USCG Approved Captain's License and Endorsements, STCW Courses and Other Programs in Florida, Louisiana, & Alabama
Established in 1994 in St.Thomas USVI, The Captain School taught its first US Coast Guard approved course in the United States in 2000 after a two year review by the Coast Guard and has graduated over 5,000 students allowing mariners to apply for a Captain's License or what is now called United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential.
The Captain School is to provide a quality educational experience in the classroom and through demonstrations of practical competencies at entry and operational levels. Course offerings include: OUPV, Master, Upgrade to Master, Sailing, Towing, STCW Basic Safety Training, Crowd Control, Crisis Management and Security Officer-Vessel, Company, and Port Facility.
The curriculum is supported by a cadre of qualified instructors approved by the US Coast Guard who bring a wealth of practical experience to the educational environment. Upon successful completion (attendance and passing required exams), student will receive a diploma from The Captain School. This diploma is then sent to the U.S. Coast Guard REC, along with the USCG Application to receive the USCG License.
Locations: Cape Coral, FL; Naples, FL; Orange Beach, AL; and Marrero, LA
Training Programs
Captains License & Endorsements
- OUPV License: OUPV Inland allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers on inland waters only. OUPV Near Coastal allows operation of an uninspected vessel carrying up to six passengers up to 100 miles off shore. If you have 90 days of your total sea time on the Great Lakes, you will be eligible for Great Lakes endorsement.
- Upgrade to Masters License 25/50/100 Ton: The Masters license allows the transport of passengers on an inspected passenger vessel. These vessels must have a Certificate Of Inspection (COI) which states the number of passengers allowed and area of operation.
- Commercial Assistance Towing: The Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement is a four-hour USCG Approved course for a mariner holding any license. This license is strictly for assisting disabled vessels. There are no additional sea time or service requirements for a commercial assistance towing endorsement.
- Sailing Endorsement: The Captain School License Endorsement classes are USCG Approved. This is a four-hour USCG Approved classroom-based course that will cover the written examination requirement for a candidate holding a USCG Master license to obtain a Sailing or Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement. The USCG requires that a Master inland must have at least 180 days of sailing experience in their life for a sailing endorsement and a Master near coastal needs at least 360 days of sailing experience to qualify for this endorsement.
FCC Marine Radio
- Marine Radio Operators Permit: Many mariners operating inspected vessels or doing international voyages may be required to have a MROP.
STCW Courses
- Personnel with Designated Security Duties (PDSD) (1 day): This course will meet the STCW training requirements for Personnel with Designated Security Duties PDSD (Vessel and Facility). The course also meets the requirements for Security Awareness (SA). This course is in compliance with the standards set forth by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS ) code and IMO Vessel/Company/Port Facility.
- Security Officer (Vessel, Company, and Facility) (3 days): This course will meet the STCW training requirements for Security Officer. This course meets the IMO STCW training requirements for Security Officer Vessel, Company AND Facility Security Officer. It is approved by Det Norske Veritas (USA), Inc. on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).
- Leadership and Managerial Skills: Any applicant who has successfully completes our Leadership and Teamworking Skills (TCAPTS-751) course will satisfy - The Leadership and Teamworking Skills and, the specific tasks from the National Assessment Guidelines found in relevant CFR and NVIC guidelines.
Other Programs
- First Aid & CPR: The American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification course meets U.S Coast Guard criteria. One must have a current certification in order to apply for a captain’s license.
- USCG Physical: USCG Physicals are offered in the Cape Coral & Naples FL locations once a month during class schedule.
