How to Get Your Coast Guard Captain's License

Deck Safety is all about environmental protection, regulations, vessel stability and emergency equipment.  This video is a short introduction to the topic and describes what you can expect on your exams.  The attached resources give you an idea of the questions you could be asked on your exams.  In the following lecture, there is a sample discussion from the Deck Safety category to give you an idea of the depth of knowledge required.

This is a sample lecture from the Deck Safety category to give you an idea of the level of knowledge required if you are self-studying.  Generally, captain's license courses spend about 18-20 hours on the Deck Safety topic and you should plan accordingly when studying for your exam. 

The Navigation General category is all about compasses, magnetism, weather, publications, aids to navigation, and tides and currents.  This short introduction goes over the type of information that you can expect to see on your exams.  The attached resources give you an idea of the questions you may be asked and include some sample exams.  In the next lecture, there is a discussion about aids to navigation which gives you an idea of the level of knowledge required in your studies. 

This is a sample lecture from the Navigation General category.  It describes the USA aids to navigation system and is designed to give you an idea of the level of knowledge required if you self-study.  This is often the longest module in Captain's License courses at around 25 hours, so plan accordingly in your study time!

The deck general category deals with blocks, tackle, shiphandling, and towing.  This video describes the topics you are expected to know for your exam, and the attached resources give you an idea of the questions you can see on your test.  In the next lecture, there is a sample discussion from the deck general category. 

This is a sample lecture from the deck general category, which describes the dangers of towing.  It is meant to give you an idea of the level of knowledge required when self-studying in this category.  Deck General is usually the shortest category in captain's license classes at around 12 hours and the best strategy is usually to study lots and lots of questions. 

The chart plotting topic tests your ability to plot your position, course and speed and navigate safely.  The video discussion gives an overview of testable topics and the attached resources give you an idea of the questions you can see on your exam.  The next lecture is a sample discussion from the chart plotting category dealing with plotting equipment.

This is a sample discussion from the chart plotting section and gives you an idea of the level of knowledge required for USCG exams.  This discussion is about plotting tools and equipment needed to solve USCG problems.  Captain's license courses usually spend about 20 hours on plotting, so you can plan accordingly in your self-study timeline. 

The Rules of the Road topic is generally the hardest for many boaters because it is like a new language.  This video describes the extent of your exam, and the attached resources include copious amounts of sample questions and learning resources.  In the next lecture, there is a sample discussion about Rule 19, the restricted visibility rule, which is one of over thirty rules that are testable on your exam. 

This is a brief discussion about Rule 19, the restricted visibility rule in the nautical Rules of the Road. This gives you insight into the level of knowledge required on your exams.  Captain's license courses usually spend about 18 hours on the Rules of the Road, so you can plan your studying accordingly.