The differences between the 6 Pack Operator and the Master Captain’s licenses have to do with whether or not the vessel is inspected and how far offshore you plan to operate the vessel. The amount of sea time you have to have for each designation varies as well.It’s important to note that the 6 Pack is not a prerequisite for a Master Captain’s license. If you meet the minimum sea time requirements, you can skip the 6 Pack and apply directly for the Master.Differentiating Types of Captain’s...

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-10 will provide boating safety classes in April at the Orange Beach Community Center. The low-cost, in-depth classroom safety course, titled About Boating Safely, gives boaters the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification.Upcoming Boating Safety Classes in Orange BeachAbout Boating Safely is an 8-hour course provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer organization whose main mission is recreational boating safety. This...

The Department of Homeland Security issued a rule in late 2013 that gave the U.S. Coast Guard the authority to postdate Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC)up to eight months from the date of application. When is the rule applicable?This new rule became effective March 24, 2014. MMC renewal applications processed on or after March 24, 2014 may be issued a postdated MMC. Because of the new rule, the issue date of the each applicant’s credential will be postdated to the day following the date of...

The z-card is a type of credential that the U.S. Coast Guard issues to qualified crew members of U.S. ships weighing more than 100 gross tons. Z-cards are similar to driver’s licenses; they contain the mariner’s basic information such as date of birth, the location where the card was issued, the mariner's nationality, and the shipboard duties and roles for which he or she is qualified.Changes in Z-Card RequirementsZ-cards were first adopted in the late 1970s as a part of the International...