HOW TO OBTAIN A CAPTAIN'S LICENSE

The term captain is tossed loosely about to the point where a person with the actual credentials needs to clarify them. If the charge you are in of the operation and well-being of a vessel, you are m you are the captain. Unless you plan to take on passengers for hire or operate a commercial vessel such as a charter boat, cruise ship, or tanker, you do not need a captain's license.

However, many seasoned boaters do go on to obtain an official license.

Obtaining a captain's license is a combination of taking a class (and passing the test), accumulating the required the-water experience, and meeting USCG physical requirements. To qualify for a captain's license, you will need to perform these tasks:
Document the equivalent of 360 days on open water, with one-day counting as a minimum Of four hours. Ninety days of your sea time must have been within the past three years Of your license application. If you crew on a boat other than your own, you will need the owner's signature on the sea time form you submit.
Contact the USCG Regional Exam Center ( http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/recs/ ) to request an application. The government section of your phone book should have a listing as well. Complete all portions of the application, including the physical exam and drug test.
pass the written exam by taking a Class locally or online. Study hard, because there is much content to remember.
Present yourself at the nearest USCG facility for fingerprinting and review of your application. If all is well, you will receive your license.

Once you have earned the title Captain, you can go on to become a Master. The level you are awarded equates to the size vessel you are qualified to operate. For example, a 500- ton Master is qualified to operate a 500-ton commercial vessel.

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