you can submit an application to the Coast Guard. Issuing a license is a very serious matter and the Coast Guard will do its diligence while processing your request. If accepted, you will receive your license in approximately 6 months time.
The staff at Oakcliff are a valuable resource and available to assist aspiring mariners in obtaining their credentials and preparing for the exam. Please do not hesitate to send your licensing questions to race@oakcliffsailing.org.