[Norseman]

Coming up on the magic date again.

Guess I have the choice of taking a test or documenting sea-time?

Last time, 5 years ago I had enough recent sea-time to not only renew
but also to upgrade from 50 to 100 tons.

This time I am pretty lean on recent experience and will have to dig pretty
deep to find enough days @ sea.

Question: How is the test? Same as initial or an easier and perhaps "open book" test....?

I do have a few months left and could get the sea-time by taking my boat to the Exumas for 4 weeks and do other stuff to get the required time, but curious on the test or exam..Anybody done that one recently?

Located Fort Lauderdale, this will be the 4th issue.

[Capt J]

The test has not changed much. But, if you have the proper seatime all you have to do is submit it. Which is much easier, but taking the test and studying for it would not be time wasted either IMO. Don't forget you also need to get a TWIC card before renewing which takes about 4 weeks, between scheduling your first visit and waiting for the card to come in and scheduling another appointment to re-instate it. As well as the drug test and physical.

[CaptPKilbride]

I have been reading reports on another board that there are very long turnaround times due to the paperwork going to a central processing center as opposed to review in your local REC. Get the stuff in way ahead of time.

[Norseman]

Don't forget you also need to get a TWIC card before renewing which takes about 4 weeks,

Got that already..Thanks for the reminder to bring it though..

The test has not changed much.

Same test as initial..?
(Was hoping the renewal test would be easier, OR "Open BooK"...Not ?)

Speaking of sea time...I forgot: 90 days in 5 years or 360 days in 5 years or what..? (Yeah I could go to the USCG web page but this is easier...Lazy is my middle name.. )

[Capt J]

Originally Posted by CaptPKilbride

I have been reading reports on another board that there are very long turnaround times due to the paperwork going to a central processing center as opposed to review in your local REC. Get the stuff in way ahead of time.

I went to the Miami center for my renewal and they didn't even ask to see my TWIC card. Nor a copy of it for my renewal. They did do fingerprints at the Miami office.

My turnaround time was less then 10 days from when I submitted my license renewal until I had my renewed license in the mail. But, I had over 1,000 days of documented seatime from several sources which might have helped pass it through quick because they didn't have to research it much.

I didn't think the initial 100 ton test was very difficult. I scored over 95% in every portion. But, I think the test is the same as the initial.

[Norseman]

I didn't think the initial 100 ton test was very difficult. I scored over 95% in every portion. But, I think the test is the same as the initial

Uh okay...I scored good on the initial test as well, but I sure as hell don't want to do it again: Hard work it was.

(Acutally I screwed up: Got my 6-pack in St. Croix back in 1986, then 5 years later I let it expire. Went to school for my 50 ton in 1999 and realized the test, etc had changed..Much more difficult this time around and I had to cram for the exam...Not good.. )

[NYCAP123]

Same test as initial..?
(Was hoping the renewal test would be easier, OR "Open BooK"...Not ?)

Hey Norseman,
It is open book, but "comprehensive". you should find the requirements here:

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/renewal_guide.asp#rr

[Pascal]

I'm pretty sure the USCG transfered all license processing to a central location a year or two ago supposedly to improve processing times (it was 3 to 4 months in Miami a couple of years ago); last year it was down to around a month.

the tests are a joke, whether the OUPV or the 100T. The only thing about the 100T is that there are a few things you never use and forget quickly (like load lines and stability questions) so you may want to brush up on that. For the 100T, a good chunk of the questions cover regulations (equiment, etc...) and that part is open book using CFRs.

I assume that for a 100T renewal they will include OPUV stuff like nav rules, and even thought that test requires a 90% passign score, it should be easy for just about anyone with minimum time on the water.

[Norseman]

Okay and thanks Gents.

Will have to ask around what they mean with comprehensive...

Don't have enough sea-time this time around to log 360 days, only done a few Exuma cruises on my boat and a few local deliveries now and then, nothing big and nothing full-time..

so you may want to brush up on that.

I need to brush up on everything, heck I have to move my lips when I read "Red-Right-Returning"

I saw on the USCG page Capt. New York provided above that one can do an "approved" refresher course in lieu of an exam or the required sea-time, will shop around for such a course and hopefully it will not be too "Comprehensive"

Thanks again and beer is on me....(After I get my ticket renewed. )

[NYCAP123]

I'd assume Sea School will have it.

[Norseman]

I'd assume Sea School will have it.

Yeah, and we also have this one

http://www.mptusa.com/

Did my course there 10 years ago and was pretty impressed with the organization.

Been there many times since to look at the job-board and to get another T-shirt.
(We were told the day before the final exam that it would be good luck to purchase a company T-shirt from the onboard store..The teacher said so with a stern face, and most of us bought the T-shirt because, uh, ya never know... )

I passed with a good grade and get another T-shirt every 2 or 3 years for good measure, and to chat with the friendly staff about this, that and the other.
The place feel like home..Highly recommended and I hope they run one of these courses pretty soon.

Best of all, they are only 5 minuttes from my house.

I could and should have stopped by to ask about the renewal, but did it on this here board instead...
Got a free T-shirt here after all, thanks Carl.

[NYCAP123]

Um, about that job board...

Don't have enough sea-time this time around to log 360 days, only done a few Exuma cruises on my boat and a few local deliveries now and then, nothing big and nothing full-time..

[Norseman]

Um, about that job board...

yeah, yeah..I know..

Not too active in the Yachting business these days.

My primary gig is flying airplanes and the last 4 or 5 years I have been airborne with a pay-check, hence not enough boating to keep meh ticket valid..

That being said, a few years ago there was plenty jobs here in Fort Lauderdale: Some of the jobs was driving boats, but many more deck-hand and non-skilled..Great opportunity for a youngster wanting to get some sea time and make a few bucks while learing the trade.

Quiet lately however: Broker and surveyor friends are on a diet these days..So are the yards: In the past there was a waiting list for yard hauls and contractors and high-end carpenters. Nowadays you don't have to wait long for experts and contractors to call ya back.

[K1W1]

Originally Posted by Norseman

Quiet lately however: Broker and surveyor friends are on a diet these days..So are the yards: In the past there was a waiting list for yard hauls and contractors and high-end carpenters. Nowadays you don't have to wait long for experts and contractors to call ya back.

Hi,

Unfortunately,this is not something that is just confined to Sth Florida at the moment.

[Pascal]

Norseman

if you had helped your neighbor taking that beautiful sailboat to the bahamas, you would have had more days for your renewal