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October 2nd, 2009Another Successfull Student!
September 10th, 2009I received a letter on August 21, 2009 from another successful Columbia Pacific Maritime student. The contents of the letter reads:
Dear Dennis
Please accept my sincere gratitude for the effort, beyond the “call of duty” that you made on my behalf. My completion of the OUPV program was very important to me and as the instructor, you exhibited the patience needed to help me achieve this goal. More improtant, perhaps, was your ability to lead me to an understanding of the material so I am prepared to apply it to real life situations.
As I am self-designated as one of the “oldest” individuals to obtain the OUPV, the credit goes to you. In fact, I think you can TEACH AN ELEPHANT TO WALTZ.
Capt. Chuck
Thanks Captain Chuck for your kind words. It was my pleasure.
Dennis
What License Do I Need?
September 9th, 2009I’ve been asked several times to move boats (sail and power) up and down the pacific coast and I really enjoyed it; many people take the boast down to the Sea of Cortez but don’t like beating back against the weather, current and tides and I see a business opportunity. Most of these boats are under 65 feet. what type of license should I pursue? Any endorsements? What courses should I take?
The minimum license that the USCG issues is the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV). This license authorizes the authority to operate vessels of less than 100 gross tons carrying six or fewer passengers for hire. It has been my experience that most insurance companies recognize this license as meeting the requirements as a professional captain.
My recommendation is that you get a license as Master. Original issue of a license as Master will carry tonnage limitations of 25, 50 or 100 tons depending on your qualifying experience. From what you describe you should qualify for at least a 50 ton limitation. The advantage of a license as Master over OUPV is that the Master is not limited to operation of uninspected vessels only and a license as Master can be endorsed for auxiliary sail.
Any professional license requires a minimum of 360 eight-hours days of sea service experience. The following links will provide you with additional information.
How do I Renew my FCC License?
September 2nd, 2009My FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit expired in 2003. What is the current requirement? Is it a simple renewal? If not what is required? I have a 1600 ton ocean master. Also, does GMDSS supercede this? Do you offer GMDSS or who do you reccomend?
There is a 5-year grace period to renew an FCC license without re-taking the exam. If you are within that grace period you can renew your license online by clicking here.
The new FCC licenses are issued for life (no expiration date).
If your license is past the expiration date than you need to take the FCC exam. The Marine Radio Operator’s Permit (MROP) exam is a 24 question exam (75% passing) that must be administered by an FCC authorized commercial radio examiner. Generally these examiners provide no prep information or training, but you can purchase a study guide from my website by clicking here.
To locate a commercial radio examiner near your location click here.
The FCC GMDSS operator’s license is a higher level license than the MROP that requires a minimum 70 hour USCG approved training course and passing a considerably more in depth FCC exam. These are two separate requirements, however many of USCG approved GMDSS courses include the FCC GMDSS exam. There are only a handful of schools that have USCG approved GMDSS courses. Click here to view the list clicking here.
Holding a FCC GMDSS license supersedes the requirements for a MROP.
How than helps you out.
Another Student Success Story!
August 25th, 2009Dennis,
Just wanted to let you know. On 09/24/09, I received my charter licence, guides licence and outfitter licence from the Oregon State Marine Board. Thank you again for all the help.
Thanks again!
Jeff
September 2009 Schedule
August 19th, 2009September classes are filling so call to schedule soon. I will be closed from August 31 through September 6 for the last of my summer vacation weeks. Classes beginning September 7, 2009 will be scheduled 7-days a week on my normal two week rotation. Custom scheduling is always available so call if you don’t like the schedule.
To schedule a class call (503) 841-6066 and ask for Pat; She will take your registration information over the phone. No payment is required until the first day class.
