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I am looking to get my Captain's license and have been trying to get real feedback on both of these schools. I don't need "I hated it don't take it" without real reasons to explain why. Anyone who has taken either, please chime in with your experiences from them. I would prefer the online course as my shcedule is rediculous right now and taking time off for class time is near impossible.
I know there have been many threads but I am looking for people's most recent experiences if possible from the actuall classes, study materials, forms, school personel and dealing with the USCG to get the actual license.
I have been procrastinating for years and its time to step up to it.
TIA Guys
__________________ John
2006 World Cat 250DC
Twin Honda 150
I can only comment on Mariners School since I took the course several years ago. I did the 57 hours prep work in a group classroom with about 12 other folks, (Friday evenings & full days Saturday & Sunday for 3 back to back weekends). If you are just looking to "pass a test", then I guess the on-line route is OK, but if you want to learn & retain some of the knowledge, I think the interaction within a classroom environment, is better. Just to "pass the written test" all you need is to memorize all the questions & answers on the many tests you can take on-line regarding, seamanship, rules of the road, navigation, safety, & whatever else. Keep taking the practice tests until you memorize all of the answers, then quickly sit for the USCG exam, since you will not retain half of what you memorized shortly after the exam. Then all you have to do is lie about the 360 days you spent on the water, take a drug test, take a CPR course that you will not keep up with, backround check, and pay $250.00 or so, to the USCG, for a processing fee, get finger printed, and in a few weeks they send you a certificate. Bingo! you are a sea captain.
I did Mariner's School as well for my OUPV and Master's but have only gotten the OUPV license. I learned a ton of info in the OUPV course. Passed all 4 tests missing a total of maybe 4 questions cumulative. You can't fail the USCG tests if you take this course. It was more than worth what I paid, around $600. They really drill the chart plotting into your head from day one. You'll be very proficient at this by the time you test.
I'm actually looking forward to taking the refresher. This course is extremely interesting.
Great Info. That reminds me of how I got certified for SCUBA.
Wow! Really? I was PADI certified in 1980. I spent several weeks (two nights a week...one class and one pool session per week) under the instruction of a US Navy diver. He had us doing things way beyond the scope of the class because he felt we needed to "know".
I didn't know you could get your SCUBA certification over the internet these days.
I can only comment on Mariners School since I took the course several years ago. I did the 57 hours prep work in a group classroom with about 12 other folks, (Friday evenings & full days Saturday & Sunday for 3 back to back weekends). If you are just looking to "pass a test", then I guess the on-line route is OK, but if you want to learn & retain some of the knowledge, I think the interaction within a classroom environment, is better. Just to "pass the written test" all you need is to memorize all the questions & answers on the many tests you can take on-line regarding, seamanship, rules of the road, navigation, safety, & whatever else. Keep taking the practice tests until you memorize all of the answers, then quickly sit for the USCG exam, since you will not retain half of what you memorized shortly after the exam. Then all you have to do is lie about the 360 days you spent on the water, take a drug test, take a CPR course that you will not keep up with, backround check, and pay $250.00 or so, to the USCG, for a processing fee, get finger printed, and in a few weeks they send you a certificate. Bingo! you are a sea captain.
Not sure how sitting in a class "memorizing" answers is any different from taking the course on-line and "memorizing" the answers.
I didn't know you could get your SCUBA certification over the internet these days.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt_unique
You can't get scuba certification online, you must demonstrate skills in the water.
It was not totally online but none the less. I got the DVD link and question link after I paid $250 fee. Watched the DVD stream (2 hours) and completed the questions (like 50 questions) then print. That was the night before. Next day, reviewed all the questions. Then did 2 short dives in morning and 2 very short dive in afternoon. In 10'-15' depth. That was it.
Only thing I was shown was: controling boyancy (5 min), clearing mask (2 min), emergency asend (5 min) and normal asend coming up slower than your slowest bubble.
One thing I have to say. It did take a lot of self learning after the certification to be proficent.
Back on topic. That means that if you take the EZ out. Be prepared to get that learning elsewhere. Your life or the lives in your control could depend on it.
I went to Sea School and did mine,i cant say anything neg about the program they were very helpfull and helped make thing easy.They had the Doctor come in and do the physicals and do the drug test.When you are done with the class and go and sit for the test.They will look over all of yore paperwork to make sure its all ok before you send it in to the U.S.C.G.
I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM THE ONLINE CLASSES,i had a buddy do it and was hard sometimes you might need the hands on help.GOOD LUCK..
Mariners School prides itself on teaching understanding and not just how to pass the test.
