25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam

Course Options

On-the-Go Learning Tools

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 Boat 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 3 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 3 types of up to 100GT Master captain's licenses are listed below along with the requirements:

• Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 16; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years. Completion of approved course and test.
• Master Inland/OUPV Near Coastal: 360 days underway experience since age 16; 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.
• Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 16; 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:

• Obtain aTransportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card)
• Minimum age: 19 years old (U.S. Citizenship Required)
• Pass a Physical Examination
• Pass a DOT Drug Test unless enrolled in a USCG-approved random drug program for the last 185 days, and with no failure or refusal to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.
• CPR/First Aid training
• Completion of Mariners Learning System™ USCG-approved Master 25/50/100 Ton online course
• Complete a USCG Original License Application Package

No testing at the USCG Regional Exam Centers is necessary. All testing is done online through the MLS account.

Upon successful completion of the Mariners Learning System^™ online 25/50 or 100-Ton Master (Digital Edition) course, the student studies the materials and takes our proctored exam online. Once the student passes our multiple-choice exam, they will receive a Mariners Learning System^™ certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Simply submit, within one year, the original certificate along with the application package and applicable fees to the USCG Regional Exam Center. Upon their approval of your package, they will mail the license.

ONLINE TESTING

Mariners Learning System™ offers Coast Guard approved remote testing for those looking to become a licensed Captain. Our eLearning system makes it easy to take your Captain’s Licensing course and final proctored exam online when it’s convenient for you. Any Day. Any Time. Any Place. To learn more about online testing CLICK HERE.

HOW MLS TESTS ARE GRADED

Once the student completes the course quizzes and online module exam(s), they can test on-demand online for their final proctored exam with Mariners Learning System™. No testing at the Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers. This course exam is broken down into five parts; when completed together, you will have met the educational requirements for a Master's level license. The grading standards are:

The student must pass all modules to receive a certification of completion. If a student fails one or more modules, they will be able to retest after the previous exams are reviewed and reattempts unlocked. This re-examination must occur within 3 months of the original testing attempt or prior to the course expiration date, which ever date comes first. Those who do not pass an exam module after three attempts must retake the entire online course and retest all modules online prior to the year course expiration date and wait a period of 45 days to retest.

TEST REQUIREMENTS

Students must have a high-speed internet connection and an up-to-date desktop or laptop with a webcam and microphone. Also, students must have the ability to download software through the MLS account. This is required to access the exam.

When testing online for the proctored exam, students will be required to display a legible photocopy of their Coast Guard recognized photo identification to the computer screen. The student will be required to complete the course evaluation form prior to testing. These copies will be retained for our records per USCG requirements.

The list of acceptable forms of photo identification includes:

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to provide a clear and legible copy of identification. If an ID is not provided and/or MLS is unable to read the copy, it will result in a failure. No exceptions per Coast Guard policy. No other forms of identification will be accepted.