Next session: October 12th – 27th, 2024
Instructors: Captains Tom Trovato & Ken Kozin
Maximum capacity: 12
Please read carefully through the course listings, payment information and “Before You Register” sections before signing up.
The registration link and payment information can be found at the end of the “Before You Register” section.
For questions contact Molly Voth, Museum Educator at 315.686.4104 ext. 225 or mvoth@abm.org.
Captain School at ABM Student Policy
This policy provides information regarding expectations for students and testing procedures. Please note by not agreeing before the end of the first day of class, you will be issued a refund and will not be permitted to continue.
The course must be paid IN FULL by the first day of class. There are no refunds for student withdrawal or cancellations after Day 1. Course fees include professional fees for the instructor(s), the cost of course materials, ABM administration fees, and examination costs.
The Antique Boat Museum reserves the right to withdraw a student from the course based on inappropriate behavior or conduct and at the Museum’s discretion, may or may not refund the student’s registration fees.
Registration for the class does not guarantee a certificate of completion. Passing or failing the course is determined by grades received on course-specific USCG-approved examinations. Students are required to take their first attempt on all exams during the scheduled testing dates.
- Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels
- Rules of the Road: 90% to pass
- Chart Plotting: 90% to pass
- Navigation General: 70% to pass
- Deck General: 70% to pass
- Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 Tons: 70% to pass
- Commercial Assistance Towing: 70% to pass
Earning a certificate from the Captain School at ABM does not guarantee a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued through the U.S. Coast Guard. Once issued a certificate of passing a licensing exam, it is good for one year from the class date. You may submit your licensing application to the US Coast Guard at any point within one year. You may NOT work as a captain for hire until you receive your actual license issued by the US Coast Guard.
The student is solely responsible for housing and transportation to and from the ABM for the duration of the course, exams, and re-tests (if applicable).
Attendance is mandatory for all classes. Up to 2 sessions of OUPV may be excused only at the instructor’s discretion, no sessions of Towing or Upgrade to Masters can be excused.
Students are permitted to retake failed examinations, an unsuccessful lab exercise, or practical demonstrations no more than twice. All re-tests must be completed within a 90-day window following the final day of the course. For written examinations, a new test will be given that does not contain any questions that appeared on previous examinations, quizzes, or homework given to the student. A student that fails any of the 4 OUPV examinations or cannot successfully complete an exercise or demonstration after three attempts will be required to re-take the entire course. At least 5 days’ notice is required for arranging any test attempts in order to coordinate a time, location and proctor.
If the student does not pass all exams within 90 days of their first attempt, it will be considered a fail. The student must re-register for the course and all applicable fees will be required.
Any student engaged in any form of cheating during the examination, such as referring to concealed notes, communicating with or copying work from other students, removing written material from the examination room, or any other dishonest practice, will be dismissed from the examination room and will be considered to have failed the entire examination. A re-examination will not be permitted for 6 months. Applicants already holding a Merchant Mariner Credential may be referred for suspension and/or revocation action.
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) (Near Coastal, or Great Lakes & Inland, or Inland Waters):
Thinking of becoming a charter boat guide? Want to take people out on diving or fishing expeditions for pay? Then you need to become a licensed captain. This course prepares you for the US Coast Guard captain’s licensing exam for an uninspected vessel carrying up to 6 passengers. Study areas include: general seamanship, rules of the road, chart navigation, code of federal regulations, and more. Our goal is to have you prepared to submit your licensing application with the Coast Guard when you leave our class.
Course Tuition: $795* – No Additional Testing Fee
Course Dates: October 12th – 22nd
Class Times: October 12th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 20th is 8AM – 5PM; October 14th, 15th, 17th, and 18th is 8AM – 12PM. Attendance is mandatory.
Test Dates & Times: October 21st & 22nd; There are 4 exams, beginning at 9AM on 10/21 and 1PM on 10/22. All students must complete all 4 exams during the scheduled testing period.
*Tuition pricing does not include 6% registration fee charged by FareHarbor.
Upgrade OUPV to Master <100GRT:
To captain boats with more than 6 passengers for hire or an inspected vessel, an upgrade to a Masters license is required. This endorsement is issued in 25, 50, and 100 GRT increments, and most mariners qualified for OUPV credentials can add a 25 GRT upgrade. For a Master license, mariners must be at least 19 years old and have 720 days of sea service over their lifetime. Students who have previously completed the OUPV course with another institution and provide their certificate of completion or valid Merchant Mariners Credential upon registration may take the Masters Upgrade and/or Towing Endorsement classes at ABM without registering for the OUPV class.
Course Tuition: $300* – No Additional Testing Fee
Course Dates & Class Times: October 25th – 27th | 8am-5pm *2-hour exam time is built into the course curriculum
*Tuition pricing does not include 6% registration fee charged by FareHarbor.
Assistance Towing Endorsement:
This endorsement is required to provide any commercial towing assistance to other vessels that may be aground or disabled. Students who have previously completed the OUPV course with another institution and provide their certificate of completion or valid Merchant Mariners Credential upon registration may take the Masters Upgrade and/or Towing Endorsement classes at ABM without registering for the OUPV class.
Course Tuition: $100* – No Additional Testing Fee
Course Dates & Class Time: October 22nd | 8AM-12PM *1-hour exam time is built into the course curriculum.
*Tuition pricing does not include 6% registration fee charged by FareHarbor.
BEFORE YOU REGISTER:
The student is solely responsible for housing and transportation to and from the ABM for the duration of the course, exams, and re-tests (if applicable).
Registration for the class does not guarantee passing marks. Passing or failing the course is determined by grades received on course-specific USCG-approved examinations.
Earning a certificate from the Captain School at ABM does not guarantee a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued through the U.S. Coast Guard. Once issued a certificate of passing a licensing exam, it is good for one year from the class date. You may submit your licensing application to the US Coast Guard at any point within the year. You may NOT work as a captain for hire until you receive your actual license issued by the US Coast Guard.
Please visit the National Maritime Center’s “How to Apply for a Merchant Mariner Credential” page for more information on the requirements to become a USCG licensed captain. Here are video instructions provided by the National Maritime Center for the Medical Certification CG719K here.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Book online now!
Deposit Option: Students can reserve a spot on a course by paying a 50% deposit when registering. To register via deposit please select deposit under “amount to pay now” when registering online. The balance of the course fee is due the first day of class.
The Antique Boat Museum is proud to offer Captain School students a flexible refund policy and will work with all students on a case-by-case basis to rebook or refund tuition. Please note that the 6% registration fee is charged by FareHarbor and subject to their terms and conditions.