ColPac Maritime School Approved Classes
Columbia Pacific (ColPac) Maritime school provides USCG (United States Coast Guard) approved classes for all vessels of less than 200-GRT, including uninspected 6-pack passenger vessels, inspected T-Boat passenger vessels carrying up to 150-passengers, Subchapter M Towing vessels, and other crew boats, workboats, ferry boats, supply boats, and oil spill response boats less than 200-GRT. In short, our approved classes include:
Master 100-ton (includes the OUPV 6-pack captain) Class.
Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing Class.
Radar Observer Unlimited Class.
To explain, the term “US Coast Guard Approved Class” means that the USCG National Maritime Center (NMC) has approved these classes for meeting the exam requirements without taking the exams at the Coast Guard Regional Exam Center (REC).
Columbia Pacific (ColPac) Maritime School complete class list with prices >>
Approved Classes for Deck Licenses
Master 100-ton Class (includes the OUPV 6-pack captain)
The 6-pack (OUPV) is the most popular captain license for fishing guides. It is also popular with the operators of small boats providing eco-tours. To clarify, this captain may carry up to six passengers on a powerboat of less than 100-GRT, about 65-feet. Additionally, the boat may operate on an inland or a near coastal ocean route, depending on the applicant’s own experience.
The Master 100-ton is issued with a 25, 50, or 100-ton limitations, depending on the applicant’s experience. To clarify, the Master is a superior captain license to the 6-pack. Meaning, holder of a Master 25, 50, or 100-ton license may operate any 6-pack within the route limitations on their license. And, in addition, they may operate inspected vessels carrying more than 6-passengers. And, even more, the Master may operate crew-boats, workboats, supply boats, ferries, and most other types of vessels too. All within the tonnage and route limitations on their Master license.
To summarize, the Master 100-ton class will satisfy the exam requirements for Master 25, 50, or 100-ton AND for the OUPV 6-pack captain license, both with either an Inland or Near Coast Ocean route.
More about the Master 100-ton Class >>
Here are some links with more information.
Which License: OUPV or Master? >>
How to get a captain’s license (MM-SEAS) >>
How to Renew a Captain License (MM-SEAS) >>
Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class
Consequently, if you have experience on vessels greater than 67-tons you may qualify for a 200-ton limitation on your license. There are several reasons for upgrading a 100-ton to a 200-ton license.
Firstly, having a 200-ton license provides more employment opportunities. Meaning, you are no longer limited to vessels less than 100-GRT. It also shows that you have experience on larger vessels.
Secondly, the Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class is the second class in the three-class sequence for Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing. Meaning that you must demonstrate this level of knowledge and experience to qualify for a license to operate a tugboat or towboat.
More about the Upgrade 100 to 200-ton Class >>
Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing Class
Getting the Apprentice Mate (steersman) license is the first step to the wheelhouse of a towing vessel. To explain, it takes a minimum of 4-years (48-months) of experience to become a tugboat captain. But it is not just 4-years of experience on deck. It is 4-years of training, learning, and doing.
Firstly, you get a job on a tugboat as a deckhand. And then after gaining18-months (540-days) of experience as a deckhand you can apply for the Apprentice Mate (steersman) of Towing license. More about how to get a job on a boat. >>
Secondly, the Apprentice Mate is a training license to prepare you the Mate (pilot) of Towing job. You will continue to work as a deckhand while learning the Mates job and completing the Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR). And then, after gaining12-months (360-days) experience while holding the Apprentice Mate and completing the TOAR for the route you can apply for Mate (Pilot) of Towing.
Lastly, after gaining 18-months (540-days) experience as Mate (pilot) of Towing you can apply for Master of Towing.
More about the Apprentice Mate (steersman) Class >>
Here are some links for additional information on towing vessel licenses.
Radar Observer Unlimited
To work as Master or Mate on a towing vessel 26-feet in length or greater, or on an inspected vessel greater than 300-GRT, the mariner must have Radar Observer. Firstly, this class includes instruction and STCW assessments in:
- Firstly, the theory and operation of Radar.
- Secondly, the setup and operation of radar in different weather conditions.
- Thirdly, radar navigation, including the use of navigation lines (parallel index lines).
- Fourthly, collision avoidance in compliance with the COLREGS (Rules of the Road).
More about the Radar Observer Unlimited Class >>
We also offer a one-day Radar Recertification (renewal) class. Download our FREE Radar Renewal Workbook. And then give us a call to schedule your one-day radar renewal class.
Approved Class for Deck Ratings
Able Body Seaman (AB) Class
To emphasize the importance of Able Body Seaman (AB) in the maritime industry the USCG has recently reduced the sea service experience requirements by half. To explain, you can now qualify for an AB Special with 180-days of experience on boats operating on the navigable waters of the USA. Furthermore, an AB Special is what it takes to work as a deckhand on a seagoing tug.
Here are some links for more information.
More about the Able Body Seaman (AB) Class >>
If you don’t have the experience for an AB, you can still start your maritime career by getting an Ordinary Seman (OS). The OS is an entry level (apprentice) position on seagoing vessels. Experience as an OS counts towards an AB. Additionally, it counts towards a Master or Mate license too. Here are some links that will help. Here are some links for more information.
Entry Level Mariner Application Support (MM-SEAS) >>
Tankerman PIC Class
The Tankerman PIC (person in charge) is responsible for the transfer of large amounts of hazardous liquids. To summarize, this Class meets the training and written exam requirements for Tankerman PIC.
More about the Tankerman-PIC Class >>
Here are some links for more information.