Does anyone have any experience with some of the schools in or around the area for the OUPV 6-Pack License? I was also thinking about taking a look at the online course or the "teach yourself books?" Any recomendations on either of the methods would be helpful.

Thanks

I took the class through Seaschool, since they offered it close to my home. Boatwise also offers a class.

Got mine last year from NE Maritime, good guys and very helpful for all the BS you have to do for the CG and homeland securtiy.

They offer classes in Quincy and Hyannis.

http://www.nemaritime.com/

I got mine thru seaschool, i have a few friends who got theirs thru ne marine, we all got our ticket. IMHO go with the closest to you.
I tried studying on my own, but didn't have the discipline (I'll blame work and kids) to do it. The schools I mentioned teach exactly what is tested, plus they give you multiple tries.

I used Mainer's school, just because it was convient. The schools are the way to go as they teach you what they will test you on and their "pool" of questions is much smaller than the "pool" that the coast guard uses.

I did mariner's oupv school but also took a few other advanced courses at other area schools. I agree the school is the way to go as they groom you to take the exam. Also, it is worth going to the schools just to hear the sea stories. They are really set up to teach this and will have someone to ask what-if questions too. Pick a popular school in your area and just "getherdone". In the scheme of things its cheap.

I just finished Mariners last month in Warwick and was happy with it. Compact class schedule was good and they prepped the test well. I know that they are working on a study at home option where they have the course lectures on-line and you can watch recorded lectures. Might be worth looking into if you have to go study at home.

My dad used NE Maritime 10 or so years ago, and when comparing notes, that seemed to be a much more in-depth program. Mariners coached the test alot, but that worked for me, I needed my ticket. That said, it was a really good class to take, there are alot of things that I had just taken for granted, and now I have a much more thorough understanding.

Of course if I never do another plot, set and drift question again in my life, I'll be just fine...

Thanks to everyone for their input. I think I will be looking at taking the class.

Got my master's at NE Maritime in Quincy in '03. For me the tests were a piece of cake, but definitely easier taking them at different times. Testing at CG is all one shot, one day. I don't think I could have done it that way. Too much stress.
With NEM, you can also opt to upgrade for the masters toward the end of the class. I forget, but I think it's a few more weeks and just a few more questions.