License Requirements

The Mariners Learning System™ Towing Endorsement online USCG-approved course is for those who hold an OUPV or Master License and would like to engage in assisting vessels for a fee. To "commercially assist" other vessels that may be aground, disabled or out of fuel, or experiencing some other malfunction requires an endorsement for Commercial Assistance Towing.

Following course completion you will be given a written examination to demonstrate your knowledge of assistance towing, safety, equipment and procedures. Upon successfully passing your exam, a certificate will be issued that is recognized by the USCG as satisfying the testing requirements.

Overview

1.0 Scope

Mariners Learning System™ Towing Endorsement 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: Towing Endorsement.

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 four 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™ Coast Guard approved class room course. More than 15,000 students have earned their Captains License by participating in this program.

Mariners Learning System™ – Textbook:Towing Endorsement.

Lesson Plan

1.0 Lesson Plan

Module I – Towing Safety

• Assessment and Awareness
• Risk Management Planning

Module II – Forces in Towing

• Static Forces
• Dynamic Forces
• Combination of Forces and Shock-load

Module III – Towing Equipment

• Towline and Accessories
• Messengers
• Chafing Gear
• Deck Fittings and Other Fittings
• Drogues and Other Equipment

Module IV – Standard Towing Procedures

• Pre-Towing Procedures
• Towing Astern
• Connecting Tow Rig Fittings
• Connecting Tow Rig to a Trailer Eye
• Transition to Stern Tow
• Underway With Stern Tow
• Compensating For Current
• Shortening the Tow
• Towing Alongside
• Sinking Tows

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