Question: Captains license required?

Thanks for replying...

I haven't been in command of a boat for nearly 30 years. I am thinking of retiring and purchasing a 50 or 60 footer. I just want to do thing correctly and that means for me obtaining a license and experience.

A rookie

Having not been in a boat except as a passenger for such a long time the advice given is sound and will certainly be embraced when the time comes. Thanks

Walford, I teach advanced courses to Naval personnel but they already have their 100 Ton USCG Licenses before they come to me. I also do private instruction throughout the U.S and abroad for private individuals. It is important to note that Sea School does not teach you how to run a boat. Their courses are designed more for experienced folks that are seeking a Captains license for commercial use. If you are a bit rusty I would suggest you take private lessons from a Captain that knows how to teach (a skill in itself) then Power Squadron then go for the Captains course. Don't forget you need X amount of days on the water in order to get the license but not to take and graduate from the course. I think you have one year after graduating Sea School or other similar Maritime academy to apply for your license.

All good advice, except that attending Sea School has no bearing on the license application. So it doesn't matter how long between the school and the application.
Two cautions I'd like to give walford1809 are:
1) Give a lot of thought to getting a Master's license. You may find yourself being held to professional standards if there's ever an incident. Personnally I'd recommend a regular operator's license and the cources previously mentioned.
2) If you go to 50' or 60' with no similar experience, expect your insurance company to require you to use a captain for your first and possibly 3nd season. It'll be money well spent.

You have 1 year to submit your application for your license after taking the class, 366 days and you need to take a refresher course.

When did Sea School become a requirement for a license? Sure you're not thinking about a MMA or Sea Time? Granted my license goes back a few years, but this is the first I've heard of this.

If you go to Sea School or any of the schools, that is where you also take the USCG exam. The exam results are only good for 1 year. If it lapses you have to take the exam again. A licensed Captain up for renewal can elect to take the refresher course and exam and not have to submit any seatime to renew their license.....At least for 100 ton and under, not sure about higher tickets.

Don't or can't you still take the exam at the CG regional offices? I took mine in Battery Park NY & my wife took hers in Miami. No course was required, just sea time and the test. There was a period which the test had to be completed during (if you failed a part) before you could test again, and that your sea time must be within. Then you hit a waiting period and must reapply. but there were no requirements to go to school or refresher course.

You could, but like any government agency, it's a heck of a lot easier to schedule and take it at a MPI or seaschool.....although I believe at the USCG it's open book I think......

I run a transit trip Ketchikan to Seattle (or vice versa) at the end (or beginning) of the season and most of the guests we have aboard come along for this reason. Many of them have some experience, but want more or are nervous about making the trip on their own.

It's a nice change of pace. It gives the guests something to do and a chance to get educated without the pressure of being thrown out there by themselves. And it gives me a chance to sit back a little and observe/instruct.

While we're on the subject of licenses, I have several thousands of hours as pilot in command, but never went to get my license. I'm going to register my boat in the BVI, is there a British version of a 100 ton license? And how do you start the process?

Does a hired captain need a USCG license for < 200 grt for strictly private use? Potential Captain has MCA 200Gt Lic.... just not USCG.... So insurance should be fine with it. I do know that if US flagged for hire, crew must be US citzens / green card and USCG Lic.

He can't legally be hired to captain a US flagged or registered only boat.

I was surprised that Miami USCG sector told me that us citizen ship was not required for pleasure. But forgot to ask if USCG ticket was required vs MCA.

It is required for employment though.

Looking for advice from seasoned captains:
Acquiring steel trawler style yacht for personal use and live aboard at less than 200 gross tonnage
I would like to work with a Captain to learn how to manage & maintain for the first two seasons
Flagging would be ideally US based thus USCG regulations matter to me.
I would like cost estimates to hire a full time captain during the first year and part time second part for second year.

Thanks folks

Size and location?

Seattle, Washington or Portland Oregon
Size 80 foot steel hull

Not sure about your area, but here in South Florida $100k for a good Captain +++ health insurance, expenses, living on board? Cost of living is about the same, if not more in Seattle.