# Maritime Training & Licensing **URL:** https://forum.gcaptain.com/c/maritime-topics/maritime-training-licensing/20.md [Latest](https://forum.gcaptain.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.gcaptain.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.gcaptain.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Maritime Training & Licensing category](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/about-the-maritime-training-licensing-category/26)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2017, 12:41pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/about-the-maritime-training-licensing-category/26 "2017-02-18T12:41:56Z")
--- ## [Need for Future-Ready Maritime Skills](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/need-for-future-ready-maritime-skills/78046)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/need-for-future-ready-maritime-skills/78046 "2026-10-25T16:12:25Z")
--- ## [Foreign Sea Service can be accepted but?(AB/Third mate/Second mate)](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/foreign-sea-service-can-be-accepted-but-ab-third-mate-second-mate/77983)
**Author:** [@yys030509](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/yys030509)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/foreign-sea-service-can-be-accepted-but-ab-third-mate-second-mate/77983 "2026-10-23T18:19:47Z")
This might seem like the same question every other foreigner asked but I didn’t get he info I wanted. I understand USCG does accept foreign sea service as per 46 CFR § 10.232 (f) - Sea service as long as i can prove it … --- ## [Foreign 3rd Engineer / Permanent Resident: Transitioning to US Merchant Marine (QMED pathway)](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/foreign-3rd-engineer-permanent-resident-transitioning-to-us-merchant-marine-qmed-pathway/77790)
**Author:** [@Sergei92](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Sergei92)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2026, 7:23pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/foreign-3rd-engineer-permanent-resident-transitioning-to-us-merchant-marine-qmed-pathway/77790 "2026-10-22T19:23:03Z")
Hello everyone, I am relocating to the US (Dallas, TX area) as a Permanent Resident (Green Card) with full work authorization. Looking for realistic advice from experienced mariners on breaking into the US maritime indu… --- ## [Can any maritime schools actually provide students with all the training and assessments required for AS-D in its entirety?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-any-maritime-schools-actually-provide-students-with-all-the-training-and-assessments-required-for-as-d-in-its-entirety/77115)
**Author:** [@LordFarquaad](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/LordFarquaad)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2026, 10:16am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-any-maritime-schools-actually-provide-students-with-all-the-training-and-assessments-required-for-as-d-in-its-entirety/77115 "2026-10-20T10:16:46Z")
Can any maritime schools actually provide students with all the training and assessments required for AS-D in its entirety? Have any of you been able to take an AS-D course at a school? To be clear, I’m asking whether t… --- ## [Anyone taken Rules of the Road (Q100) recently? Chief Mate/Master upgrade](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/anyone-taken-rules-of-the-road-q100-recently-chief-mate-master-upgrade/77767)
**Author:** [@USMC2021](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/USMC2021)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2026, 11:28am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/anyone-taken-rules-of-the-road-q100-recently-chief-mate-master-upgrade/77767 "2026-10-09T11:28:59Z")
Has anyone recently taken the Rules of the Road Q100 exam at an REC, especially for Chief Mate/Master Unlimited? I’m preparing for my Chief Mate upgrade and came across LAPWARE’s June 2026 exam feedback. One test taker … --- ## [Deckie looking for advice on Switching to Engine / QMED. Looking for Advice on Oiler, RFPEW, AS-E, and QMED Any Rating](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/deckie-looking-for-advice-on-switching-to-engine-qmed-looking-for-advice-on-oiler-rfpew-as-e-and-qmed-any-rating/77728)
**Author:** [@LordFarquaad](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/LordFarquaad)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 1:10am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/deckie-looking-for-advice-on-switching-to-engine-qmed-looking-for-advice-on-oiler-rfpew-as-e-and-qmed-any-rating/77728 "2026-10-08T01:10:27Z")
OS Considering Switching to Engine / QMED. Looking for Advice on Oiler, RFPEW, AS-E, and QMED Any Rating. I’m an OS, currently working my first MMC job. I don’t feel like I’m under anyone’s thumb or owe anyone anything,… --- ## [Age Requirement Discrepancy Between MMC & TWIC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/age-requirement-discrepancy-between-mmc-twic/72518)
**Author:** [@Sand\_Pebble](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Sand_Pebble)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 6:32pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/age-requirement-discrepancy-between-mmc-twic/72518 "2026-09-28T18:32:30Z")
According to the TWIC the minimum age to get a TWIC is 18 yrs old but USCG states the minimum age to get a MMC is 16 yrs old with parents consent. Has anyone heard of 16 or 17 yr olds getting a MMC since it’s been called… --- ## [How to get engine department letter wrote, for a deck mariner](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-to-get-engine-department-letter-wrote-for-a-deck-mariner/77289)
**Author:** [@LordFarquaad](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/LordFarquaad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 6:42pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/how-to-get-engine-department-letter-wrote-for-a-deck-mariner/77289 "2026-09-14T18:42:19Z")
I am a newer entry-level mariner trying to get both deck and engine credentials before deciding which direction I ultimately want to go. I am hopefully about to get RFPNW, PSC/LB, and AB-Special. After that, I am debati… --- ## [Pilot Chart Tracing Source](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/pilot-chart-tracing-source/57038)
