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capt. license question?

Discussion in 'Licensing & Education' started by davidg, Feb 26, 2007.

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  1. davidg

    davidg New Member

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    Can anyone help me with this question? I have a 200 ton masters USCG and My boss wants to buy a gigger boat but it looks like the one he wants will be registered as a 218 long ton vessel. With all the factors such as what flag and is it commmercial or private, I was hoping someone could tell me if I will be able to run this vessel without having to upgrade to 500 ton. I really appreciate any insight on this!!!
  2. Crewagency

    Crewagency Guest

    Licence upgrade

    If you hold only a 200 ton ticket and the new Yacht is more than 200 I think its logical that the Captain should have a ticket for a ship with 200++ tons.
    But some flag states and insurance companies accept also when you already booked your upgrade in a training school or you already hold the OOW ticket or the 3000 ton Chief Mate certificate and you only need additional seatime for the final oral examination.
  3. davidg

    davidg New Member

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    Thank you crew agency. I had plan on getting the 500ton but I wouldnt be able to get it before the purchase of the bigger boat. I quess that was what I was wondering. As a crew agency, if you managed a vessel would you put or could you put a Captain onboard a vessel in this scenario and the Captain was in the process of taking the required courses? Thanks again!
  4. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Tonnage Confusion

    For some reason the US doesn't comply with the international tonnage convention (ITC) rules and has there own tonnage ad-measurement. The Coast Guard has recognized this and made adjustments to licensing. Your 200 GRT USCG license is valid for up to 500 tons ITC. So check the document on the 218 ton vessel to see if it is US measurement or ITC. You'll likely find that an upgrade isn't required.
  5. nas130

    nas130 Member

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    I have also heard the USCG allows the master to go 10% over their license in tonnage, but cannot confirm this info.

    I worked on a boat that was 222GRT with a captain that held a 100T license.

    Keep us posted on how you make out.

    nas
  6. davidg

    davidg New Member

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    Thanks so much for your comments. As soon as I find any info. I will surely let everyone know. I too know of a captain who runs a 130' westport that is suppose to be registered 298 tons and he was approved to operate it by the ins. company with only his 200 ton.
  7. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Huh..?
    That is interesting news.

    Wonder what my 100 ton USCG ticket us good for under the ITC?
  8. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    100 tons ITC. They don't start to recognize the difference until you reach the 200 ton mark.
  9. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Thanks for that.

    I should upgrade to 200 tons anyway.
    I live only 5 minuttes away from the MPT school here in Ft. Lauderdale and my brain has been idle for too long...

    Lemme see, first the celestial nav course, then uh, never mind, going back to sleep.....:D
  10. davidg

    davidg New Member

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    Thanks for your help Ken. What exactly is the ITC part? Is it if a boat is registered(lets say) Cayman Flag. I just dont know what the comparison is from GT to ITC. I called the Miami REC and I can hardly understand them but one person there told me something and to this date I still dont understand what she said. I just fiqured it would be to good to be true that Im legal to operate a vessel that is foriegn flagged and its up to 500 tons. One would think though that if a vessel is registered in another country other than th US, and its reg. stated it was 300 gross tons , then the 200 masters.500 ITC would be ok. Any thoughts???
  11. ychtcptn

    ychtcptn Senior Member

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    Once upon a time when I was a junior Captain I had a 100 ton ticket and my boss went from a 100' broward less than 100 tons to a 250 ton vessel. The insurance company signed off, until we took it across the pond. They made me take someone with more experience for the crossing, then let me roam the Med. by myself. When it came time to come home, we were in Istanbul, and when I described where we were and had been, they gave me the green light to go wherever I wanted. It was a private boat and foreign flag so the USCG had no input.
    I would be more concerned with the Insurance Co. today! If you have been reading the Triton you will be up to date. From my own experience I had an opportunity on a 146' and the insurance co. (chubb) at first said I needed to have run a boat that is at least 80% the size of the boat I was moving up to. ( even though I hold a 1600 Oceans) I had an insurance veteran help me re-do my resume, focusing on my travels, sea time, crew and guests I have been in charge of. My suggestion is to polish up the resume with as much sea time and travel time as possible, forget the management and fluff for owners.
    In the end I was told that Chubb would not out of hand turn me down for up to 150'.
    Talk with your insurance agent now and get ahead of the game before the sale goes thru.
  12. davidg

    davidg New Member

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    Thanks Ychtcptn, Thats great to hear. I do follow the Triton very much and it seems that in the last 2 years, you seem to hear alot more about this subject. I too believe in the Resume and sea time and waters traveled. I just hope that in the future, Insurance companies and The USCG and all other agencies keep that in mind as well. There are Captains that might only have a 200 ton because they want to stay in the 120ft. range like myself. And like myself, when you have found a wonderful family to work for and they make a jump from 100' to 120' or 130' and insist that you be their Captain, thats where the changes take place. I will get my 500ton but as you all know it doesnt happen over night. By the time you get your courses in line and take the Coast Gaurd Exam and are issued the license, it could be over a year before its in your hand. Anyway, thanks again for all your comments! Look forward to hearing others.....