Between September 7 and October 14 the following Self-Paced classes will be available for a maximum of two students 7-days a week:
- 16-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Upgrade course, $300
- 8-hour Master/Mate Fishing Industry Vessels Upgrade course, $200
- 4-hour Auxiliary Sail Endorsement course, $100
- 4-hour Assistance Towing Endorsement course, $100
- 60-hour Celestial Navigation (200 tons) course, $1,200
- 1-day Radar Renewal (any endorsement) course, $250
- 5-day Unlimited Radar Observer course, $800
- 1-day Visual Communications (Flashing Light) course, $200
Between September 7 and October 14 the following Lecture classes will be available for a maximum of six students on the following schedule:
- 64-hour Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) course: $900 Available Sept 7-14; Sept 21-28; Oct 5-12
- 80-hour Master 100 ton course: $1,100 Available Sept 7-16; Sept 21-30; Oct 5-14
- 48-hour Able Seaman (any rating) course: $700 Available Sept 10-15; Sept 24-29; Oct 8-13
- 16-hour Restricted OUPV/Master Portland MSO course: $300 Available Sept 13-14; Sept 27-28; Oct 27-28
- 24-hour Rules of the Road course: $400 Available Sept 10-12; Sept 24-26; Oct 8-10
- 24-hour Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 tons course: $400 Available Sept 14-16; Sept 28-30; Oct 12-14
- 32-hour Upgrade Master 100 tons to Master 200 tons course: $600 Available Sept 17-20; Oct 1-4
How do I Raise a Tonnage Limitation?
August 5th, 2009Is there a path to upgrade a 50-ton master license to a 100-ton? I had the opportunity to work on some bigger boats. When I first got mine in ‘92, the tonnage was based on your days at sea in a particular tonnage range. I am wondering if it has now changed, given the type of courses you offer (license upgrades).
The regulations for tonnage limitations on licenses of less than 200 tons are contained in 46 CFR 10.422 and have not changed since 1992, but these regulations contain several paths that can be used to upgrade a Master 50 ton to Master 100.
- Re-apply the original tonnage formula to all your sea service experience (meaning that you would need a total of either 180 days on vessels over 50 tons or 360 on vessels over 37 tons for a near coastal license; half those numbers for an inland license) OR
- Documenting 90 days of additional service on a vessel of higher tonnage (meaning greater than 50 tons) OR
- Documenting 180 days of additional service on vessels within the highest tonnage limitation on the license (meaning between 25 and 50 tons).
Hope this helps and let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.
Student Feedback from July OUPV class
August 4th, 2009Dennis,
This past week has been a real pleasure attending your Pacific Maritime OUPV School. I really appreciate and respect your attention to detail regarding the school instruction. You helped re-kindle some passions that I have long forgotten. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to serve others while promoting a “SAFE” professional quality experience as a NW guide. I have some friends who I will strongly encourage to consider your school for their future training and education regarding “vessel” operations and safety at sea or inland.
Please feel free to use me as a reference at anytime and if there is anything we can do to promote your business or site at Pursue The Outdoors. Please do not hesitate to ask. I will work on placing your site link to our home page under resources for others to discover.
All the best!
- Troy
Can I Upgrade to Master of Towing?
August 1st, 2009I have been looking at the requirements for master of towing and I would like it if you could help me to understand. I hold a master 100 ton N/C and on my second edition. I have been working in the Gulf on crew boats and utility boats. What exactly do I need to upgrade into master of towing. It appears that they are looking for tow Captains allot these days.
The bad news is: To upgrade to Master of Towing you must have a total of 4 years experience (which you have); 18 months of this experience must have been on a towing vessel as Mate of Towing while holding a license as Mate of Towing (which you do not have).
The good news is: You can upgrade to Mate of Towing by:
- Documenting 3-years experience working as captain under the authority of you Master 100 ton NC license.
- Completing the exam requirements for the apprentice mate (steersman).
- Completing a Radar Observer course, if your license is not already endorsed for Radar Observer.
- Completing 30 days on a route and a TOAR (Towing Officer’s Assessment Record) for each route.
The TOAR must be completed on a towing vessel under the guidance of a designated examiner (DE). Must towing companies have DE and will run new mate through a 30 day “training program” to get their TOAR completed.
August through September Classes
July 30th, 2009I have two more vacation weeks scheduled for this summer: August 10 through 16 and August 31 through September 6. Beginning September 7 I will be back to my standard two week class schedule rotation. Lecture courses are available to a maxium of six students per class. The following is my lecture class schedule through September; Call (503) 841-6066 to schedule.
