How can one go about obtaining a Captain's License, and are there any age restrictions on doing so?

Question

I would like to apply for a Captain's License after obtaining my boating license, but have no idea how to apply to get one. Also, I would like to know how many restrictions there are to doing so, if any. Thank you for looking and attempting to help!

Answer 1

I have a Master`s certificate - it took:

4 years serving as a deckcrew
3 years in a Nautical College
3 years as a Deck Officer

Probably considerably easier in the US though.

Answer 2

Requirements for a captain's license depend on what size license you are seeking, and where you intend to use it. There are several licenses that allow you to operate a vessel, it is best to have an idea of what size and kind of vessel you are planning to operate. Does it carry passengers? What is the tonnage? Do you intend to only stay in inland waters, near coastal, on the open ocean? The Coast guard issues the licenses, so that would be the best place to inquire as to what license you need. You can also inquire at one of these 'sea schools' the others are talking about, and there are even some employers which have their own Coast Guard approved schools. I used to be a Relief Captain and a 1200 hp towboat that ran the ICW with between 600 and 1,000 ft of tow. I held an OUTV (Operator of Uninspected Towing Vessels). It allowed me to operated any size inland towing vessel on inland waters, reguardless of horsepower or tonnage. I spent 4 yrs in the USN as a submarine Quartermaster, another 2 years on towing vessels, and passed all the required Coast Guard tests. The company I worked for had a Coast Guard approved school and they helped with all the paperwork. Since 9/11, a lot has changed, but I would suggest checking with the Local Coast Guard for information on a tonnage license (i.e. 100ton master) It would allow you operate a wide variety of vessels, and you probably wouldn't have to worry about your license not covering what you are running for a while. FYI, I've know some Captains who've gotten there lisences by simply attending one of these 'sea schools' and they are generally known as 'no boat driving S.O.B.'s'. There is no replacement for time on the pond and time behind the sticks. I never trusted a captain who claimed to have never rubbed a lock, been aground, or been wind bound. The only captain's who can claim such things are unexperienced and, in my opinion, more dangerous than any others. I would normally refuse a pilot with such claims and would rather ride alone and choke a piling when my watch was over.

Answer 3

As others have explained you need experience. A Master's license now requires a minimum of 720 days sea time in order to sit for the examination. The minimum rating is 50 tons. Once issued you need to average 72 days per year of sea time to renew after 5 years. You will have to pass a written exam on the rules of the road, fire fighting, navigation, etc. You will have to pass a physical examination, and pass a drug screening test. A good tip is to ask to have the towing and sailing endorsement added at the time of your exam, as it's more difficult later. The only restriction I know, is that you have to pass the physical, and there are captains in their 70s, so age isn't a restriction.

Answer 4

There is a national franchised company called Sea School that does exactly this for you...they teach the course so you can pass the exam given by the Coast Guard..go to their site.....

The lowest level license is what is commonly called the "6 Pack" ........it allows you to operate uninspected boats carrying 6 or less passengers for hire.....to qualify to take the test you must have 365 days of experience ( a day is considered 8 hours under weigh) in the last 5 years, and people who can prove they own a boat have to vouch for that time for you.

You have to take a drug test.

After you have the 6 Pack fo a year (?) you can apply for a bigger more inclusive license, which is when you have to worry about the "STCW" others have referred to

Go look at Sea School....... this is their business.

Answer 5

You have to pass test administered by the Coast Guard.
They test your knowedge of all the laws, safety, and navigation.
Here are some good places to start for information.
http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/
http://www.uscgboating.org/about/faqs/regulations.aspx

Here is part of one of the pages:
How do I obtain a Captain's License, Z-card, MMD, or other commercial license or certificate?
The Coast Guard issues nearly sixty different operator licenses and certificates. Each has its own qualifying requirements such as citizenship, age, experience, physical condition, and other considerations.
These operator licenses are issued by Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (REC). There are links to every Regional Exam Center at http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/index.htm. This site also provides exam questions, licensing forms, and a list of Coast Guard approved schools.

For each type of license, there are experience requirements, and the applicant must pass a written test and physical exam. If you want to use your boat as a charter operation, to carry passengers for hire, you must be licensed. The exact type of license will depend on the number of passengers carried and the route or area of operation.

Answer 6

Below are two web sites that might help. There are at LEAST experience requirements, but I glanced through and did not see specific age requirements.

Both of these sites are US Coast Guard sites, so you won't get a "sales job".

Oh, and while I do NOT have a Captain's license, I took an excellent course called advanced coastal navigation that I highly recommend. It is free except for about $50 for materials, provided by the coast guard auxiliary here in Washington, DC and in many other places.

Answer 7

the book get your captains license.charlie wing comes with cd and where to's for the testing. tough work but worth the rewards.

Answer 8

Have to do it like everybody else/permit and then road test/no other way

Answer 9

being a co-pilot first

Answer 10

so,... you wanna be like cap' n kirk good luck with that!