Online Captain's training courses?

Carpediem44DB

Well-Known Member
Aug 18, 2015
3,230
Sanfransico Bay area
Boat Info
2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
Engines
Volvo TAMD 74 P
Has anyone earned an inland limited captains certificate from an online school? I am in the process of moving up to a sixty foot yacht and am thinking of getting a more formal education on all things Nautical. I don't intend to use the certificate to earn a living or attempt to make my boat a business. I boat to get away from business. I have 25 years of general boating experience in local waters and feel that I know quite a bit about the subject but I'm pretty sure I really just know what I don't know. I want to eventually venture off shore and wander up and down the west coast. I just wonder if anyone has found the online training that is offered a valuable exercise.
Carpe Diem
 
I assume you can take the courses but not take the final "test" to be licensed? If you're only ever going to be a recreational boater you'll want to understand the implications of having a captains license before you would take that final step.

My understanding is that "charters" can be created quite unintentionally. You have to really watch it when guests start bringing chip dip and booze to share if you're licensed :)
 
My understanding is that "charters" can be created quite unintentionally. You have to really watch it when guests start bringing chip dip and booze to share if you're licensed :)

Could you elaborate a bit? Do you mean that guests bringing things of value that the captain consumes could be construed as "payment" and "create" a charter situation?
 
Each state will be different, last fall I got my captains license for inland waters here in NY. There was a online manual with study guide questions, when I was ready I called to make an appointment to take the test (50 multiple choice questions). The Coast Guard also has different levels of course work, which NY would have taken as being qualified but the cost was about $300.
 
Carpe Diem

I am assuming you are talking of taking the OUPV class. This is a federal license and is not regulated by states at all so let me stop the confusion.

As far as online versus in person. You will learn much either way regardless of how much time you’ve had on the water. But the classroom interactions are worth it in my opinion if you can take an in person class. If not then online will suffice.

As far as cost, the least expensive I have seen for the class itself is around 600.00. There are more expenses if you actually apply for the license. 150.00 application fee, 125.00 TWIC card, Medical exam around 100.00 and first aid/CPR certification. So I would say to actually get everything you need it’s 1500.00 or so.

The last topic of discussion is the responsibility. I hear stories everyday about how you’re automatically responsible if you have your license. I’m not going to entertain the peanut gallery on this... find examples of this yourself. It’s always a well I heard... or my buddy’s buddy.... you get the drift.

If you do get your license you will be a better mariner and you will learn quite a bit of information as well as how to find information. It’s a great accomplishment, it’s not easy, and after all you have the credential to back up your experience.

Captain Josh
 
Carpe Diem

I am assuming you are talking of taking the OUPV class. This is a federal license and is not regulated by states at all so let me stop the confusion.

As far as online versus in person. You will learn much either way regardless of how much time you’ve had on the water. But the classroom interactions are worth it in my opinion if you can take an in person class. If not then online will suffice.

As far as cost, the least expensive I have seen for the class itself is around 600.00. There are more expenses if you actually apply for the license. 150.00 application fee, 125.00 TWIC card, Medical exam around 100.00 and first aid/CPR certification. So I would say to actually get everything you need it’s 1500.00 or so.

The last topic of discussion is the responsibility. I hear stories everyday about how you’re automatically responsible if you have your license. I’m not going to entertain the peanut gallery on this... find examples of this yourself. It’s always a well I heard... or my buddy’s buddy.... you get the drift.

If you do get your license you will be a better mariner and you will learn quite a bit of information as well as how to find information. It’s a great accomplishment, it’s not easy, and after all you have the credential to back up your experience.

Captain Josh

So those stories are not true?? I'd think you would not be entertaining a peanut gallery if you were able to share some facts...inquiring minds want to know.
 
If on the water knowledge gain is your sole purpose, then take an in class course and call it done. You don't even need to take the end of class tests as the tests cost extra money as well (passing the test is required by USCG as a licensing requirement). You will have more than enough in class practice tests to satisfy that you know the material. All that other stuff Josh mentioned (TWIC cards, First Aid, CPR, drug test, medical exam) are also just USCG/Merchant Marine licensing requirements that each cost more money.
 
So those stories are not true?? I'd think you would not be entertaining a peanut gallery if you were able to share some facts...inquiring minds want to know.
How do you prove a non truth? The burden of proof is on those that think the stories are true. So I ask anyone on CSR to post specific cases where the Captain got burned when it makes sense they should not have.
 
How do you prove a non truth? The burden of proof is on those that think the stories are true. So I ask anyone on CSR to post specific cases where the Captain got burned when it makes sense they should not have.

I'm definitely not debating this, I know nothing, I don't have a horse in this race! 100% heresay indeed. Though the heresay is quite pervasive. Enough that I've heard it spread many times online. I'd prefer not be one of those to continue spreading the lies if someone in the know cared to share the "truth".

