It is a lot of work, but it’s easier, now. The Coast Guard is changing. No longer do you have to fill out a complicated application, gather all kinds of credentials and sweat through a long, tough test in Boston; only to be called back for re-testing
You don’t have to deal with test-prep outfits. These road shows comes to town once a year to give “captain’s course” in one week. They talk about “success rate” and “free course repeats”. They say, “work your regular 40 hour week and take the 56 hour test-prep course at the same time”. No problem— just memorize the answers and try your luck on the test. Some of these outfits give the test. They give you three tries or you can march back to Boston to see the Coast Guard.

Now there is a better way. A few years ago, the Coast Guard decided to change. The Coast Guard authorized experienced maritime educators to teach and assess the skills of licensing candidates. No test at the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard pushes education; not, rote memory work. Why not have maritime educators spend a few hours each week talking boats with students. Somebody is bound to learn. The student builds knowledge, based on discussions with other experienced mariners. Then they pass the four test sections that are given by the school. If they have trouble, the school works with them to understand and apply the maritime knowledge. These students get good, solid information that they can use on the water.

Mystic Safe Boating is an USCG approved school. They are authorized to teach and 16 different types of maritime licenses. At Mystic Safe Boating, you learn how to apply for the license, learn the required maritime information, and test with Mystic Safe Boating.

Mystic Safe Boating has captains license training classes at four Rhode Island sites that operate on a year around basis. The classes are held during the evenings and meet one night a week. You can combine nights to go faster. You learn the information. You test with the school.