**Author:** [@jbtam99](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/jbtam99)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 4:36pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/pilot-chart-tracing-source/57038 "2026-09-08T16:36:00Z")
Continuing the discussion from First class pilotage -techniques and tools: Creating a new topic so as not to bump the old one that’s been dead for a year… So RITI shuttered their doors on September 30th. Does anyone kn… --- ## [GMDSS operator exam prep — I built a trainer with full pass/fail exam sims, and a question about how people actually prep now](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/gmdss-operator-exam-prep-i-built-a-trainer-with-full-pass-fail-exam-sims-and-a-question-about-how-people-actually-prep-now/77179)
**Author:** [@Osprey\_Applications](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Osprey_Applications)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 5:37pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/gmdss-operator-exam-prep-i-built-a-trainer-with-full-pass-fail-exam-sims-and-a-question-about-how-people-actually-prep-now/77179 "2026-09-03T17:37:58Z")
Disclosure first: I’m the developer. I run Osprey Applications, a one-person shop that makes maritime training apps (Coast Guard Exams for the USCG written exams is mine as well). GMDSS Trainer (iPhone/iPad/Mac/Android)… --- ## [Seafarer Training Ships](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/seafarer-training-ships/72997)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2026, 10:45pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/seafarer-training-ships/72997 "2026-07-22T22:45:00Z")
Qualified seafarers are in short supply in many maritime nations. Japanese shipowners are trying to do something about it: Training ship Taisei Maru (blt. 1981) used to be a regular visitor to Singapore. She was … --- ## [CFR vs Checklist Mate 1600 NC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/cfr-vs-checklist-mate-1600-nc/76518)
**Author:** [@Intrepidsailor](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Intrepidsailor)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2026, 5:52pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/cfr-vs-checklist-mate-1600-nc/76518 "2026-07-19T17:52:40Z")
I’m comparing the wording of the CFR to the wording of the USCG checklist for Mate 1600 Near Coastal Sea service requirements and I am finding what appears to me to be a discrepancy. The CFR Title 46 11.416 for sea serv… --- ## [Multiple Choice on License Exam](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/multiple-choice-on-license-exam/76019)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2026, 4:36pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/multiple-choice-on-license-exam/76019 "2026-06-06T16:36:07Z")
Surprised to see questions with “Multiple Choice” answer used in examination/test for maritime license. I can only remember this from when training to serve as Coxswain on MTBs, when doing my National Service in the Roy… --- ## [Has shipping ever asked more of its seafarers?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/has-shipping-ever-asked-more-of-its-seafarers/75962)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2026, 10:02pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/has-shipping-ever-asked-more-of-its-seafarers/75962 "2026-06-04T22:02:49Z")
Source: https://splash247.com/the-fourth-skills-revolution-at-sea/ --- ## [Fire fighting training for crew](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/fire-fighting-training-for-crew/75345)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2026, 6:07am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/fire-fighting-training-for-crew/75345 "2026-05-04T06:07:37Z")
More relevant than ever, with frequent container fires and the ongoing conflict in the Middle east: --- ## [STAR Center "FULLY Online Courses"?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/star-center-fully-online-courses/74705)
**Author:** [@DirtSailor](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/DirtSailor)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2026, 5:30pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/star-center-fully-online-courses/74705 "2026-03-16T17:30:52Z")
Hey folks, working on my CM upgrade and discovered that the STAR Center offers a set of “FULLY Online Courses” including Advanced Stability, Management of Medical Care, Leadership and Managerial Skills, and more. See: ST… --- ## [NMC sample exam issues](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/nmc-sample-exam-issues/74478)
**Author:** [@Fljay](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Fljay)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2026, 4:13am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/nmc-sample-exam-issues/74478 "2026-02-28T04:13:24Z")
Im trying to access Master 500/1600 sample exams tab Q100-123. Its like its no longer clickable. Ive tried 4 different devices 2 phones, mac, laptop. Nothing. Any known issues? Thats the only one I cant click. --- ## [Master OSV =\> Master Unlimited](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/master-osv-master-unlimited/74005)
**Author:** [@Wharf\_Rat](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Wharf_Rat)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 2:31am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/master-osv-master-unlimited/74005 "2026-01-19T02:31:13Z")
Anyone out there gone from Master OSV 10,000 to a Master Unlimited w/o testing again. I understand I’ll have to do the different assessments and adv ship handling. My vessel is above 3,000 ITC. Live Chat w/nmc said it’s… --- ## [QMED - Engine Room Resource Management?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/qmed-engine-room-resource-management/14164)
