License Requirements

The USCG Master License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that is certified (authorized) by the USCG to carry more than 6 paying passengers plus crew must have a Captain who holds a 25/50/100 Ton Master license. Ferry boats, harbor tours boats, whale watch boats are examples of inspected vessels.

There are 4 different Master Licenses a mariner may qualify for such as the Master Inland or Master Near Coastal. Both the amount of sea service time and the size vessels you have been on will influence the license you are eligible for. Master licenses are tonnage rated at 25 GT (gross tons), 50 GT, or 100 GT. The tonnage you are awarded is determined by the size vessels you've gained experience on in the last 3 years - it's called "recency experience." You are not required to advance through the different licenses one at a time. If you meet the USCG requirements for the master 100GT Near Coastal, you'll get that license as your first license. The 4 types of up to 100GT Master licenses are listed below along with the requirements:

1. Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 15; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years. Completion of approved Course and Test.
2. Master Inland/OUPV: 360 days underway experience since age 15; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 90 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of the Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved Course.
3. Master Inland/Mate N.C.: 360 days underway experience since age 15; 90 days of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 180 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of the Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved Course.
4. Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 15; 90 of those 720 days in the last 3 years; 360 of those 720 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of the Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved Course.

Additional Requirements Include:

• Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Minimum age: 19 years old
• A physical exam if more than three years has elapsed since the last exam
• Drug test unless enrolled in a USCG-required random drug program for at least 60 of the last 185 days, and with no failure or refusal to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs
• CPR/First Aid Card
• U.S. Citizenship
• Character reference letters
• Completed USCG application package
• Completion of Mariners Learning System™ USCG-approved Master 25/50/100 Ton online course

Overview

1.0 Scope

Mariners Learning System™ 25/50/100 Ton Master training course is an instructional resource that combines broadcast quality audio visual media, workbooks and computer based training. Any student that completes the course will have demonstrated their complete and total knowledge of the information required in Subpart C of Part 10, Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations.

The course thoroughly covers the subjects addressed by Coast Guard exams for the following licenses:

• Master 25/50/100 Ton Inland/Near Coastal/Great Lakes License.

2.0 Objective

The goal is to enhance safety and productivity in the maritime working environment by instilling the knowledge and skills reflected in the Coast Guard exam topic table. Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded a certificate that will be accepted in lieu of the standard Coast Guard examination!

3.0 Entry Standards

Students must be able to speak English.

4.0 Instructors

The program has been built so that a student can directly contact one of our USCG approved staff instructors via e-mail. In addition complete telephone support is available through a toll free support system that is manned by our Coast Guard approved staff instructors.

5.0 Testing

Once the student completes the course quizzes and online Module Exam they make an appointment to take their final proctored exam with Mariners Learning System™. No testing at the Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers. The grading standards are:

The student must pass all modules to receive a certification of completion. If a student fails one or more modules, he or she may retest twice more without delay on the failed modules. Those who do not pass an exam module after three attempts must wait a period of three months to retest. The student will be required to complete the entire course prior to being allowed another three attempts at each module. In this case the student must retest and pass all online Exam Modules.

Materials

1.0 Course Materials

Mariners Learning System™ - includes one complete set of the following training materials to each student:

Mariners Learning System™ - Access to our Internet based narrated lecture and interactive learning system. This program is based on the Mariners Learning System™s Coast Guard approved OUPV class room course. More than 10,000 students have earned their Captains License by participating in this program.

Mariners Learning System™ - Textbooks:Rules of the Road; Navigation General; Deck general.

Mariners Learning System™ - Textbooks: 25/50/100 Ton Master workbook.

Mariner Learning System™ - Coast Guard approved videos containing the following (8) training topics:

• Conducting Onboard Drills
• Emergency Radio Procedures
• Emergency Information Radio Beacons
• Marine Fire: First Response
• Immersion Suits
• Inflatable Flotation Devices
• Personal Flotation Devices
• Visual Distress Signals

2.0 Plotting Tools

Each student will receive a complete navigator's package which will include the following plotting tools:

• Long Island Sound Training Chart -12354TR
• Dividers
• Nautical parallel rule
• Calculator
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Tote bag

3.0 Reference Aids

For reference and use during the course the students will have access to the following on-line resources:

• Publication No. 102
• Publication No. 117 - Radio
• Reprints from the Light Lists and Coast Pilots COMDTPUB P16721.38
• Reprints from the Tide Tables - COMDTPUB P16721.46
• Chart No. 1
• Merchant Marine Deck Examination Illustration Book - COMDTPUB P16721.7C
• Title 46 Shipping - United States Code Annotated
• Title 33, CFR

Lesson Plan

1.0 Lesson Plan

Module I - Navigation Rules of the Road

• Part A - General
• Section I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
• Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
• Section III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
• Part C - Light s and Shapes
• Part D - Sound and Light Signals
• Differences between International and U.S. Inland Rules of the Road

