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I am looking into getting my Captains license(6 pack). Can anyone lead me in the right direction. I know there are some schools or companies out there that do Coast Gaurd approved classes. Which ones are good? Do you HAVE to take one or can you self study? Are there any other options... And any other info that may help.
You can do self study or attend one of the many schools. The easiest and quickest way is to attend the school. they usually teach directly to the exam. They have records of previous exam so they make sure the class is familar with the test info.
Personally, I think you can learn more in a classroom setting than self study. There's always a lot of classroom interaction, questions - answers, etc that goes on that you don't get in self study.
Also,take your CPR/firstaide class else were and have all your paper work up to date.That will save you time in money.Sea School is good,check there web site to see were a class is near you.
I've had my 6 pak for about 8 months and took the course and test through sea school in Jacksonville Florida. Theres several things you have to do to send in an application. Physical, random drug screening, all recorded sea time and then you must pass the class. The class ran me about $800.
I am a paramedic....so I think the CPR should be covered....I am a firefighter and get annual physicals and drug test which are coming up in September... Do you know if all that will count for what they want??
Here's another vote for Sea School... Not only will you learn what's needed to pass the exam, they should provide all the data you need about everything else involved, the various forms, what's allowable and what's not, etc. A good part of the job they do is to answer every question you'll have, point you in the right direction, etc. It's been about 12 years since I went through their doors and I still remember the experience fondly....
__________________ Tight Lines
Capt Bob LeMay
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I went through Sea School as well. Piece of cake. Time on the water is pretty much honor system in that you create an after-the-fact log for days at sea by month and by year. A day at sea includes any trip longer than 4 hours, jon boat in a river counts.
The physical and drug test must be by an approved provider, by DOT I think. If you have any color blindness, there are two tests available so see which one you can pass. I thought the USCG required you to take a prep class in order to sit for the test.
Fightin Fire & Baitkiller, the drug exams you may already be under, may qualify you with the Coasties, if they are apart of one of the accepted drug consortiums
that the CG uses & DOT. You will have to pass a Panel 5 Drug test. If you even take prescription medicine & can do without it a few days, that is much easier than trying to deal with a medical review by the CG, which you will likely not come out of favorably. No Pain meds or tranqs. The CG is overly concerned with your health due to some of the recent major accidents in the US, where the operators were using prescription meds.
You will have to get the name of the consortium you are in & call the CG to see if it qualifies for their drug requirements. You may not even have to take a test, if you are already subject to a random test, but not sure about that.
As far as the CPR & first aid, you better have a RED Cross card for it. I don't care if you are a brain surgeon, that does not qualify you under the F/a & CPR requirement. You got to have the card. SeaSchool is by far the best way to get your license, & as others said, they will get you your license to no end.
__________________ Save a life, after you're dead. Be an ORGAN DONOR
Do yourself a favor and go for the Masters license. It opens a lot more doors for you and only adds 20 questions to the Deck General portion of the exam (and extra class time to cover the material). Whatever you decide do it soon as possible, as after the first of the year the whole ballgame may change. Homeland Security is working on overhauling the whole licensing process.
As far as schools are concerned there are some good ones and some terrible ones who just want your money. Talk with your local USCG regional exam center and get the opinion on the schools you are considering. I went with Boatwise, Inc. but they are only located in the New England area (they are A#1 BTW).
Its a lot of work but worth it. Good Luck.
__________________ Capt. George Full Strike Anglers
F/V Lady Diane
2005 2325 Pacific Plate Alloy Boat
USCG 50Ton Master
Maine Tidewater Guide
With all the idiots on the water (I'm being polite here...) I'll take anyone with some training and a license - even if he's not from this country and has political views that might scare me.... Seriously, I've almost been run over by otherwise respectable citizens more times than I care to remember. Anyone who's willing to learn the rules of the road is a blessing as far as I'm concerned. I doubt that the crazies who want to hurt us would ever bother to get a valid license and go through the scrutiny involved.
__________________ Tight Lines
Capt Bob LeMay
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I got my six pack a few months ago. I took it at Sea School in Jacksonville. My instructor on the first day was a total clown and I really didn't want to continue if he was teaching the rest of the class. The next day and for the rest of the classes we had a Navy guy, Capt. Bill, teach and he was great. He knew the answer to any queestion people would ask and he really wanted to help you learn. The 6 pack was easy except for the charting, set drift, etc... Just practice that at home during the week and it will come easy. I will be going back for my master soon. I think it is just two days extra.
Use a decent school. One that will handle all the paperwork, and theres alot! They usually will handle doing the CPR first aide classes, drug, physical, etc... Takes alot off you.
Seaschool was kind of a joke I think. Seems to be pretty sloppy when it comes to keeping things in order. I would have gone to a more professional school if I had to do it again. I was lucky to get a good instructor for the rest of my classes or I would have complained and got my money back.
I went to Sea School since work paid for it. I would definately recommend going to a school. Even with lots of boating experience, I did learn alot. The plotting section alone was worth the price of the school. Sea School does everything for you.
I got my OUPV 2 years ago, and at that time you could count any sea time, there was no commercial requirement. I used days from my own boat and days from work on government boats.
SEASCHOOL they were great when I got mine!!! Renewal process is a pain in the A$$. Had to drive 4hrs to
Charleston, miss work, all for a finger print!!!
Captain License 