- 64-hour Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) course: $900 Available Aug 17-24; Sept 7-14; Sept 21-28
- 80-hour Master 100 ton course: $1,100 Available Aug 17-25; Sept 7-16; Sept 21-30
- 48-hour Able Seaman (any rating) course: $700 Available July 30-Aug 4; Aug 20-25; Sept 10-15; Sept 24-29
- 16-hour Restricted OUPV/Master Portland MSO course: $300 Available Aug 23-24; Sept 13-14; Sept 27-28
- 24-hour Rules of the Road course: $400 Available July 30-Aug 1; Aug 20-22; Sept 10-12; Sept 24-26
- 24-hour Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 tons course: $400 Available Aug 3-5; Aug 24-26; Sept 14-16; Sept 28-30
- 32-hour Upgrade Master 100 tons to Master 200 tons course: $600 Available Aug 6-9; Aug 27-30; Sept 17-20
Self-paced courses available during regular classroom days by appointment to a maximum of two students per class. Call (503) 841-6066 to schedule.
- 16-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Upgrade course, $300
- 8-hour Master/Mate Fishing Industry Vessels Upgrade course, $200
- 4-hour Auxiliary Sail Endorsement course, $100
- 4-hour Assistance Towing Endorsement course, $100
- 60-hour Celestial Navigation (200 tons) course, $1,200
- 1-day Radar Renewal (any endorsment) course, $250
- 5-day Unlimited Radar Observer course, $800
- 1-day Visual Communications (Flashing Light) course, $200
Is Your USCG License Valid?
July 30th, 2009The following statement comes from the USCG National Maritime Center website.
“In order to legally serve under the authority of a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential the holder must also hold a valid U.S. Transportation Worker Identification Credential.”
What this means is that if you hold a USCG license and have NOT yet applied for your TWIC than your license is not valid. To correct this situation you MUST go to the closest TWIC enrollment center and enroll in the program. Click here for information on how to enroll in the TWIC program.
FAQ: Character Reference Form
July 30th, 2009where do i find the character reference form?
The USCG does not provide a character reference form, however I have attached a form that works just fine. Click here to view the form.
FAQ: Which License do I Need?
July 30th, 2009I have spoken to you before about the USCG classes. I am ready to begin my coursework and apply for my USCG license. I am looking to Captain a sportsfishing charter out of ———–. Target species would salmon, halibut, and Albacore. Please help me decide which coursework I would need. Boat would be a 40′ sportsfishing vessel.
From what you are describing fishing for would require a near coastal route on a license. There are two licenses that would work.
- Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV). This license would allow you to operate an uninspected passenger vessel carrying six or fewer passengers for hire on all the inland waters of the US and all near coastal ocean waters within 100 miles from shore.
- Master 25, 50, or 100 tons. This license would allow you to operate an inspected passenger vessel carrying more than six passengers for hire on all inland waters of the US and all near coastal ocean waters within 200 miles from shore.
I offer an 8-day course for $900 that will satisfy the USCG exam requirements for the OUPV license and a 10-day course for $1,100 that will satisfy the USCG exam requirements for the Master license. I offer both classes about twice a month. Call (503) 842-6066 and ask for Pat to get on the schedule.
Puget Sound Maritime
July 30th, 2009I just found a great source of maritime news and information for the Puget Sound, Washington area. It is called Puget Sound Maritime. Click here to check it out
FAQ: Able Seaman Requirements
July 9th, 2009Dennis.
I’m looking into getting my Able seamen certification, but am having a hard time understand what all is required aside from the TWIC. I am currently looking into becoming a fisherman/seaman, but have no previous shipside experience. Can you recommend a course of action for me?
thank you for you time
Roy
Roy,
To qualify for any Able Seaman (AB) rating you need sea service experience. Sea Service experience is experience on any type of vessel including both recreational and commercial vessels, as long as you had a position of responsibility on the vessel. If you acted as a deckhand or operator you had a position of responsibility, if you were a passenger you did not have a position of responsibility. You will need a minimum of 180 eight-hour days of experience to qualify for the Able Seaman Fishing Vessel rating.
