25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam
The 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain's License is the highest level license that you can acquire. This master boat captain's license allows you to operate inspected vessels (7 passengers or more – like a water taxi or dive boat) or uninspected vessels. Depending on your experience, it will be issued as a 25, 50, or 100-ton. The Coast Guard does not require that you advance through the different licenses one at a time. So, if you qualify, you can go straight to a Master's level as your first license!
The Towing Endorsement is required if you will be engaged in towing a disabled vessel for payment, such as the activities of a Sea Tow or TowBoatU.S. operator.
To carry seven or more passengers "under sail" on inspected saling vessels, a Sailing Endorsement is also required.
The base Online Course and Exam includes 12-month access to complete our online course and pass our final exam. Additionally, you will receive a Long Island Sound Training Chart and Official Test Packet for your original attempt at the Chart Plotting final exam in an MLS Carrying Kit. Our Deluxe Edition includes everything offered in the Online Course and Exam base package, plus a Deluxe Navigators Tool Set.
Course Options
The USCG 25/50/100 Ton Master Captain's License allows you to perform the duties of an OUPV/Charter Boat Captain and also operate Inspected Passenger Vessels that are approved to carry seven or more passengers. In order to carry seven or more passengers "under sail" a Sailing Endorsement is also required.
The 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam includes:
- 12 month's access to complete the course and pass the final exam ONLINE
- Full-sized Long Island Sound Training Chart – 12354TR
- Official Test Packet for your original attempt at the Chart Plotting final exam
- Red MLS Carrying Bag
The Deluxe Edition option contains what is in the base Online Course and Exam, plus a Deluxe Navigators Tool Set:
- Dividers
- Parallels
- Calculator
- Magnifier
- Notepad
- Sharpener
- Eraser
- Two Pencils
Instead of a red MLS Carrying Bag, you will receive a blue one!
The Assistance Towing Endorsement Online Course and Exam and/or Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement Online Course and Exam can be purchased as an add-on to either the 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License Online Course and Exam or Deluxe Edition.
IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT OPEN the Official Test Packet for your original attempt at the Chart Plotting final exam until prompted to do so while taking the online exam. If opened/tampered with, the entire test will be scored as a failure and there will be a replacement fee.
Physical materials are available for free shipping via USPS Priority Mail. Alternative shipping options are available at checkout for an additional cost.
On-the-Go Learning Tools
Check out the on-the-go learning tools below; they are part of your purchase:
MLS iVideo Training Series
- Navigational Rules of the Road
- Piloting and General Navigation
- Lifesaving Equipment & Safety
- Emergency Procedures
- Watch a Video Clip
MLS eBook Training Series
- Navigational Rules of the Road
- Seamanship for the Mariner
- Navigation for the Mariner
- Maritime Law - IPV
- Click on any book title to view an excerpt
Training Chart
- Full-sized Long Island Sound Training Chart – 12354TR
MLS Audio
- In-Depth Audio Lectures
- Learn at your pace without a classroom atmosphere
- Improve reading comprehension and engage in multi-modal learning
- Improve time management by learning while engaging in other activities
MLS Mobile
- Courses available on any device through MLS app and mobile web browser
- Unlimited access to course content wherever you are; use when connected to the Internet or download content to take offline
- Full-Color Digital Study Guides
- Assistance from Licensed USCG Instructors
- MLS Quiz Me feature
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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.
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.
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The 3 types of up to 100GT Master 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional Requirements Include:
- Obtain a Transportation 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.
- Adult CPR/Basic First Aid training
- Completion of Mariners Learning System™ USCG-approved Master 25/50/100 Ton online course and final exam
- Complete a USCG Original License Application Package
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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 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.
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:
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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, whichever 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.
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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.
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