Yes, you can take a course online to help
satisfy the exam requirements for obtaining your captain’s license, provided
the course is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC).
Captain's Licensing
Endorsements
The NMC is the agency that sets requirements
for, oversees and issues mariner credentials, including endorsements such as
captains’ or masters' licenses. The requirements for obtaining your license
depend upon the exact type of endorsement you seek. See the NMC’s site to learn
about the specific requirements you’ll need to meet.
For instance, the National Master 100 NC
certification requires 720 days of service in the deck department on Ocean,
Near Coastal or Great Lakes waters, while the National Master 200 OC
endorsement requires 1,080 days.
The NMC requires certain professional prerequisites
and examinations for each type of endorsement. While the NMC doesn’t host
courses or provide testing, it does offer a list of approved courses that
applicants can take to satisfy the requirements. Some these courses are
provided online.
Online Resources for
Captain’s License Courses
The NMC provides a searchable online database
for finding approved online courses. You can search courses by the type of
course you need for your endorsement and by the location of the course
provider. Some of the master's courses are available exclusively online.
For instance, the database lists the following online resources for
the Master's 100 Tons Program:
- Explorer's Guide, LLC;
- C Quest Marine, Ltd.;
- South Central Louisiana Technical
College - Young Memorial Campus; and
- U.S. Captain's Training.
Other Requirements for
Obtaining a Master’s License
In addition
to complete your professional requirements, you’ll need to submit application
package to the Regional Exam Center. Some
of the documents you’ll need to send in when applying for your captain’s
endorsement include:
- an Application for License as an
Officer, Staff Officer or Operator and for Merchant Mariner's Document (CG
Form 719B);
- your TWIC card;
- CG Form 719K Physical Examination
Report;
- CG Form 719P Chemical Testing
Report;
- three character references;
- proof of completing a U.S. Coast
Guard-Approved CPR and First Aid course;
- evidence of your sea service; and
- photocopies of your online course training
certification.
When you select a course provider, you can ask
them for assistance to walk you through the process and ensure you have all the
necessary information before you submit your application for your master’s
license. You also can double-check the requirements yourself by using the NMC’s
Merchant Mariner Credential Application Acceptance Checklist, found online.
Investing in Your Future
If you intend
to take an online course to obtain your captain’s license, shop around for the
providers and programs that suit your needs and your budget. The courses are an
investment in your future, so do your homework and clarify any questions or
concerns with the course provider’s licensing specialists prior to enrolling.
You also can read
over the My Vessel
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