If you do not have this experience you should apply for an Ordinary Seaman (OS) rating. This is an entry level rating required to work on sea going merchant ships and commercial fishing vessels greater than 200 tons. The OS rating does not require any training, experience or exams.
Actions to Reduce Mariner Credentialing Process Time
July 6th, 2009USCG April 29 Press Release
Since January 2009, the National Maritime Center (NMC), the Coast Guard’s new centralized mariner credentialing processing facility in Martinsburg, West Virginia, has issued over 34,600 credentials, with 12,000 of those credentials issued in less than 30 days. Unfortunately, the NMC’s average processing time of 80 days is not acceptable to the Coast Guard. While a significant portion of delays in processing is attributable to the complexity of completing the application, other delays are the result production bottlenecks in the professional qualification stage of the credential evaluation process. These delays are attributable to the introduction of an entirely new type of passport-style consolidated mariner credential, the installation of new software used to produce the new credential and the surge of applications being submitted by merchant mariners. The Coast Guard is taking the following actions to immediately remedy the problem and ensure it does not occur again in the future.
- Immediate Process Changes to Expedite Mariner Applications: NMC has implemented new processing procedures to expedite applications for mariners at risk of having their current credentials expiring. Additionally, streamlined processing procedures have been established for entry level applicants, including summer hires.
- Immediate Software Changes: The Coast Guard is updating the software used to evaluate mariner applications and produce the consolidated credentials. The Coast Guard is also increasing the information technology network capability at the NMC.
- Surging Resources Aggressively: The NMC is surging additional resources to assist in conducting professional qualification evaluations. The additional resources will provide the necessary additional capacity to reduce the delays as quickly as possible.
- Building Long Term Capabilities: The Coast Guard is taking measures to streamline the entire mariner credentialing program by building capabilities for electronic submission and processing of credential applications.
- Maritime Industry Outreach: The Coast Guard is aggressively communicating its action plans to industry leaders, marine employers, individual mariners and the public via the NMC Call Center, NMC website and the Coast Guard list server. Moreover, NMC is providing its Regional Examination Centers (REC) with clear guidance to assist mariners in completing their applications and avoiding generally preventable delays.
Schedule of Classes: July through August 2009
July 5th, 2009With most mariners sailing June through August business is slow and I will be taking some well needed time off over the summer. During this time lecture courses will be offered on a three week rotation instead of my standard two week rotation. Self-paced courses are available by appointment.
Lecture courses available on a three-week rotation schedule to a maxium of six students per class. Call (503) 841-6066 to schedule.
- 64-hour Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) course: $900 Available July 27-Aug 3; Aug 17-24; Sept 7-14
- 80-hour Master 100 ton course: $1,100 Available July 27-Aug 5; Aug 17-25; Sept 7-16
- 48-hour Able Seaman (any rating) course: $700 Available July 9-14; July 30-Aug 4; Aug 20-25; Sept 10-15
- 16-hour Restricted OUPV/Master Portland MSO course: $300 Available July 12-13; Aug 2-3; Aug 23-24; Sept 13-14
- 24-hour Rules of the Road course: $400 Available July 9-11; July 30-Aug 1; Aug 20-22; Sept 10-12
- 24-hour Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 tons course: $400 Available July 13-15; Aug 3-5; Aug 24-26; Sept 14-16
- 32-hour Upgrade Master 100 tons to Master 200 tons course: $600 Available July 16-19; Aug 6-9; Aug 27-30; Sept 17-20
Self-paced courses available 7-days a week by appointment to a maximum of two students per class. Call (503) 841-6066 to schedule.
- 16-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Upgrade course, $300
- 8-hour Master/Mate Fishing Industry Vessels Upgrade course, $200
- 4-hour Auxiliary Sail Endorsement course, $100
- 4-hour Assistance Towing Endorsement course, $100
- 60-hour Celestial Navigation (200 tons) course, $1,200
- 1-day Radar Renewal (any endorsment) course, $250
- 5-day Unlimited Radar Observer course, $800
- 1-day Visual Communications (Flashing Light) course, $200
Missed Calls
July 5th, 2009I was taking some much needed vacation time over the 4th of July. I will be returning messages on Sunday and the classroom will be open for business Monday July 6th as normal. If you left a message and I did not respond, please call again. I apologize for the trouble, but I was not able to retrieve all the phone messages correctly.
