Apprentice Mate of Towing Upgrade Class
This 2-day, $500 class will satisfy the Apprentice Mate of Towing exams if the applicant meets one of these requirements. 1) holds a license as Mate or Master 200-ton. OR 2) has completed the 200-ton exams or class within one year before taking the Apprentice Mate of Towing Class.
Apprentice Mate of Towing Upgrade Class Schedule
More Info About the Apprentice Mate of Towing Class
This is an upgrade class. Meaning you need to have a captain’s license. If you have a Master or Mate 200-ton than this class is all you need.
But if you hold a Master 100-ton license than you need to take the Upgrade 100 to 200-ton class first.
Lastly, if you do not hold any captain’s license than you need to start with the Master 100-ton class.
Apprentice Mate of Towing Upgrade class approval:
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Upgrade (COLPAC-33) course within one year of application will satisfy:
The requirements of 46 CFR 11.466(a) for original issuance of an endorsement as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal, Great Lakes and Inland, or Inland), PROVIDED applicant is endorsed as Master of less than 200 GRT; OR has satisfied the examination requirements for Master of less than 200 GRT within the previous 12 months.
NOTE: Course is also valid if mariner is endorsed as Mate of vessels less than 200 GRT for the scope requested in the application or satisfied the exam for Mate of vessels less than 200 GRT for the scope requested in the application within the previous 12 months. DJS
How to go from Apprentice Mate to Master of Towing
There are three steps to Master of Towing. Note, that this is not the only path to Master of Towing. But it is the least stressful, and most time and cost effective. Additionally, it can be done without taking any exams at a Coast Guard Regional Exam Center.
Firstly: Apprentice Mate of Towing. The Apprentice Mate requires 540-days of sea time, that includes 360-days on a tug. AND, 90-days on the route. To explain: route means waters. Examples include Ocean, Near Coastal, Inland, Great Lakes, and Western Rivers.
View the Apprentice Mate of Towing Checklist >>
Secondly: Mate (Pilot) of Towing. Mate of Tow requires 900-days of sea time. Including 360-days on towing vessels, with the Apprentice Mate license on your MMC. Additionally, you must take an approved Basic Firefighting course, an approved Radar course, and have a TOAR for the route.
View the Mate of Towing Checklist >>
Thirdly: Master of Towing. Master of Tow requires 1440-days of sea time. Including, 540-days as Mate, on towing vessels, while holding Mate of Towing license.
View the Master of Towing Checklist >>
Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing License Explained
The intent of the Apprentice Mate (steersman) license is to allow the mariner to gain watch-standing time and experience. But, only under the direct supervision of a licensed Master of Towing or Mate (Pilot) of Towing. In short, the purpose of the Apprentice Mate is to finish the TOAR while standing a supervised watch.
Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR)
The TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) is a checklist of assessments. These assessments that must be completed to get a license as Master of Towing, or Mate (Pilot) of Towing. The TOAR must be signed off by a Designated Examiner (DE) for the route requested. In addition to the TOAR, the applicant must have 90-days experience on a towing vessel operating on the route requested.
View the Near Coastal – Ocean TOAR >>
Related Stuff
Tips on how to get a Towing License.
Master 100 and 200-ton info >>
Please feel free to email any questions you have.