Has anyone else had to wait two and a half months to have their credentials verified by a Professional Qualifications Evaluator for a Captains license? Has anyone tested recently that would like to share some tips?
yup. waiting since April. sent some e-mails but keep getting the same answer that the website gives. apparently there is a backlog. you'd think the CG could evaluate their shipmate's info pretty easily. someday...
2 1/2 months, no concern. I've had co-workers waiting and unable to work for 4-5 months. I had an 8 1/2 month delay for a simple renewal. THAT is a lot of lost income.
The process is in a state of disaster. Patience, hope you have your TWIC also.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mastersmate,
mastersmate i set up my twic appointment thinking that the timeline was solid for the license. oops! cancelled the appointment until after the license is here. for a new twic, there is a "discount" if you have an applicable background check already done. the license counts...oddly enough, my CG clearance does not. something is broken in WV...
It does take a while to get everything evaluated. I ended up calling old units to get a letter signed saying that I had been on the cutter for x number of days. Also used AOPS records, etc. I think I was lucky, because the REC I worked with was helpful. For the test, I'd recommend a book by Budd Gonder, called "The Coast Guard License: Six-Pack to 100 Tons Master". You can get it on Amazon. It really helped me. I went into the test without reading that book, and failed two sections of the total exam. After reading that book, I got a lot of tricks and information on how to use the CFRs, which are in the testing room at the REC. That book helped me understand the whole evaluations process much better, even though I had already done most of the preliminary steps. Re-took those two sections of the test, and passed. I really recommend that book, because there were some things on the test that I had never heard of before. Learned a lot throughout the whole process. Got my 100-ton license two years ago and still haven't actually used it, but I was real proud of that accomplishment. Good luck, and keep on top of your time u/w after getting the license, so you won't have too many issues when it comes time for renewal.
Alright, I'm interested in getting my 100-ton aswell, but unsure how to get the u/w time verified. Did 4 years active, all 4 u/w and with u/w ood. Who/Where do I contact to get a valid copy of my credentials/sea time that will suffice for what is required. Any help appreciated.
If you want an online version and have CG TA pay for it check out Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, They offer OUPV, 100ton, towing, sailing, & radar endorsements. They have a ton of proxy exams sites across the US, and your ESO can be one too. Hope this helps, I tried to enroll and fill out my TA but some dumba$$ reservist shut down my computer after I had went to eat lunch
Did you get an official transcript of sea service with your discharge packet ????
Find your u/w OOD, QMOW, BMOW, Helm, lookout qual letters
Check here with the Natl Maritime Ctr website. There are a number of dropdowns with all the info to get started. If you are in a n area close to a CG Regional Exam Center, give them a call for assistance.
Depending on the size of the cutter, you might also consider applying for the 200 ton Mate, Able Seaman document also. If you're going to spend the money, get the most for your buck.
By their tonnage formulas both the 87'(55grt) & 110'(67grt)should get you the 100 ton Master and maybe 200 ton Mate (may limit at 150 ton Mate). Definitely apply for the Able Seaman also. Reference NMC Policy letter 13-02 on your application. I'd be interested how they are handling that.
Your waters may be a sticking point. May want to be clear on what boundary is considered Inland and what is considered Oceans. Ive dug it out of the CFRs, if interested, I'll post your area.
Anyone looking for some inexpensive exam prep software for USCG exams should check out MarinerAdvancement.com I used it for my Chief Engineer license but they have Captains software also.