**Author:** [@Kingrobby](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Kingrobby)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2025, 12:53pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/qmed-engine-room-resource-management/14164 "2025-12-31T12:53:14Z")
Okay, so I am a Able Seafarer - Engine/QMED with 5 ratings/RFPEW and I'm worried about my career path to 3rd AE in the future. I work a rotation and only get 180 days a year and spent a year in shipyard previously that d… --- ## [Different REC Location Testing Experiences?](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/different-rec-location-testing-experiences/70021)
**Author:** [@newmariner1](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/newmariner1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2025, 11:16pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/different-rec-location-testing-experiences/70021 "2025-12-24T23:16:30Z")
Looking to take my 3 A/E exams finally. I’ve heard places like Boston and Miami are horrible testing sites for example. Are some REC’s known to be better than others for testing? --- ## [Mariners and Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mariners-and-dreyfus-model-of-skill-acquisition/72764)
**Author:** [@Kennebec\_Captain](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Kennebec_Captain)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2025, 10:41am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/mariners-and-dreyfus-model-of-skill-acquisition/72764 "2025-12-24T10:41:18Z")
This is relevant to training mariners. I have in mind of course avoiding the children of the magenta line trap where bridge watch officer reach the expert level with the instruments but get trapped in the novice and Adva… --- ## [Navigation line of position (LOP) circle](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/navigation-line-of-position-lop-circle/73802)
**Author:** [@Kennebec\_Captain](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Kennebec_Captain)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2025, 9:59pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/navigation-line-of-position-lop-circle/73802 "2025-12-05T21:59:20Z")
Nice simple explanation of the principle behind a celestial observation LOP. --- ## [Chief Mate Classes 2025](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/chief-mate-classes-2025/73592)
**Author:** [@DirtSailor](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/DirtSailor)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2025, 9:13pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/chief-mate-classes-2025/73592 "2025-10-22T21:13:48Z")
Searched for recent info on the state of Chief Mate/Master classes and don’t see much in the past few years. So, to those in the know, what are the present recommendations for checking off the NVIC 10-14 requirements for… --- ## [DOT Drug/Alcohol Tester](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/dot-drug-alcohol-tester/73156)
**Author:** [@Quetzalcoatlus](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Quetzalcoatlus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2025, 7:51pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/dot-drug-alcohol-tester/73156 "2025-08-15T19:51:57Z")
Wondering if anyone has any recommendations on where to get the DOT drug/alcohol collector. Thanks in advance! --- ## [Basic Stability Lesson](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/basic-stability-lesson/73101)
**Author:** [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2025, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/basic-stability-lesson/73101 "2025-08-07T18:31:49Z")
--- ## [License upgrade](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/license-upgrade/73026)
**Author:** [@RURP11](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/RURP11)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 4:22pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/license-upgrade/73026 "2025-07-26T16:22:28Z")
Does anyone know the current requirement’s for upgrading 1600 ton mate/mate of tow to 1600 master/master of tow? --- ## [Professional Mariner Training Centers](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/professional-mariner-training-centers/55637)
**Author:** [@Mariner17](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Mariner17)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2025, 11:23pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/professional-mariner-training-centers/55637 "2025-07-07T23:23:09Z")
I wanted to throw this out there and see if I am missing anything. I am thinking ahead and looking around to see what different classes the different training centers offer for engineers. I know about the training cent… --- ## [Good Article on USAF Colonel John Boyd](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/good-article-on-usaf-colonel-john-boyd/72840)
**Author:** [@Kennebec\_Captain](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Kennebec_Captain)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2025, 10:44am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/good-article-on-usaf-colonel-john-boyd/72840 "2025-06-26T10:44:53Z")
Col Boyd is known to some only for his OODA loop model to the point where it has become just a buzzword for many. The OODA loop was mentioned briefly in the leadership class I took. This article is a short summary of Bo… --- ## [Screwed Myself Licensing](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/screwed-myself-licensing/72643)
**Author:** [@Foremastjack](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Foremastjack)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2025, 2:18pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/screwed-myself-licensing/72643 "2025-05-23T14:18:32Z")
Hello all, I graduated from CMA back in 2013 and spent most of my time on vessels under 1600 GRT. I got upgraded in 2015 to 2nd mate with a 2000 GRT restriction and Master 1600. I’ve mostly been sailing on the masters… [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/c/maritime-topics/maritime-training-licensing/20.md?page=1)