Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I’ve decided to drive down to Louisiana and study at Fletcher with Capt. Bruce. Hopefully the next time you hear from me, I’ll have good news.
One other thing to consider, you mentioned 500/1600 Oceans, I would recommend applying for 500/1600 NC. The reason for this is that you will have your plate full preparing for the exams without getting side-tracked into celestial. After you have sucessfully tested at USCG, then you can go to a nautical school and take the celestial prep and test at the school, same as you did for your 100 ton ticket. This was the route I took and it was a lot less stressful than feeling I had to be ready for celestial at the same time. That being said, I found the celestial not to be as onerous as I expected, because I didn’t feel the pressure of failing the whole test, it was in fact enjoyable. Good luck, and I have many friends who have raved about Capt. Bruce, I don’t think you can go wrong there, Also you can maybe make a few Gulf contacts at the same time.
Thanks again everyone. I am presently in Louisiana, I’ve had one morning of class and already know this was the best decision for me. Capt Bruce is a godsend, although he is pissed at me about having to test for celestial at the coast guard. Now if anyone can recommend some good study break activities in Houma…
Kelly
[QUOTE=Capt.Mac;48660] I would recommend applying for 500/1600 NC. [/QUOTE]
I disagree. If they have the seatime, and the route covered; the time, energy and concentration to do the terrestrial equals the celestial. You can whack them both out at the same time (two different courses) while it is fresh in your mind. I hope the school has celestial approval from uncle sams confused group, then they don’t even have to go to the CG to test, They can test out right at an approved school.
[QUOTE=kellysail423;48689] Now if anyone can recommend some good study break activities in Houma…
Kelly[/QUOTE]
Crawfish and beer. Oh yeah, you will learn to appreciate the term Buffet. It is a wonderful way to fill up for the day on the cheap!
I don’t have any schools to suggest, but the topic and responses raise a couple of questions in my mind.
Many people suggest self-study with subsequent examination at the CG. Does this meet STCW requirements? It was my understanding that the extensive program I went through was because STCW required your butt to be in a chair in a classroom, whether or not you could pass the exam was another issue. Unless an individual is grandfathered, this becomes an important distinction for any license over 200 tons.
Which generates the second question, of the programs suggested, are they approved by the CG and meet STCW requirements?
While I would not be opposed to a preparatory class, if it didn’t satisfy the STCW requirement, for me, it would be pointless.
I’ve also seen comments in the past that this consideration is unnecessary, mostly from guys working in the Gulf. Whether it’s a loophole, a backdoor, or a different set of requirements I’ve never fully understood. The intent is not to question your knowledge and experience with the system, just trying to understand.
Cal - As I understand it, this thread is about any prep class to sit for a 500/1600 Oceans license once you have your USCG approval to test letter.
All necessary STCW requirements would have been previously been satisfied by the candidate after taking the prerequisite classes required by the USCG before they issue the approval to test letter.
Actually, from what I’ve read about the classes, most are geared toward 500/1600 NC, and a second class would actually be taken for the Oceans endorsement, sometimes refered to as the “Celestial” class.
But that in itself is misleading. Mod 206XX is the 15 question celestial test, but it includes mid lat sailing, great circle questions, etc., even though 46 CFR 11.910 does not indicate that these subjects should be included at this level. So a candidate using 46 CFR 11.910 to study on his or her own won’t know what to expect on the Mod 206XX class, and will be caught unprepared by those questions.
It would be interesting to have Mr. Cavo comment on why the USCG includes subjects in the mod that are not posted in 46 CFR 11.910.
Water - The Oceans endorsement is the piece I am particularly interested in, that’s the next piece of the puzzle for me. I have a 1600 ton NC with all of the appropriate STCW requirements met. So the Oceans endorsement is the next logical step. Just curious as to some of the differences I’ve seen described. I know, for the STCW portion I have to be in a formal education setting, i.e. A class. Doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with aptitude or ability. I’m confident I could learn the information on my own, but why put yourself through the testing if it isn’t going to satisfy those things you need?
