Hi all-
I would sincerely appreciatiate any recommendations for a license prep course to prepare me for my 500ton ocean test. I’m located in NJ but don’t mind traveling to warm exotic places. Self studying is a possibility, but but by the time I’ve purchased all my materials I may as well have gone to a school (its probably the only way I will truly concentrate regardless.) I’ve found prices to be inconsistent, but figure it should be about 3 weeks long. Thanks in advance.
L E Fletcher in Houma LA enjoys a good reputation. I took several classes there, but did the self study thing. You are right, if you can swing the class, it is worth the effort.
http://www.ftcc.edu/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=336
If you need a place to stay, check out Chateau on the Bayou. Reasonable rates, wifi, TV’s in rooms, very clean and comfortable. A number of maritime students stay there:
If you decide to go to Fletcher don’t worry about buying but a TI-36, your charting stuff and some maneuvering boards. Capt. Bruce has all the study material you will need and it’s covered by the class fee. It’s $1000 and you have up to a year to keep going, it’s also the cheapest you will find anywhere.
I will warn you that 3 weeks might not be long enough but it will get you deep into most of it.
CMTI Hayes, VA
[QUOTE=Jemplayer;47712]If you decide to go to Fletcher don’t worry about buying but a TI-36, your charting stuff and some maneuvering boards. Capt. Bruce has all the study material you will need and it’s covered by the class fee. It’s $1000 and you have up to a year to keep going, it’s also the cheapest you will find anywhere.
I will warn you that 3 weeks might not be long enough but it will get you deep into most of it.[/QUOTE]
I am gonna try and do it in 2 weeks, I cant afford 3 weeks of motel and food and school.
Try the self study route. You may be surprised at yourself, and how easy it can be. I never ever ever went through any class that was considered optional. Just think of the money you can save and the 2 weeks you’ll have at home. You never get time back, and that is the one thing we sacrifice the most. Self study, and if you get stumped, ask here. I can break anything down to common sense terms. Most people, for whatever reason never learn the Polar/Rectangular functions on a calculator, but that is one hell of a short cut when advancing positions, etc.
Realistically, if you’re starting at Zero knowledge of celestial, you can easily get good enough by studying a few hours after watch per day, then a few hours at home per day. Take it slow, but don’t let it go. A few month of effort, you’re a pro. Plus, when you self study, the information sticks with you. Just my thoughts.
Get Formulae for the Mariner…that’s a great book for all formulas. Start on the easy stuff like Sunrise/Sunsets. Then Amplitudes and Azimuths…once you learn Azimuths, you pretty much know sight reduction. Now you just have to turn that into positions. LAN,running fixes, different bodies, etc,…will just build off what you previous learned. Sailings are the same way.
[QUOTE=anchorman;47744]Try the self study route[/QUOTE]
I went this route. It may have unexpected benefits.
When I was studying for my C/M exam I would sit down at the table with my books etc and, for example, a celestial nav problem to do. First I would notice there was toast crumbs on the table, can’t study like that. So into the kitchen to get a dish cloth to wipe the table. Well there are dirty dishes in the sink. How can I concentrate like this? So I wash the dishes, clean the table. Next thing I know I have the vacuum cleaner out and I doing the whole house. Once that is done I am ready to study but I need to use the bathroom from all the coffee I’ve been drinking and there I notice the bathroom could use a good cleaning etc etc. My wife told me she liked it when I was upgrading because the house was never so clean.
K.C.
Kennebec Captain, This is precisely why I have to go somewhere to take a course! You have no idea the amount of arts and crafts I’ve been doing.
Thanks eveyone for all the wonderful suggestions, and if you have anymore please keep them coming.
-Kelly
Is this your first license? Or do you already have a license? If you have already taken a test (I’m NOT talking about PIC here! 
then you already know what to expect.
If you have been studying, why not just go take it, and see how you do. The celestial you will most likely need a formal study to drill it into your brain. It is said to take the celestial first them then next week the Terrestrial. The two courses feed off each other.
I know a long time ago (in a galaxy far far away) when I was studying for my 1600 I had to lock myself in the den at home fro two weeks. The boss wasn’t happy, but I persevered and got it. But I had already had my 4th license (and set of exams) by then, so I knew what to expect.
But if this is your first license you probably should take the courses. They clue you in as to how the exam is, and what to expect.
I will be upgrading from a 100ton, but have never tested at the Coast Guard. Mostly my concern is re-learning all the information since the classes that I took were a very long time ago.
It may be worth asking which modules are 90% pass and which are 70% multiple guess.
Study your ass off on the 90% modules and see if you can pass without the expense of the license prep classes.
[QUOTE=water;47700]L E Fletcher in Houma LA enjoys a good reputation. I took several classes there, but did the self study thing. You are right, if you can swing the class, it is worth the effort.
http://www.ftcc.edu/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=336
If you need a place to stay, check out Chateau on the Bayou. Reasonable rates, wifi, TV’s in rooms, very clean and comfortable. A number of maritime students stay there:
http://www.achateauonthebayou.com/[/QUOTE]
I second the recommendation for Captain Ken at Fletchers if this is your first test after the 100 ton. Personally I did the self study thing and it worked out quite well and seems I retain it better than the guys I have seen take prep courses, but I have a pretty serious math background. The prep courses pretty much just teach you what you need to pass the exam ( which is the goal after all, and most people’s time is limited). The instructors are going to teach you their methods which might not be the best option for you as there are usually several methods for most problems, some of which are easier for different people. I will say even if you take a prep course do as much as you can on your own. It will save you time on the prep course. Even if you don’t fully get there on your own it will speed your uptake of the info, allowing you time to focus on your weak points.
[QUOTE=kellysail423;47795]Kennebec Captain, This is precisely why I have to go somewhere to take a course! You have no idea the amount of arts and crafts I’ve been doing.
Thanks eveyone for all the wonderful suggestions, and if you have anymore please keep them coming.
-Kelly[/QUOTE]
Arts and crafts, I’m glad I never thought of that! .Like Steamer I had some advantages that made it easier for me to go the self study route The key thing is pick the path that gives you the best chance of success and don’t get discouraged.
[QUOTE=Diesel;47878] allowing you time to focus on your weak points.[/QUOTE]
What are those? I don’t understand…A weak point? I must not have any.
i just took the exams, last month and if you want detailed info, contact me. i also liked using the cd put out by captain joe www.uscgexam.com his cd is reasonably priced and shows explanations. the downfall? no interactive tests. however, i have lots of info, if you can get ahold of me. leave me your cell number and i can call you.
i did it on my own with out a class…you can do it.
you will need a 90 percent on rules, terrestial, and your nav plot. the deck general, deck safety, and nav general are 70 percent for a passing grade. if you go for the oceans endorsement, you will need a 90 percent on that as well.
i agree…it is hard to study at home and on your own. i usually had better success studying, while on board my vessel. lots of tutors on board too 
I would also recommend the self-study route, if after reading some of the previous posts you think you have the self-discipline to do so. If not, give Mr. George Trowbridge at call at Quality Maritime Training in St. Petersburg, FL 727-209-1811 or 800-581-5509, or check out www.qualitymaritime.info This is a top notch organization that really teaches subject matter to those attending. I know lots of guys that have attended Fletcher, which is a great school, but many feel that the instructors and philosophy about instructing at QMT is a step above all the rest. Good luck.
Go with QMT. You can’t loose. Just sat for my 500 Oceans. If it wasn’t for the guys at quality maritime, I wouldn’t have had a chance. George writes his own textbooks; he teaches what you need to know and then some. The level of training and instruction is excellent.