scubasteve03
Registered
I am strongly considering a career change to become a licensed Captain. I would mostly like to work on dive boats and live-aboards. I realize I will have to start out as a mate,and Im more than willing to pay my dues. I have owned my own boats for 20 years and have spent tons of time on them, so I already have all the sea hours I need. My first question is in regards to taking the Captains classes online vs. going to a mariner's school. I currently live inland and have a full time job, so traveling to attend school for 1-2 weeks does pose some problems, but is possible. I want to do this right. Im not looking to just pass the test; I want to get as much well- rounded knowledge as I can. I was thinking that maybe a hands-on education at a well-respected mariners school might be a better way to get this well rounded knowledge, but maybe not. Any advice on a good school? It seems that Mariners Learning System is a well-respected online school. As far as mariners schools, I have looked into Maritime Professional Training and Chapman School of Seamanship. Anybody familiar with either of these or any others, that could give me a little insight as to how well they prepare their students for the real world of maritime employment.
I also wanted to know if there are any other courses/certifications I could get that would help me gain employment and be a better Captain. I am a master diver, and plan to become of dive master, or even a dive instructor. I also noticed that some of the mariners schools offer other Merchant Marine courses/certifications such as STCW Safety Training, Able Bodied Seaman, Radar/Navigation, etc. Would any of these types of classes be helpful for me to take? Which ones? With 20 years experience on the water, I have a ton of practical knowledge, but know I can use more formal training in this area. Is there anything else I can do that could help me become a better Captain? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.<o></o>
I also wanted to know if there are any other courses/certifications I could get that would help me gain employment and be a better Captain. I am a master diver, and plan to become of dive master, or even a dive instructor. I also noticed that some of the mariners schools offer other Merchant Marine courses/certifications such as STCW Safety Training, Able Bodied Seaman, Radar/Navigation, etc. Would any of these types of classes be helpful for me to take? Which ones? With 20 years experience on the water, I have a ton of practical knowledge, but know I can use more formal training in this area. Is there anything else I can do that could help me become a better Captain? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.<o></o>