Licenses and Qualifications - resources for cruising sailors

A Captain's Ticket

[Article]

Overview By Ev Collier

Getting a Coast Guard license has several potential monetary benefits and some skill and self-respect advantages for the recreational boater. This article mentions them, then describes the two most common licenses and their requirements.

[Ocean Navigator, November 2002]
- Order the back issue

RYA Sail Cruising Courses - An Introduction

[Site]

By Nick Bowles

Description of the widely-accepted training and certification program in the UK. Yachtmaster Offshore is the best known, but the author describes the higher and lower levels available. Some European countries require certification..

[Blue Moment, USA]
- Visit the page

Collection of On-line Tests

[Site]

By U.S. Boating Collection of On-line Tests

Test yourself interactively on rules of the road, navigation, navigation lights, and seamanship. Thousands of questions.

[BoatFix, Inc., North Palm Beach, FL, USA]
- Take the seamanship tests

Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) - Canada

[Site]

By Pat Drummond

Canada requires boat operators to have proof of competency on board at all times. Normally this requires taking a short course and passing a test to get a PCOC. Visitors staying less than 45 days can submit a similar document from their home country instead. Good links to government documents.

[BoatingCanada.com, USA]
- Learn about the PCOC

International Certificate of Competence

[Site]

Membership organization

Explanation of this European test and qualification and the procedures for obtaining one. Explains the relationship between this new qualification and the older International Certificate of Competence and the Helmsman′s Overseas Certificate.

[Royal Yachting Association, Hamble, Southampton, UK]
- The ICC qualification explained

Boat Licenses, Registration, and Markings - Canada

[Site]

By Pat Drummond

Summary of regulations governing boats in Canada, with links to hundreds of related information sites.

[BoatingCanada.com, USA]
- Learning the Canadian rules

U.S.C.G. License Exam Questions

[Site]

By Boatsafe U.S.C.G. License Exam Questions

Test questions on many marine subjects from the Coast Guard exam. Multiple choice with automatic scoring and feedback. Includes extra topics such as "Obscure Rules of the Road," Ship Construction," "Small Passenger Vessel Regulations." Shows the average score for each subject (surprisingly low.

[BoatSafe.com, USA]
- Try the USCG test questions

A-B-Sea Nautical Trivia Quiz

[Site]

Personal Website By Jack Lagan

Three 20-question quizzes on nautial lore, terminology, rules, and other boating knowledge - some of it not trivial at all. You have to send away for the answers or buy the author′s book.

[Jack Lagan, USA]
- The boating quiz

Boat Operator Card

[Vendor]

Service provider

On-line training and certification service allows you to study for and take the test to get a Boat Operator Card (Pleasure Craft Operator Card - PCOC). The card or it′s non-Canadian equivalent is required if you are planning to cruise in Canadian waters.

[BoaterExam.com, Ottawa, ONT, Canada]
- Get a PCOC

Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology

[Vendor]

School

Home study courses, Yacht Design and Yacht Design Lite, have produced many professional yacht designers as well as interested amateurs. Non-profit affiliate of the American Boat & Yacht Council.

[Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology, Mystgic, CT, USA]
- Yacht design at the Westlawn Institute

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