The Apprentice Mate of Towing Class is for mariners who have an inspected license of 200-tons or have passed the exams within the past year.
Meaning, this is the last class in the three-classes for a towing vessel license.
This two-day class will satisfy the exam requirements for adding Apprentice Mate of Towing to the mariners MMC.
The class is offered once a month, following the Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class.
- Apprentice Mate of Towing Upgrade class cost: $500 (this includes the $200 deposit required to register.
- Call if you have any questions or to register.
Apprentice Mate Class Overview
This course provides instruction in referencing Subchapter M regulations for towing vessels.
It also provides an overview of general tug design, hazards and safety, and terminology.
At the end of the class the student must pass a 60-question multiple-choice exam with a minimum score of 70% correct answers.
Towing License Info
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.