25/50/100-Ton Master Captain's License - Online Course and Exam

The USCG 25/50/100 Ton Master Captain's License allows you to perform the duties of an OUPV/Charter Boat Captain and also operate Inspected Passenger Vessels that are approved to carry seven or more passengers. In order to carry seven or more passengers "under sail" a Sailing Endorsement is also required.

The 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam includes:

• 12 month's access to complete the course and pass the final exam ONLINE
• Full-sized Long Island Sound Training Chart – 12354TR
• Official Test Packet for your original attempt at the Chart Plotting final exam 
• Red MLS Carrying Bag

The Deluxe Edition option contains what is in the base Online Course and Exam, plus a Deluxe Navigators Tool Set:

• Dividers
• Parallels
• Calculator
• Magnifier
• Notepad
• Sharpener
• Eraser
• Two Pencils

Instead of a red MLS Carrying Bag, you will receive a blue one!

The Assistance Towing Endorsement Online Course and Exam and/or Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement Online Course and Exam can be purchased as an add-on to either the 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License Online Course and Exam or Deluxe Edition.

IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT OPEN the Official Test Packet for your original attempt at the Chart Plotting final exam until prompted to do so while taking the online exam. If opened/tampered with, the entire test will be scored as a failure and there will be a replacement fee. 

Physical materials are available for free shipping via USPS Priority Mail. Alternative shipping options are available at checkout for an additional cost.

The USCG Master License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that is certified (authorized) by the USCG to carry more than 6 paying passengers plus crew must have a Boat Captain who holds a 25/50/100 Ton Master license. Ferry boats, harbor tours boats, whale watch boats are examples of inspected vessels.

There are 3 different Master Licenses a mariner may qualify for such as the Master Inland or Master Near Coastal. Both the amount of sea service time and the size vessels you have been on will influence the license you are eligible for. Master licenses are tonnage rated at 25 GT (gross tons), 50 GT, or 100 GT.

You are not required to advance through the different licenses one at a time. If you meet the USCG requirements for the master 100GT Near Coastal, you'll get that license as your first license.

The 3 types of up to 100GT Master licenses are listed below along with the requirements:

• Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 16; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years. 
• Master Inland/OUPV Near Coastal: 360 days underway experience since age 16; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 90 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines.
• Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 16; 90 of those 720 days in the last 3 years; 360 of those 720 days outside the boundary lines.

Additional Requirements Include:

• Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card)
• Minimum age: 19 years old (U.S. Citizenship Required)
• Pass a Physical Examination
• Pass a DOT Drug Test unless enrolled in a USCG-approved random drug program for the last 185 days, and with no failure or refusal to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.
• Adult CPR/Basic First Aid training
• Completion of Mariners Learning System™ USCG-approved Master 25/50/100 Ton online course and final exam
• Complete a USCG Original License Application Package

No testing at the USCG Regional Exam Centers is necessary. All testing is done ONLINE through the MLS account.

Upon successful completion of the Mariners Learning System^™ online 25/50 or 100-Ton Master course, the student studies the materials and takes our proctored exam online. Once the student passes our multiple-choice exam, they will receive a Mariners Learning System^™ certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Simply submit, within one year, the original certificate along with the application package and applicable fees to the USCG Regional Exam Center. Upon their approval of your package, they will mail the license.

Module I - Navigation Rules of the Road

Part A - General
Section I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
Section III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Part C - Light s and Shapes
Part D - Sound and Light Signals
Differences between International and U.S. Inland Rules of the Road
Module II - Deck Safety

Fire Fighting
Marine Engine Operations
Marine Radiotelephone
Lifesaving Equipment
Pollution Prevention
Module III - Deck General

Basic Seamanship
Characteristics of Weather systems
Ship Handling
Emergency Procedures
Maritime Law
Module IV - Piloting and General Navigation

Piloting
Compasses
Plotting
Tides and Currents
Approaches to Anchorages and Harbors
Electronic Navigation Equipment
Module V - Seamanship

Purchases, Blocks and Tackle
Vessel Handling in Rivers and Estuaries
Dragging, Clearing Fouled Anchors
Maneuvering for Launching of Lifeboats And Lifeboats in Heavy Weather
Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats or Lifecrafts
Towing Operations
Module VI - Boat Characteristics

Principles of Ship Construction
Trim and Stability
Module VII - Fire Prevention and Firefighting Appliances

Fire Prevention and Chemistry of Fire
Basic Fire Fighting - Extinguishing Agents
Organization of Fire Drills
Fire Fighting Systems
Fire Fighting Equipment and Regulations for T-Boats
Module VIII - Ships Business

Rules and Regulations for T-Boats
Shipment, Discharge and Manning
Certificates and Documents Required
Load Lines
Module IX - Shipboard Management and Training

Ship Sanitation
Principles of Damage Control Including Vessel Alteration and Repair
Shipboard Safety Management
Module X - Lifesaving

Survival at Sea
Lifesaving Appliance Regulations and Operations for T-Boats

Students must have a high-speed Internet connection and an up-to-date desktop or laptop with a webcam and microphone. Also, students must have the ability to download software through the MLS account. This is required to access the exam.

When testing online for the proctored exam, students will be required to display a legible photocopy of their Coast Guard recognized photo identification to the computer screen. The student will be required to complete the course evaluation form prior to testing. These copies will be retained for our records per USCG requirements.

The list of acceptable forms of photo identification includes:

• U.S. driver’s license
• U.S. Passport
• Foreign Passport
• Law enforcement credential, with photograph of the applicant, issued by Federal, State, or local government
• U.S. Military identification card
• Official identification card issued by a State, or local government
• Official identification card issued by the Federal Government
• Merchant Marine Document issued after February 3, 2003

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to provide a clear and legible copy of identification. If an ID is not provided and/or MLS is unable to read the copy, it will result in a failure. No exceptions per Coast Guard policy. No other forms of identification will be accepted.