Cal - The Oceans endorsement is also next on my list. I recently submitted my application to the NMC, and have a letter of approval to test. Just need to find the time to brush up on my skills and then get to a REC.
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Cal: The difference you are talking about is the difference between getting your license, and getting STCW qualified.
There is two different topics here.: one is STCW, the other is USCG licensing. Did you know that it is possible to have a license and NOT be STCW compliant!?
On a side note, It is really tough with the office wanting to only hire/promote 1600 ton ocean WH personnel, when in reality 95% of us will never serve on a towing vessel larger than 200 GT, and operating seaward of the boundry. So in reality STCW doesn’t even apply to most of us!
You can get a 1600 GT inland license, and never have to take a STCW course. BUT, you will have to argue, and beat up an evaluator at NMC to get it approved! All these guys with [U]less [/U]than a 500GT license don’t even NEED STCW! Not even under the new proposed regulation!
Simply stated, yes. However, a 500 Ton Near Coastal license isn’t going to be issued under the new rules without being STCW compliant. This is one of the sticking points though, some posters, generally working in the GOM, say this isn’t necessary. Just trying to figure out what the difference is. Is it drill rig vessels, crew boats, area of operation, what’s the difference I’m missing?
On a side note, It is really tough with the office wanting to only hire/promote 1600 ton ocean WH personnel, when in reality 95% of us will never serve on a towing vessel larger than 200 GT, and operating seaward of the boundry. So in reality STCW doesn’t even apply to most of us!
Understood. Since I already have the license, and am STCW compliant up to my level of license, I want everything I do to be consistent. While an Oceans endorsement may be possible without STCW compliance, since everything else I have is, why not keep it the same? This is self-motivated. I’ll never use the license I hold at McAllister, however, having the option to use it elsewhere and having the marketability, in my opinion, is important.
were are you staying at? I will be there in a few weeks
skinny stick-
I went on CraigsList and found a room to rent. Mainly cause I wanted to do this thing all in one go. I can’t afford a hotel/motel cause I’m financing this myself, and I couldn’t see paying more for a bed n’ breakfast, although there are alot of bed and breakfasts’ that cater to Fletcher students, and they look really homey and nice. I don’t know your situation, but good luck. Call Jenny at the School, I bet she has some great recommendations.
my wife just talked to Claudete at Chatuea on the Bayou and since I found out about her B@B on here , she is giving me a room for 55 dollars a night. How is the school so far do you feel like you are learning what you need. My wife talked to Capt Bruce today and I will be there as soon as I get off the boat,keep me posted as I am wanting to know how you do
Capt. Bruce is a Golden God. I’m getting all that I wanted and needed here. Its ideal for me. Hopefully I’ll be close to testing by the time you arrive.
Although I do not have any basis for comparison I did use Capt. Ken Bruce for my prep course and I can definitely say he is an excellent teacher. He will not have any problem telling you that you are not ready if you aren’t . When you are he will tell you. He has been teaching the same classes for a long time so if anyone can teach it it is him.
hi all- Just an update, it took me about a month to sit for my license, and an extra week and a half to learn the celestial and pass that too. I am back home in NJ with a shiny new MMC 
Capt Bruce was excellent!!! and well worthwhile.
[QUOTE=kellysail423;50834]hi all- Just an update, it took me about a month to sit for my license, and an extra week and a half to learn the celestial and pass that too. I am back home in NJ with a shiny new MMC Capt Bruce was excellent!!! and well worthwhile.[/QUOTE]
Great news other than the being in NJ part!!
congratulations. its a fine feeling getting such a goal accomplished.
[QUOTE=Capt. Lee;47886]What are those? I don’t understand…A weak point? I must not have any.[/QUOTE]
I don’t think you have too many. Come to think of it…neither do I!