Module II - Deck Safety

• Fire Fighting
• Marine Engine Operations
• Marine Radiotelephone
• Lifesaving Equipment
• Pollution Prevention

Module III - Deck General

• Basic Seamanship
• Characteristics of Weather systems
• Ship Handling
• Emergency Procedures
• Maritime Law

Module IV - Piloting and General Navigation

• Piloting
• Compasses
• Plotting
• Tides and Currents
• Approaches to Anchorages and Harbors
• Electronic Navigation Equipment

Module V - Seamanship

• Purchases, Blocks and Tackle
• Vessel Handling in Rivers and Estuaries
• Dragging, Clearing Fouled Anchors
• Maneuvering for Launching of Lifeboats And Lifeboats in Heavy Weather
• Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats or Lifecrafts
• Towing Operations

Module VI - Boat Characteristics

• Principles of Ship Construction
• Trim and Stability

Module VII - Fire Prevention and Firefighting Appliances

• Fire Prevention and Chemistry of Fire
• Basic Fire Fighting - Extinguishing Agents
• Organization of Fire Drills
• Fire Fighting Systems
• Fire Fighting Equipment and Regulations for T-Boats

Module VIII - Ships Business

• Rules and Regulations for T-Boats
• Shipment, Discharge and Manning
• Certificates and Documents Required
• Load Lines

Module IX - Shipboard Management and Training

• Ship Sanitation
• Principles of Damage Control Including Vessel Alteration and Repair
• Shipboard Safety Management

Module X - Lifesaving

• Survival at Sea
• Lifesaving Appliance Regulations and Operations for T-Boats

Test Sites

Click the map below to view our testing locations by state, date and time.

We currently offer testing in the states that are dark blue.

What You Need to Know About Testing...

Mariners Learning System™ has Coast Guard approved testing facilities located throughout the country. Each student wishing to complete one of Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved courses is required to pass a proctored exam to receive a Certificate of Completion. This Certificate of Completion will be accepted by the Coast Guard in lieu of taking one of their exams for licensing purposes. If a student fails one or more modules, he or she may test twice without delay of the failed modules. Those who do not pass an exam module after three attempts must wait a period of three months to retest. The student will be required to complete the entire course prior to being allowed another three attempts at each module. In this case the student must retest and pass all exam modules.

To sit for a proctored exam you are required to have a confirmed date and seat in the Mariners Learning System™ proctored exam room. Without this electronic confirmation you will not be permitted to test.

Testing dates/locations close 14 calendar days before the scheduled test date, therefore you must register more than 14 calendar days before the scheduled test date.

Students testing for the first time and also retest students must register via the online registration. Only students who are currently enrolled in a Mariners Learning System™ Course are permitted to register to take a Proctored Exam.

When you arrive to take the proctored exam you will be required to provide the proctor with a copy of the electronic proctored exam enrollment form, a legible copy of your Coast Guard recognized photo identification, and your online final exam completion letter(s). These copies will be retained for our records per USCG requirements. The list of acceptable forms of photo identification includes:

• U.S. Military identification card
• U.S. drivers license
• U.S. Passport
• Official identification card issued by a State, or local government.
• Official identification card issued by the Federal Government.
• Law enforcement credential, with photograph of the applicant, issued by Federal, State or local government
• Merchant Marine Document issued after February 3, 2003
• Foreign Passport

In addition you will also be required to supply a copy of the Final Online Exam Completion letters.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is your responsibility to provide legible copies of both your identification and Final Exam completion letters. The proctor will not allow you to test unless these documents are provided. If you arrive to the testing facility without any of these required documents you will not be permitted to take the scheduled exam. No exceptions per Coast Guard policy. No other forms of identification will be accepted.

Mariners Learning System™ Proctored Testing Cancellation Policy

Registered students who are unable to attend their scheduled proctored exam are required to cancel their appointment for testing in writing at least 14 calendar days before the scheduled test date.

Cancellation for testing must sent to the Mariners Learning System™ staff in writing via email to Testing@MarinersLearningSystem.com and the student must receive written confirmation from Mariners Learning System™ staff in order for the cancellation to be valid.

If a student does not notify Mariners Learning System™ via email of their intention to change their confirmed proctored exam date at least 14 calendar days prior to the test date or if a student does not attend the registered test date, a $95.00 fee will be assessed the next time the student registers to take a proctored exam.

If a student does not follow the testing policy once again at a future test date, the student will be charged another fee of $95.00 when they reschedule.

As long as this policy is followed there is NO additional charge for changing a confirmed proctored test date.

Any student who has questions regarding this policy is directed to contact our corporate office for clarification at Support@MarinersLearningSystem.com