Dennis (503) 841-6066 or cell at (503) 440-9005
One of the best ways to contact me with license questions is through email (dennis@columbiapacificmaritime.com)
USCG Application Process Update
June 27th, 2009Update – Mailing Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Applications to Regional Examination Centers (RECs) & Pay.Gov User Fee Payment
This bulletin update provides additional information on procedures to follow when mailing credential applications to a Regional Examination Center. New procedures were implemented in April 2009 to enable mariners to mail their applications to one of the 17 RECs throughout the country. These changes simplify the application process by enabling mariners to send photocopies of supporting documentation when submitting applications by mail. Additionally new procedures streamline the payment of user fee options for mariners and the Coast Guard.
Application Submission: Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 10, Subpart B 10.209 General Application Procedures allows mariners to mail copies of their entire application package, including sea service and training / course certificates, to one of the 17 Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers for processing. Merchant mariner applicants submitting copies by mail are advised that application documentation may be subject to auditing and verification by the Coast Guard during the evaluation process.
In the near future, the Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) intends on providing capabilities for mariners to submit credential applications by e-mail. Sending your application packages to RECs via e-mail will save further time and money and is a more secure method of delivery. Stay tuned to our website, www.uscg.mil/nmc, for more information on this.
User Fee Payments: In 2005, the NMC introduced the availability of www.pay.gov and ushered in a fast, convenient and more secure method for paying user fees. Since then this electronic link to the U. S. Department of Treasury has provided tens of thousands of mariners a safe, quick and reliable way to pay user fees.
- To ensure quick processing of applications submitted to an REC by mail, mariners can pay user fees via www.pay.gov. The application package submitted to an REC must include a copy of the pay.gov payment receipt.
- For quicker turnaround times for administering exams and issuing credentials, user fees identified during the evaluation process, such as testing or issuance fees, can be paid via www.pay.gov. The notifications sent to mariners regarding testing or credential issuance fees will contain quick links to the www.pay.gov web site.
- The Coast Guard cannot accept cash or money-order payments submitted with applications mailed to an REC.
FAQ: What is the Cost of a License
June 24th, 2009what is the cost to obtain a 6 pack license?
The following is a summary of the costs to obtain a 6 pack or OUPV license:
- The cost of the eight day course that I provide is $900. This covers all course materials, exams, etc.
- In addition to the course fees the following fees and services need to be paid:
- Government Fees paid to TSA for the required TWIC ($132.50) and to the USCG for the license ($140.00)
- Fees Paid for Services Required include the Merchant Marine Physical Exam ($60.00 approx) and the DOT/USCG Drug Screening ($35.00 approx)
- Additional expenses involved may include travel, lodging, meals, etc.
Dennis
A Matter of Safety
June 24th, 2009Vessels at anchor NEVER show their side lights. Showing side lights indicates to an approaching vessels that you are underway. Any vessel approaching from your starboard side and seeing your green side light is the stand-on vessel. As the stand-on vessel they are required by the Rules of the Road to maintain course and speed and are expecting you to maneuver around behind their stern. Any vessel approaching head-on and seeing both red and green side lights would be required by the Rules to maneuver for a port to port passage and would be expecting the same action from your vessel. A vessel at anchor is required by the Rules of the Road to show an all-round white light forward where it can best be seen. This indicates to an approaching vessel that you are at anchor and that they should maneuver around your vessel at a safe distance.
The intend of lights on a vessel is NOT to make the vessel more visible. The lights shown by vessels are a form of communication that is used to signal the conditions that the vessel is being operated under and how they expect other vessels to interact with them. Showing incorrect lights is communicating false information to approaching vessels and places every vessel involved in danger. As a matter of good seamanship and safety I encourage all mariners to learn and follow the Rules of the Road and always show the correct lighting configuration for your vessel. Click here to view the Rules of the Road online.
