Have questions about the process of getting your license? Find all the answers here.
At Confident Captain, we offer two types of boat captain’s licenses. You can pursue the Master 25/50/100 Ton License which allows you to captain vessels up to 100 Gross Tons, and the OUPV License (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels), commonly known as the Six-Pack License, for operating vessels carrying up to six passengers.
The Master 100 GT License permits you to captain any vessel up to 100 gross tons, whether inspected or not, and is suitable for those intending to operate larger or commercial vessels. The OUPV License, also known as the Six-Pack License, allows you to operate uninspected vessels carrying up to six passengers, ideal for smaller, private charters.
Choosing the right course depends on the type of vessel you plan to operate and your career or boating aspirations. You can contact our advisors for a personalized consultation or visit our website for detailed descriptions and prerequisites for each course.
Confident Captain provides support via phone, email, and a robust chat help team. Our seasoned maritime professionals are dedicated to assisting you through your learning and application process.
If you fall short in a module, USCG regulations allow you to retake just that module rather than the entire exam. This ensures you focus only on the areas that need improvement. You will get three total attempts to pass the module should you fail it.
The ‘boundary’ lines define the geographic areas between inland waters and coastal waters. Sea time accumulated outside these lines is crucial for qualifications that require experience in navigating coastal or near-coastal waters.
The duration to complete a Captain’s license course varies based on the learner’s schedule and dedication. Our courses are designed to be flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Most learners can expect to complete their studies and be ready for the exam within a few months. The USCG requires you to complete the course within one year of having registered for it.
Upon registering for a course, you will be directed to order your online course materials through our platform. These materials include everything you need to prepare for your exams.
Our courses are structured to be as straightforward as possible for participants who can devote time to learning without distractions. By committing to a consistent learning routine, most participants find the material to be very manageable and have a smooth and enjoyable learning experience.
For the Master 25/50/100 Ton course, you need at least 360 days of sea-time experience, with 90 of those days within the last three years. For the OUPV License, the requirements vary based on the specific endorsement but generally include 360 days of sea-time with specific conditions based on the waters navigated.
U.S. citizenship is required for the Master 25/50/100 Ton License. However, it is not required for the OUPV License. The OUPV Operator can be a resident alien, making it accessible to a broader range of aspiring captains.
Applicants for the Master 25/50/100 Ton Course must be at least 19 years old, while those applying for the OUPV License must be at least 18 years old.
Over 85% of our learners pass their exams on the first try. This rate increases significantly for those who may need to retake one or two modules, indicating the effectiveness of our teaching methods and materials.
Our flexible online courses allow you to work at your own pace. The process includes registering for your course, ordering materials, studying independently or with our support, and then taking your USCG Exam online through our platform. Upon passing, you’ll receive a Course Completion Certificate to include with your USCG application.
After passing your online exam, we highly recommend using the folks at MMSEAS.com to complete and submit your application.
Due to the detailed nature of the exams and system requirements, it is recommended to use a laptop with a current operating system. Tablets and smartphones are not ideal for online testing.
If you need to reschedule your online exam, you can do so by accessing your account on the Confident Captain website and selecting a new time slot. Please ensure to reschedule within the allowed timeframe to avoid any penalties.
To successfully pass the exams, you need at least a 70% score on General Navigation, Deck, and Safety topics and 90% on Rules of the Road and Chart Plotting.
For the Master 25/50/100 Ton License, you are required to provide three character references as part of your application to the US Coast Guard.
Our online exams are conducted in partnership with Proctor 360, which uses state-of-the-art surveillance technology to ensure exam integrity. Each session is monitored by proctors to prevent and detect any form of dishonesty or cheating.
Yes, you can take the exam from any location that meets the necessary technical and environmental requirements. Ensure you are in a quiet, private space to avoid disturbances and maintain examination standards.
If you encounter technical difficulties, you should contact our support team immediately. We provide technical support during exams to resolve issues promptly. Details for contact will be available on your exam screen.
We recommend reviewing all course materials thoroughly and utilizing the practice tests available on our platform. Ensure you understand the exam format and are comfortable with the user interface before your exam date. Additionally, choose a testing time when you are most alert and focused.
The format of the online exams typically includes multiple-choice questions, practical scenarios, and problem-solving exercises, depending on the specific course. Detailed information about the exam format is available in the course materials.
Exams are graded automatically by our system, with results typically available shortly after completion. Some sections may be reviewed by an instructor for accuracy. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready.
Yes, per USCG regulations, the entire exam must be completed in the first sitting. However, if you do not pass a particular module, you can retake just that module again.
Online asynchronous exams allow you to take your tests remotely, without being physically present in a traditional exam room. You can complete these exams at any time that suits your schedule, providing you with the flexibility to choose the optimal time for your test-taking.
To register for an online captain’s license exam, simply log into your Confident Captain account, navigate to your course dashboard, and select the exam option. Because we use automated proctoring for our exams, you will be able to choose a time slot that fits your personal schedule and take the exam when it is most convenient for you.
Confident Captain
344 Aquidneck Avenue
Middletown, RI 02840
Sign up for more details.