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Coast Guard Course?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Beau, Feb 20, 2019.

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  1. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Anybody recently taken a CG certified training course? Was it worth it. Or is the just 'jump in" approach still the way to go?
  2. Zud

    Zud Senior Member

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    Please take some kind of course
  3. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    What course do you mean exactly? Are you talking about for a USCG license, or a USCG auxillary safe boating course?
  4. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I have I was wondering if they are still worthwhile. Did you take one? Sounds like you did and were favorable impressed?
  5. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I was thinking about the basic rules and seamanship type courses like safe boating. Have people benefitted, or do they think it a waste of time?
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2019
  6. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    You ALWAYS benefit spending time with an experienced person. And, your insurance will like it too. Depending on the size of your vessel that can be quite a few $$.
  7. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    So you've been around a while and know the rules etc. I was interested in first guys how have bought that 25 CC. If you're buying an Azimut your going to have to have a captain's training for insurance. But that's not my question.
  8. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes, it can always be a benefit. There are a lot of situations I see with long term boaters that don't understand the basic rules of the road. Things like right of way, who goes through a bridge first (those with the current behind them), and these people can create a lot of havoc. What one whistle is and in which situation. Just studying the USCG nav rules book can be beneficial. Getting your USCG license is also beneficial, but several hoops to jump through aside from the course.....physical....drug test....twic card.....etc. etc.
  9. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    No responses from any guys who have recently gone thru the course I notice. Do I infer that it its not done anymore?
  10. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes, It is still done. Are you referring to a course like at MPT? You learn some things. The course is a little rushed, but you do get books that you can study through thoroughly later.
  11. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    "experienced person?" Is that a qualified captain , the owner next to you, or a classroom instructor?
  12. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I know that we gals/guys who have driven for a while benefit, but what about the first time user?
  13. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes, a first time user will benefit. You will also benefit because you will make friends and contacts from the course. But yes, you will learn a lot of things, from plotting courses, to rules of the road, a lot of skills, and on and on. It is well worth it. Go for the 100 ton master course instead of the OUPV if you're going to do it.
  14. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Whos on the 100 ton, Ive been declaring that this is the year I will get my "6 pack" for the last 30
  15. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Hey you guys/gals who have taken the course recently, did you benefit?
  16. motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    If 15 years ago qualifies as recent then yes. It was a 2 week course that was challenging for me, but I left with a 50 ton near coastal license. Yes there was a definite benefit for me. The requirements are somewhat burdensome. The TWIC card is a PIA and you have to pass a CPR course and get a physical every 5 years. The course was for 2 weeks so that is a factor as well. But no doubt I benefited. I didn’t retain all that I learned but I now know where to look to answer questions, etc.
  17. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    what about those who have taken the entry level as new boaters. I'm interested as to whether they feel they benefitted??
  18. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    If I wasn't still having good, meaningful private mail exchanges not involving this site I would not be bothering you all this late!

    Some day I will retire, but not too soon!
  19. Zud

    Zud Senior Member

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    Beau,
    Yes, I guess I have my 6 pack license for three years now (will never use it in an official capacity, but I have it). I took the course and got my license before I got my new boat. All of my "time" was on friends boats or my previous boat. Motoryacht lover is correct, the TWIC card and drug test and ... is all a PITA but you are not required to get all that crap if you just take the class for knowledge. As a new boater (larger size) i felt that the information was invaluable. I would hope that when we meet in the harbor channel that you have some knowlege of the Rules of the Road, radio etiquette and general boating knowledge. Makes it easier and safer for those of us who play by the rules.
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2019
  20. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    You're not here for answers are you? :confused: