Tugboat and Towboat Classes

Tugboat and Towboat Classes

Although there is a difference between these two terms, tugboat and towboat classes are the same. Columbia Pacific (ColPac) Maritime has been providing classes to the towing industry since 2006. AND, we have never canceled a class due to low enrollment. Meaning, once your name is on the schedule, we will teach the class even if you are the only student. For more information, or to register for one of these classes, please call Patty at 503-841-6066.

For help with the license application process, we highly recommend MM-SEAS.

Tugboat and Towboat Classes: deck to wheelhouse

Firstly, the Apprentice Mate (steersman) class is a three-week, Monday through Friday (15-day, $2,500) class. This is the primary route to go from deck to wheelhouse on a towing vessel. Here is the Apprentice Mate (steersman) class schedule for the next three months.

• November 4 thru 22, 2024
• December 2 thru 20, 2024
• January 6 thru 24, 2025

Secondly, the Radar Observer Unlimited class is a four-day ($700) class. Holding a radar observer endorsement is required for any Master of Towing, or Mate of Towing. Here is the Radar Observer class schedule for the next three months.

• October 28 thru 31, 2024
• November 18 thru 21, 2024
• December 16 thru 19, 2024
• January 20 thru 23, 2025

Other Classes

Thirdly, the Tankerman PIC class is a five-day ($800) class. This class is taught by a 38-year veteran tankerman who is still working in the industry today. He brings real-life experience and current industry standards to the class. Here is the Tankerman PIC class schedule for the next three months.

• November 4 thru 8, 2024
• January 6 thru 10, 2025

Lastly, the Able Body Seaman (AB) class is a five-day ($800) class. This class will satisfy the exam requirements for any AB rating. All seagoing towing vessels over 100 GRT must have Able Body Seaman in their deck crew. Here is the AB class schedule for the next three months.

• October 28 thru November 1, 2024
• December 9 thru 13, 2024
• January 13 thru 17, 2025