[QUOTE=TxMariner;81944]As I understand it (which may be incorrect), I needed to take all of these courses to eventually obtain my 500 ton mate NC. I’m currently an AB unlimited w/ RFPNW trying to go to the wheelhouse (on tugs).
I need/want all the training I can obtain. If you know of a better route, I’m all ears. Thx[/QUOTE]
If your goal is 500 ton mate you don’t NEED any of those courses. Follow the checklist and take classes that you don’t already have. I am guessing you might only need basic and advanced firefighting.
Buy the 5 books from Maritime Education Textbooks and study at home on your own on your off time. And onboard during down time. Hopefully you have other members aboard who could help you with any of the topics in the book you don’t understand.
As Mr. Cavo said, for the 500 ton licenses you will have to test at an REC. Search threads here for good info on testing.
Download and print the assessments, and see if your captain will work with you on them.
With that said, if you need the structure of an instructor and a classroom I cannot speak highly enough of George Trowbridge at Quality Maritime.