Apprentice Mate of Towing Class
The Apprentice Mate of Towing Class is for mariners who hold a Master or Mate less than 200 GRT endorsement or completed the applicable 200-ton examination requirements within the previous year. This two-day course satisfies the Coast Guard examination requirement for an Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels endorsement.
Who Should Take This Course
This course is appropriate for qualified mariners seeking to:
- Advance from the deck department to the wheelhouse of a towing vessel
- Obtain an Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels endorsement
- Begin completing the practical assessments required for Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels
- Complete the final ColPac course in the three-course towing-vessel pathway
The National Maritime Center determines the endorsement and route authorized based on the applicant’s qualifying sea service and other credential requirements.
Course Information
- Format: In-person classroom instruction
- Length: Two days
- Schedule: Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuition: $500, including the $200 registration deposit
- Location: Columbia Pacific Maritime at Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Oregon
- Availability: Generally offered once each month following the Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class
Enroll in the Apprentice Mate of Towing Course >>
Course Subjects and Examination
Course instruction includes:
- Towing-vessel regulations contained in 46 CFR Subchapter M
- Towing-vessel design and terminology
- Propulsion and steering systems
- Operational hazards and safety
- Responsibilities of towing-vessel officers
Successful course completion requires passing one 60-question multiple-choice examination with a minimum score of 70%.
Apprentice Mate and the Towing-Vessel Path
The Apprentice Mate of Towing endorsement allows a mariner to gain supervised wheelhouse experience while working under the direct supervision of a licensed Master of Towing Vessels or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels.
The general progression is:
- Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels
- Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels
- Master of Towing Vessels
Each endorsement has specific sea-service, route, training, and assessment requirements. Review the current National Maritime Center checklist for the endorsement and route sought.
Towing Officer Assessment Record
The Towing Officer Assessment Record, commonly called the TOAR, documents the practical skills required of a towing-vessel officer. TOAR assessments must be completed for the applicable route and signed by a Coast Guard-approved Designated Examiner acting within the scope of that approval.
This classroom course does not complete the TOAR. The assessments are completed separately through practical demonstrations aboard a towing vessel or through another Coast Guard-accepted assessment method.
Before Enrolling
Students must hold a Master or Mate less than 200 GRT endorsement or have completed the applicable 200-ton examination requirements within the previous year.
Course completion satisfies the examination requirement, but it does not by itself guarantee issuance of a Merchant Mariner Credential. Applicants must also meet the Coast Guard requirements for sea service, medical fitness, drug testing, and application documentation.
Get Help With Your MMC Application from MM-SEAS
ColPac students receive complimentary access to MM-SEAS Expert through our partnership with MM-SEAS.
The course is delivered in English. Each student must have sufficient English-language proficiency to understand instruction, participate in activities, complete written assignments, and successfully complete the final examination.
NMC Checklists and TOARs
Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels Checklist
Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels Checklist
Master of Towing Vessels Checklist
Related Courses
The starting point for mariners pursuing their first captain’s license.
Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class >>
The required ColPac course immediately preceding the Apprentice Mate of Towing Class.
Radar Observer Unlimited Course >>
Satisfies the National and STCW training requirements for a Radar Observer Unlimited endorsement. A Radar Observer endorsement is required to serve as Master or Mate aboard a radar-equipped towing vessel 26 feet or more in length.
Questions or Enrollment
Call 503-841-6066 if you have questions about the course or need help determining whether it is appropriate for your credential goals.