Book Review: Leading Minds by Howard Gardner with Emma Laskin
Why Every Captain Who’s Serious About the Job Should Read This Book.
Cutting Through the Noise: You Can Get a Master’s License Without Starting With an OUPV (Six-Pack)
When it comes to getting your captain’s license, bad information is everywhere. We hear it all the time from learners who were told they must take the OUPV Six-Pack course before they can ever get a Master’s license. That’s wrong—plain and simple. The truth? If you have the required sea time, you can go directly […]
Captain’s License Guide: Which One Do You Need—OUPV or Master?
Thinking about getting your U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license? Whether you want to run charters on your personal boat or operate a larger commercial vessel, you’ll need the right license to do it legally and professionally. The big question is: Should you get the OUPV (6-Pack) license or the Master Captain’s License? Let’s break down […]
Book Review: In Peril by Capt. Skip Strong and Twain Braden
A real-world masterclass in maritime leadership, risk management, and ethical command. In Peril remains one of my favorite books and a top recommendation for anyone who wants to understand what real leadership underway looks like, especially when the stakes are high and there’s no perfect playbook. The book follows Capt. Skip Strong, a young steamship […]
BOOK REVIEW: Into the Raging Sea by Rachel Slade
Reflections from a Captain, a Scholar, and a Fellow Mariner Rachel Slade’s Into the Raging Sea is more than a book. It’s a reckoning. This deeply researched and powerfully written account of the loss of the El Faro and her crew of 33 American mariners is one of the most important sea stories of our […]
Ask Captain Kent: What’s On the Horizon for Summer 2025?
Answer: Choppy seas might be ahead, but we have to tools to help you weather the storm! None of this is meant to scare you – it’s meant to prepare you. This Dispatch is your call to batten down and get ready. The outlook may be clouded, but a skilled captain can navigate even the roughest […]
Ask Captain Kent: How Do I Document Sea Time from My Personal Boat?
Answer: If you’re applying for a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License, such as the OUPV Six-Pack License or Master License, you’ll need to document your sea time. The process is simpler than you might think! The USCG does not require ship logs, receipts, or witness statements—they rely on your honesty and self-certification through the Small […]
Ask Captain Kent: What Happens If I Don’t Pass My Captain’s Exam?
Don’t Worry – You’ve Got This! At Confident Captain, we understand that taking your captain’s exam can be a big deal. It’s the culmination of your training, preparation, and hard work. And while we see success every day, we also know that sometimes, things don’t go quite as planned. If you don’t pass one of […]
No License, No Passengers: How Illegal Charters Lead to Fines, Prison, and Tragedy
Operating a vessel carrying passengers for hire without a licensed U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) captain is not only illegal but also poses significant safety risks. This article delves into the definition of a paying passenger, the necessity of proper licensing, compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), and real-world consequences faced by individuals caught […]
Top 5 Mistakes You’re Making in Your Captain’s Course (and How to Fix Them)
Photo: Micah Sittig There’s a right way to earn your captain’s license—and there’s a long, frustrating way. At Confident Captain, we’ve seen thousands of mariners go through our program. The successful ones have a few things in common… and the ones who struggle? They usually make one (or more) of these five mistakes. If you […]
