Considering Options for a 6 Pack License

[bigdealsam]

Options include UNCG, Chapman's School of Seamanship, Mariners Learning System and many others. I am an experienced fresh water pilot however very limited time in the ICW or Near Shore. We are currently on Lake Norman NC however we intend to commence construction on our retirement cottage at Ocean Isle Beach, NC soon.

Although I dream of doing the loop I suspect the reality is going North and South on the ICW is probably about the best I can hope for (Wife of 40 yrs is not thrilled with the idea of the loop). Having recently retired, the thought of getting the Captain designation seems like a fun idea plus I would like to learn the ropes of the ICW before I/We begin the journey.

Who has an experienced opinion on the choice of seamanship schools?

 

[captstu]

The license schools teach to pass the test. Anything you learn in a master’s license classroom related to the ICW will be over lunch stories.

You will be exposed to lights, rules and safety things like required fire extinguisher sizes.


Stuart Bell
Ranger 25: Shearwater
(561) 352-1796

 

[JamesTXSD]

I had been boating for years before deciding to go for a captain's license. My first license was for the OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel), often called a 6-Pack license, due to the 6 passenger restriction.

There will be people who will tell you that the various classes only exist to teach you to pass the test. They will reiterate that you don't have to take any practical (on the water) training. Those would be people who don't have the license, or have one but have never used it.

Yes, there are some people who just want the license, and the right to be called "Captain." I'm OK with all of that, since I have been through it. I took a class where the instructor wanted you to know the material AND understand how to use that material. I agree, there are some training facilities that are just "mills." That said, you WILL come out of the class more knowledgeable about the Rules of the Road and safety than those who have not taken the class. How you make use of that information is up to you.

There is a lot more to getting the license than just taking a class. You will need references (boating and personal), pass a physical, pass CPR/first aid training, get finger-printed and pass a thorough background check, and have the necessary sea time.

I was told by an instructor that over 50% of the people who complete the class don't go on to do the rest of what is necessary to actually get the license. Some folks think they will "hire out" with their own boat to do private charters, not considering the extra liability, insurance, equipment, and business sense necessary.

I had a second career driving commercial boats after selling the business that we had built most of our adult lives and getting a Master License. The experience has been interesting, having driven boats in some great places, including the National Parks and 5 years with a whale watch company in the San Juan Islands. Each where I put to use information that I learned in those classes.

Not that any of that is necessary to cruise in the Intracoastal Waterway. Most folks who don't live near the ICW learn by doing it. You will learn how to deal with, and what to expect from, commercial traffic on the ICW.

I hear some truly awful radio procedures, even from "experienced" captains. That is also something covered in a good class. For the record, I took ASA sailing classes and a US Power Squadron class long before I decided to go for a captain's license. You can learn a lot about Rules of the Road and safe operating procedures in those classes, as well.

If you have the time and discretionary income to take the class, I see no down-side.

 

[Swansboro Dave]

The Mariners Learning System is very good.....

I was able to earn the OUPV (6-pack), 25 ton Masters w/ Sailing and Towing endorsements using their programs....and you complete the program at your own pace......and on your own schedule.

I like the Mariners Learning System program because it will typically take the student several weeks to read all the materials and pass all the practice testing......as opposed to the CRAM type week long courses offered by others. It seems to me that many who simply memorize the materials in a single week-long CRAM course don't seem to retain much of the information after successfully passing their exam.....

Whats the point of getting a license if you don't REALLY learn the information? Not saying that I retained all that I learned, but I feel I could sit for the test today, years later, and still pass (maybe not at 100% though).

Good luck on whichever program you opt to take. Like me, you may be amazed by all the little and subtle things you never noticed or realized, when out on the waterways......

 

[bigdealsam]

Thanks to all for the reasoned responses. At this point I intend to take my time (recently retired) with the course work. Hopefully I will retain enough of the course work to make the effort worthwhile. Sam

 

[bigdealsam]

The Mariners Learning System is very good.....

I was able to earn the OUPV (6-pack), 25 ton Masters w/ Sailing and Towing endorsements using their programs....and you complete the program at your own pace......and on your own schedule.

I like the Mariners Learning System program because it will typically take the student several weeks to read all the materials and pass all the practice testing......as opposed to the CRAM type week long courses offered by others. It seems to me that many who simply memorize the materials in a single week-long CRAM course don't seem to retain much of the information after successfully passing their exam.....

Whats the point of getting a license if you don't REALLY learn the information? Not saying that I retained all that I learned, but I feel I could sit for the test today, years later, and still pass (maybe not at 100% though).

Good luck on whichever program you opt to take. Like me, you may be amazed by all the little and subtle things you never noticed or realized, when out on the waterways......

Mariners Learning System offered a 25 percent discount for a few days near Christmas. I took the bait and ordered the 6 pack course. Hoping it arrives soon so I can get started working toward the designation before spring arrives. My new to me R25 sc will be well used on the ICW soon.