Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing Class
ColPac Maritime School provides three options for the Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing class. Select the option that works best for you depending on your experience, the license that you hold, and the time you have available.
The Full Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing class: 16-days, $2,200
This is the best option if you do not have a captain license. The Full-class Option for Apprentice Mate (steersman) class is a three-class sequence as follows. Note that these classes must be taken in the order listed below. However, you do have the option of taking them as back-to-back classes or scheduling them at different times. In short, you will have all three certificates when you are done. And according, you will have all three licenses too.
- Firstly, the Master 100-ton class.
- Secondly, the Upgrade 100 to 200-ton class.
- Lastly, the Apprentice Mate (steersman) Upgrade class.
The Partial Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing class: 6-days, $1,000
However, if you already have a Master 100-ton or less license, than this option will save you time and money. The Partial Apprentice Mate (steersman) class is a two-class sequence as follows. As stated above, these classes must be taken in the order listed below. However, you do have the option of taking them as back-to-back classes or scheduling them at different times. In short, you will have both certificates when you are done. And according, you will have both licenses too.
- Upgrade 100 to 200-ton class.
- Apprentice Mate (steersman) Upgrade class.
In sum, you will have both certificates when you are done.
The Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing class only: 2-days, $400
Lastly, this option requires the smallest amount of time and money. But the mariner must either have a Master 200-ton license or have completed the 200-ton exams within one-year of taking this upgrade class.
How to go from Apprentice Mate to Master of Towing
There are three steps to Master of Towing. To clarify, this is not the only path to Master of Towing. However, it is the least stressful, and most time and cost effective. Additionally, it can be done without taking any Coast Guard exams.
Firstly: Apprentice Mate (steersman) 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 are Ocean, Near Coastal, Inland, Great Lakes, and Western Rivers. Apprentice Mate 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. In addition, you must complete an approved Basic Firefighting course, an approved Radar course, and a TOAR for the route. 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. 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. Consequently, the Apprentice Mate should be completing the training and assessment tasks contained in the TOAR while standing the supervised watch.
Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR)
The TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) is a checklist of assessments that must be completed to get a license as Master of Towing, or Mate (Pilot) of Towing. Complete the TOAR for the route requested. In addition to a complete TOAR, the applicant must have 90-days experience on a towing vessel operating on the route requested.
More Related Stuff
Tips on how to get a Towing License.
Master 100 and 200-ton info >>