ColPac Maritime School Approved Classes
Columbia Pacific (ColPac) Maritime school provides USCG (United States Coast Guard) approved classes for deck licenses and ratings. Our classes focus on the needs for uninspected 6-pack passenger vessels and inspected passenger vessels carrying more than 6 passengers. And also towing vessels, crew boats, workboats, ferry boats, supply boats, and oil spill response boats less than 200-GRT. In short, our USCG approved in-person classes include:
Master 100-ton (includes the OUPV 6-pack captain) Class >>
Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class >>
Apprentice Mate of Towing Class >>
Radar Observer Unlimited Class >>
Able Body Seafarer (National AB) Class >>
To explain, the term “US Coast Guard Approved Class” means no exams at the Coast Guard. In other words, these classes meet the Coast Guard exam requirements without further testing.
Columbia Pacific (ColPac) Maritime School complete list of approved classes >>
Approved Classes for Deck Licenses
Master 100-ton Class (includes the OUPV 6-pack captain)
The 6-pack (OUPV) is the most popular captain license for fishing guides. It is also popular with the operators of small boats providing eco-tours. To clarify, this captain can carry up to six passengers on a powerboat of less than 100-GRT, about 65-feet. Additionally, the boat can be operated on an inland or ocean waters, depending on the applicant’s own experience.
The Master 100-ton is issued with a 25, 50, or 100-ton limitations, depending on the applicant’s experience. To clarify, the Master is a superior captain license to the 6-pack. Meaning, holder of a Master license can operate any 6-pack within the route on their license. And, additionally, they can operate inspected vessels carrying more than 6-passengers. And, even more, the Master can operate crew-boats, workboats, supply boats, ferries, and most other types of vessels too. All within the tonnage and route limitations on their Master license.
To summarize, the Master 100-ton class will satisfy the exams for Master 25, 50, or 100-ton. And for the OUPV 6-pack captain license too. Even more, the class is for either an Inland or Near Coast Ocean route.
More about the Master 100-ton Class >>
Here are some links with more information.
Which License: OUPV or Master? >>
How to get a captain’s license (MM-SEAS) >>
How to Renew a Captain License >>
Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class
If you have experience on vessels greater than 67-GRT you may qualify for a 200-ton limitation on your license. There are several reasons for upgrading a 100-ton to a 200-ton license.
Firstly, having a 200-ton license provides more employment opportunities. Meaning, you are no longer limited to vessels less than 100-GRT. It also shows that you have experience on larger vessels.
Secondly, this class is the second class in the three-class sequence for Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing. Meaning, you must take this class before taking the Apprentice Mate (steersman) class.
More about the Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class >>
Apprentice Mate of Towing Class
Getting the Apprentice Mate of Towing license is the first step to the wheelhouse of a towing vessel. To explain, it takes 4-years (48-months) of experience to become a tugboat captain. But it is not just 4-years of experience on deck. It is 4-years of training, learning, and doing. Here is how it works.
Firstly, you get a job on a tugboat as a deckhand. After gaining 18-months of experience as a deckhand you can apply for the Apprentice Mate of Towing license.
Secondly, the Apprentice Mate of Towing is a training license to prepare you the Mate (pilot) of Towing job. Meaning you will continue to work as a deckhand for 12-months while completing the Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR). After 12-months experience with the Apprentice Mate of Towing license you can apply for Mate (Pilot) of Towing.
Lastly, after working for 18-months as Mate (pilot) of Towing you can apply for Master of Towing.
More about the Apprentice Mate of Towing Class >>
Here are some links for more posts on towing vessel licenses.
Radar Observer Unlimited
The deck officer on towing vessels and other inspected vessels greater than 300-GRT must have a Radar Observer endorsement. In short, this class includes instruction and assessment in:
- Firstly, the theory and operation of Radar.
- Secondly, the setup and operation of radar in different weather conditions.
- Thirdly, radar navigation, including the use of navigation lines (parallel index lines).
- Fourthly, collision avoidance in compliance with the COLREGS (Rules of the Road).
More about the Radar Observer Unlimited Class >>
We also offer a one-day Radar Recertification (renewal) class. Download our FREE Radar Renewal Workbook. And then give us a call to schedule this one-day radar renewal class.
Approved Class for Deck Ratings
Able Body Seafarer (National AB) Class
There is a shortage of Able Body Seafarer (National AB) in the maritime industry. To help reduce this shortage the USCG has reduced the sea service experience requirements for the AB. For example, you can qualify for an AB Special with 180-days of experience. Furthermore, an AB Special is what it takes to work as a deckhand on a seagoing tug.
More about the Able Body Seafarer (National AB) Class >>
If you don’t have the experience for an AB, then get an Ordinary Seafarer (OS). The OS is an entry level (apprentice) position on seagoing vessels. Experience as an OS counts towards an AB. Additionally, it counts towards a Master or Mate license too. Here are some links for more information.
Entry Level Mariner Application Support (MM-SEAS) >>