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Which License and Quickest School?

Discussion in 'Licensing & Education' started by DOCKMASTER, Aug 10, 2025.

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  1. DOCKMASTER, Aug 10, 2025
    #1
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I’m thinking about getting my Master’s License just to make insurance easier. Which license level is recommended and what are the quickest online schools? My boat is registered as 60 GRT. I’ve been operating it for over 13 years now so I have hundreds of logged hours. I don’t need anything commercial. I’m also not expecting to learn anything new, although that would be a plus . Just looking to have the document to make things easier for insurance or other similar purposes. Should I get a 50 ton, a 25 ton, a 6-pack? Approximate cost? Am I correct in thinking this would be good to have? Thanks in advance for any info.
  2. Pascal, Aug 10, 2025
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    You need the OUPV before getting a master.

    rules have changed since I got my master. Back then you would get 1.5 times the tonnage you have experience on rounded up to the next level

    my 53 is 37 GRT so 1.5 times was just over 50 which got me straight to 100.

    I did tbe OUPV, 100 t and the the 200T at sea school FTL. Now you can do the OUPV on line. I can’t tell that I leaned anything. At least anything useful.
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  3. Capt J, Aug 10, 2025
    #3
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    No, you can still go straight to a master up to 100 gross tons. IF you can get a 100 ton near coastal master, that is what I would go with. USCG counts DAYS not hours, and your boat is large enough >561GRT for your seatime to qualify for a 100 GRT master. Here is the current USCG checklist and does not require holding another license first.

    mcp_fm_nmc5_15_web.pdf
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  4. SplashFl, Aug 11, 2025
    #4
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Are you sure it will "make insurance easier?" When I was shopping insurance about 2 yrs. ago I got the impression companies were mostly interested in experience and all but one wanted current survey.
  5. ranger58sb, Aug 11, 2025
    #5
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    I went straight to 100 GT, and any extra requirement over OUPV was minimal.

    I don't know whether it made insurance easier or not. I know it did NOT result in any lowered premiums; they said I'd already maxed out on "experience" points. This recent boat was a larger jump-up in size (by model name), but the insurance company apparently accepted that it wasn't such a huge leap if using actual LOA measurements...

    I did appreciate the extra learning, often more like solidifying stuff I already knew... or 'splainin' why some things are the way they are. I did classroom version, though, not online.

    -Chris
  6. Pascal, Aug 11, 2025
    #6
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Must have changed. 20 years ago I had to do the OUPV first
  7. DOCKMASTER, Aug 11, 2025
    #7
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    All great input - thanks everyone!

    I figured having something would help with insurance as they always ask if there is any certifications. Maybe that was just too rationale of an expectation for insurance companies? Why would they ask if they really don't care? (Somewhat rhetorical)
  8. Pascal, Aug 11, 2025
    #8
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I think where it may help is when it comes to jumping up in size. Some have mentioned having a hard time jumping over 10 - 15’ but I ve had no issue moving 20-25’ at a time.

    that said, there is really no logic to insurance criteria… so who knows.