captains license
 

What is involved in getting one and how long is the process? Pros and cons of having a license? Not looking to get into the charter business just curious.

I took a class thru "Sea School". You basically have to take a test and prove a certain amount of hours on the water ( amount depends on what license you sit for). I beleiv emost of the hours can be self documented. Check out their website, it might help. seaschool.com
I recommend getting one, the class was pretty informative.

Pros - You learn the rules of the road, a little piloting, how to read and plot a course on a chart, a bit about weather, some knots, all in all good information and you can legally run a six pack charter.

Cons - time and money.

I think the schools are the way to go, ne marine, sea school, IMHO they're all the same, go to the one with the shortest commute. These classes provide the test and teach exactly what is tested. Using your own boat you'll have more than enough sea time.

Thanks for the info.

Boatwise.com
Did my 100GT with them. well run class

Cons:
Cost, time etc..

I went through New England Maritime in Hyannis, they have classes in Qunicy as well I believe. I learned so much form that course, it gives you a better understanding about what is supposed to go on on the water, and a better sense of what is NOT going on on the water! If you have the time and the money, do it, it's a no brainer, you'll get a lot out of it. BTW, sit for the Master's license, the 6 pack will really limit you.

If you're not going into the business, IMHO you're better off taking the power squadron courses. You'll learn more, since thay are not teaching to the test, its generally cheaper and the times are more convient. Also since you don't have a license you won't be held to the standards of a professional captain should you ever be involved in an accident. (yes the courts do apply a higher standard to licensed captains, even if they are not working, in the case of an accident.

I agree with Mike on this one. Seen alot of guys that went through the process and later figured that they spent over a thousand bucks and alot of hard earned time, without a clear idea of what they wanted to do with their license.
Have not heard anything bad about any of the schools. I went through Sea School and it was fine. The one in New London sounds interesting, you basically test after a each subject is covered. No "big" test at the end.

When I sat form my test 10 years ago it was a lot different than today. I had to take the test up in Boston at the Coast Guard station.

Pass the test.

You need to document time on the water. 4 hour minimum counts for a day.

You need to pass a physical & eye test.

You need to be in part of a random drug testing program. I just got called again for this year.

That my understanding. I have to renew my for next year. They are good for 5 years.

Hope that all helps!!:btu: