How It Works

Get your Captain’s License in a few easy steps.

Signing up for our online courses is quick and effortless, allowing you to start learning right away.

Our courses are flexible, fitting seamlessly into your schedule so you can work at your own pace. You can learn anytime, anywhere, and even take the final exam online.

3 Easy Steps to Get Your Certificate

REGISTER

With our hassle-free online registration platform, all you need is a credit card to register, and you’ll gain immediate access to your captain’s course. Start your journey to becoming a licensed captain in just minutes!

COURSE WORK

Our online courses provide a straightforward, self-paced path to earning your USCG Captain’s License, crafted specifically for the busy mariner. From enrollment to course completion, our intuitive platform delivers all the tools and resources you need to study anytime, anywhere. With expertly designed content and seamless final exam access through Proctor360, achieving your maritime goals has never been easier.

CERTIFICATION

After passing the Confident Captain exam, you’ll receive a digitized course completion certificate. This certificate can be directly submitted with your USCG license application, eliminating the need for a separate US Coast Guard exam and simplifying your path to becoming a licensed captain.

Upon registration, you’ll gain a 1-year renewable subscription to our exclusive support through the Professional Captains Association (PCA). As the only professional trade association of its kind, PCA ensures you have the reputation, advocacy, and resources you need throughout your maritime career!

Join the thousands of USCG licensed Captains trained by Confident Captain.

distant boat

Course Materials

You will need the following materials to complete any of our online courses.

• Weems & Plath #176 Marine Navigation Ultralight Divider
• Weems & Plath Marine Navigation Parallel Ruler (Aluminum Arms, 15-Inch)
• Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 67th Edition (Chapman Piloting and Seamanship)
• NOAA Training Chart: 13205 TR – Block Island Sound
• NOAA Training Chart: 12221TR – Chesapeake Bay
• NOAA Training Chart: 12354TR – Long Island Sound


These can be purchased at your local marine retailer or online. 

License Exams

Upon completing the Confident Captain Course you will be prompted to take your final exam online with us. The exam consists of four sections: Rules of the Road, General Navigation, Deck Seamanship, and Deck Safety. For the Master’s exam, there are separate Deck and Safety modules, bringing the total to five modules. You have 2 hours to complete each module, and you can attempt each module up to three times.

How It Works FAQ's

How long does it typically take to complete a Captain’s license course at Confident Captain?

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.

Captain's License FAQ's

What is the success rate for first-time captains license exam takers at Confident Captain?

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.