It just seems odd someone with the knowledge and skill would show up and say "I won't share the real info because I'm above entertaining silly notions and internet lore". But to each his own I do suppose. I just figured half the point of internet forums was to share info, not withhold it :):)
 
Unfortunately my limited investigation into this very topic for MO has lead me to the same conclusion I have found in so many professional licensing areas....

once money changes hands the regulations come with it.

Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Architechts, etc....
 
I'm definitely not debating this, I know nothing, I don't have a horse in this race! 100% heresay indeed. Though the heresay is quite pervasive. Enough that I've heard it spread many times online. I'd prefer not be one of those to continue spreading the lies if someone in the know cared to share the "truth".

It just seems odd someone with the knowledge and skill would show up and say "I won't share the real info because I'm above entertaining silly notions and internet lore". But to each his own I do suppose. I just figured half the point of internet forums was to share info, not withhold it :):)
Roger that. We are all in violent agreement. Would love to See actual evidence of such a captain liability situation. I have only heard warnings it could happen to you.
 
I have no problem sharing everything I know, and everything I have learned, but this forum is too small for me to start bumping my gums about boating in general...that could last hours or many, many beers...

Carp...if you want to have a conversation about your thinking here, I would be happy to do just that. PM me a number if you wish and I will do my best to call you. I will be in the Bahamas for a week or so starting this Thursday.

Yes, we can talk about gaining knowledge, which I am all about, regardless if a license is required or not.

Good thread! Important subject that I get into all the time...nobody should ever discourage you from becoming wiser on the water, regardless of your long range intentions.

Remember Capt. Rusty's approach....I use my skills, knowledge, and experience to keep me out of situations that require me to use my skills, knowledge, and experience.

R
 
I think the implication put forth by "internet lore" is that, if you are a licensed captain, you are held to a higher standard even if you're just taking a couple of buddies from work out for a boatride - not as a charter, but as a free fun thing.

I would imagine that if something bad happened on that ride, one of your buddies got injured, and the cause was operator error, there could be a lawsuit, license or not.
 
I am concurring with ZZ13. The only example I’ve heard to be true is the idea of pro rata responsibility. I’m not trying to leave out any information but I am simply saying much of the “talk” about all of this is just that. I am willing to stand in front of a jury and defend my actions although I hope I never have to. The knowledge I have as a Captain is better then the knowledge I had without the credential so much so I am in Masters class now. I believe the knowledge is completely validated whether or not you actually get your credential.

It is my goal, like Rusty, to use my knowledge and skill on the water to avoid the problems in the first place.


I am being genuine when I say I don’t mean to offend anyone. I want everyone to get more boating knowledge. My concern is these topics come up around the docks quite often and I’ve yet to prove out one where someone would have been better off without the license.


Josh
 
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Im sure there are many of us who are in a similar situations. Especially those of us that can't attend in-person courses due to distance or schedules. Perhaps we could hear feedback from those CSR members that have taken on- line courses. Assign them a grade according to their usefulness. Any feedback is better than none.
 
Taking the courses (whether online or in person) is a huge benefit.

If you are not doing commercial work, IMO, taking and passing the test doesn't increase your knowledge, simply provides a proof point that you have the knowledge. The marina staff will still call you "Captain" either way.

Regarding the internet lore - look into Maritime Law. If a lawsuit arises from a boating accident it does not go to a standard civil court, it is adjudicated under the rules of Maritime law.

I think everyone benefits from increasing their knowledge through formal training, self study, or one-on-one training.

I loved Cap Rusty's comment:

"Remember Capt. Rusty's approach....I use my skills, knowledge, and experience to keep me out of situations that require me to use my skills, knowledge, and experience."

If a person is considering taking the courses - then I think they should.
 
If you do get your license you will be a better mariner and you will learn quite a bit of information as well as how to find information. It’s a great accomplishment, it’s not easy, and after all you have the credential to back up your experience.

Captain Josh

+1
The more knowledge, the better operator you will be. As it was explained in our classes (OUPV, Mate, Master, Tow), this is true regardless if operating under your license or not, or without a license altogether. Ignorance is no excuse. Lawyers are going to sue in a shotgun effect (every possible party) regardless.

Not sure about what folks are taking about regarding taking the test or not talking the test as passing the test only qualifies you to submit for a license.

You still must submit an application to USCG which includes your SVSS (Small Vessel Sea Service) forms documenting days of service. Taking the test, its the only way to verify you learned everything you set out to learn. If you don't want to apply for the license, then don't.
 
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The opinion and order in the case cited above was written by Judge Feuerstein of the United States District Court, Eastern District of NY.
 

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