The online format has been an incredible success! Just because the format is online does not mean that you do not have access to our instructors or a fine learning experience.
Mariners Learning System™ is an extraordinary learning tool that incorporates broadcast quality, on-demand audio lectures, professionally produced training videos, and integrated online computer based training.
Included with each Mariners Learning System™ approved course is 24/7 access to our online instructors. Every instructor is a USCG Licensed Master that has gone through a rigorous approval process meeting the standards of the United States Coast Guard to become a certified instructor. They bring a level of knowledge, experience, and professionalism that adds to the total learning process. In the rare event that an online instructor cannot answer your question, toll free telephone support with one of our Staff instructors will be provided.
Upon successful completion of your course simply submit, within one year, your application package to the Coast Guard Regional Exam Center. Upon their review and approval of your package, they will issue you an original Captain’s License.
Anytime, Anywhere Learning Solution
With Mariners Learning System™ your online classroom, training videos, audio lectures, and podcasts aren’t just available on your computer. They are also on your Blackberry, iPhone, Mp4 player, and smart phone. So wherever you go – even if you’re just sitting in traffic - we offer you a true Anytime, Anywhere Learning Solution!
The online format has been an incredible success! Just because the format is online does not mean that you do not have access to our instructors or a fine learning experience.
I have done enough online classes to know the difference. From scuba, to college class, to sales seminars, to service seminars.
Online study DO NOT replace the classroom/field. Nothing compares to the hands on experience.
If you want to be a sufficent all around captain. Put in the time.
If you just want to pass the test. Feel free to choose online.
I have done enough online classes to know the difference. From scuba, to college class, to sales seminars, to service seminars.
Online study DO NOT replace the classroom/field. Nothing compares to the hands on experience.
If you want to be a sufficent all around captain. Put in the time.
If you just want to pass the test. Feel free to choose online.
The choice is yours.
I agree nothing compares to hands on experience, but you are talking about two different categories of knowledge. The practical skills can only be learned at the helm and aboard a vessel of course. I do wish the USCG had a practical test requirement (i.e. test with inspector on the water).
The technical knowledge can be learned in many forms and online is every bit as beneficial as the brick and mortar classroom. Online learning used to be page turning but now it's available with synchronous interactive video cam, VOIP, etc. It appears Mariners School offers videos and some opportunity for synch or async instructor interaction but I don't have first-hand experience with them.
I agree nothing compares to hands on experience, but you are talking about two different categories of knowledge. The practical skills can only be learned at the helm and aboard a vessel of course.
I agree. Book learning is Book learning...no matter how you slice it. True experience can't be gained from a book or from a school classroom. For the book learning stuff one venue is just as effective as another, IMHO.
I did Sea School in Charleston SC and it was great. Very helpfull before, during and after. I am taking some more classes this December in SC. I actually just spoke with them today. I do not know anything about Mariner's School.
Mariners School prides itself on teaching understanding and not just how to pass the test.
Mariners Learning System™ incorporates broadcast quality, on-demand audio lectures, professionally produced training videos, and integrated online computer based training.
Included with each Mariners Learning System™ approved course is 24/7 access to our online instructors. Every instructor is a USCG Licensed Master that has gone through a rigorous approval process meeting the standards of the United States Coast Guard to become a certified instructor. They bring a level of knowledge, experience, and professionalism that adds to the total learning process. In the rare event that an online instructor cannot answer your question, toll free telephone support with one of our Staff instructors will be provided.
Anytime, Anywhere Learning Solution
With Mariners Learning System™ your online classroom, training videos, audio lectures, and podcasts aren’t just available on your computer. They are also on your Blackberry, iPhone, Mp4 player, and smart phone. So wherever you go – even if you’re just sitting in traffic - we offer you a true Anytime, Anywhere Learning Solution!
Again, there is more direct access to instructors and learning tools included with our online classroom than would ever be available in a traditional brick and mortar type course. Our online programs have created the ability for our students to study virtual anytime or anywhere... With the current state of our economy why would someone want to loose time at work or with their family to attend a 56 or 80 hour class when they can now do it at their pace on their own schedule...
Online learning may not be for everyone, however, it should not just be dismissed and should at least be explored as a viable option.
Remember Licensing requires two components when it comes to the educational requirements. One portion is time on the water which represents the practicle experience, as we all know there is no replacement for the experience one would get by spending time on the water. The other is knowledge as it relates to the Maritime field of study. If done properly this component can easily be taught in an online format. When coupled with the practice experience component online learning can be a great solution providing a solid foundation on which one can enjoy a safer boating experience.
__________________ Captain Bob Figular
President, Mariners School
Sea School vs. Mariners School 
