*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Is it possible take the OUPV test without going to the schools and classes?
I was wondering if it was possible to study the information on my own time and then go to the local USCG testing place along w/ all the other requirements. I understand the reasoning for the school but finding the time is impossible for me.
If you are asking if this is 'legal', yes it is, that was the why is was done before the emergence of sea schools. School is not required to take the USCG administered tests. The test question database used by the USCG is larger than those used at most of the schools but all of the questions are available for review in several written guides and websites.
Other requirements like sea time, physical, drug test, proof of identity, references etc. are not negotiable and do not differ between those that attend school and those that do not.
Trying to sit that exam without having been through the school is like walking into church on your hands instead of your feet.... You can do it, but it's very difficult for most. The schools (I went through Sea School back in the nineties) have classes scheduled at a variety of times and are really great about reviewing your paperwork and walking you through the process. I'm pretty sharp, remember most of what I've read, etc. but don't think I'd have gotten to first base without the instruction...
__________________ Tight Lines
Capt Bob LeMay
[img][img]
Sure you can as long as you have the required sea time documented or attested to. Plenty of people do it. Get & study a copys of Chapman's & the Navigation Rules and Google "USCG Captains exam test questions" for study material ( though of course it's not really a captain's exam). The 4th result down, U.S Boating, provides a series of free practice exams that can help but I don't believe they cover all sections of the USCG exam. There are many study at home packages in print or CD or online available for purchase at various places as well. Doing it yourself will for the most part probabaly be a LOT more educational than using one of the quickee schools that coach their students for their own in-house exams, but it will take a lot of work unless you are very experienced and knowledgable concerning the relevant material already. If you take the exam and happen to fail a section or 2 you can retake just those sections later after adding to your knowledge base. .
Sure you can. some folks have better study habits than others. I doubt however, that you would pass the written test without any prep. to pass the sections, with the exception of charting, its all memorization. Sorta like the multiple choice section of the BAR exam. At any point in your life, you will never know as much about seamanship, (or I should say, know as many answers) as you will know right before sitting for the exam. Your life-long retention of these answers is another story, whether you attend a formal class or DYI. Good luck.
One other option is an online school. Mariners School offers the course online. You will still have to sit for the same school sponsored USCG approved test but you should be able to take the classes at your own pace.
There is a great book called The Coast Guard Licensing Exam and there is also a video that goes along with it (I think they are related, or I may have just purchased it at the same time. I think it is available through Bennet Marine Publications (nothing to do with the trim tabs). If I can locate mine I will provide more information, author, etc. Honestly, I went to the School as it was just so much easier, and we did not even open our Chapmans the entire time. They did make you get it though
If you don't mind spending ALOT of time on it, sure. If you go this route, be prepared to fail the first time or two. It really depends on how well you assimilate and retain material...if you are one of the lucky ones who do it very well, you can pass the first time out.
I am not one of those types...I took a Sea School course. I feel that it was definitely worth the $$, as I just don't have the time to spend studying enough to pass it on my own.
I really appreciate everyone's replies. I just don't have the time/money to take off so many 1/2 days to get to the nearest classes at the schools.
I have purchased a "everything you need to know to get your USGC" style book. It's interesting but very redundant. In fact, it has 33,000 questions in the book that you are supposed to study but I'd say that there are only 1000 unique questions. The others are just different ways or wording the same or similar questions.
The online courses are tempting although the costs are still quite high. I'm a cheapie. I'll keep on practicing the books as I think they are interesting regardless. Maybe when/if I feel competent I'll give it a try. Thanks again.
I would like to suggest Mike Adams Marine Semenars.(google him). Awesome instructor and works out classes in the evenings. He travels around the country. Hope this helps and good luck
__________________ Too many boats.....too little time
J.A.S.D.I.P
No school, OUPV...poss? 
.
