I have been tinkering with the idea of getting my captian's license lately. I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and wondered if anyone knew a place close by where I could get the info about doing it.

Or if anyone had any insight to this, I would welcome the feedback. Such as what to expect, what I needed to do, and any special requirements.

I have looked around the net a little, but dont find much in Michigan, and the requirements are a bit confusing to me.

Dreamer,
You should talk to Brent, the driver of the Duck in Saugatuck. I dont have his number, but he has a captains license. Not sure, but he should be listed..

Hope that helps.
Dick

Thanks for the heads up Dick, I will try to find him this summer.

What kind of license you trying to get?

Call these people, Maritime Institute, 1-888-262-8020. they have all the answers.
I can tell you one thing, it's not easy getting a capains license, any kind of captain's license, good luck.

Pre 9/11 is wasn't so hard. Now Homeland Security is involved and the laws of the water are changing daily.
Good luck bro.

Chuck

Quite honestly, I am trying to get this done now, so I have it later in life. Call it looking long term toward a day when I dont have to do this job every day. I would like to try and shuttle boats up the coast in my retirement, and I figure the sooner I get this portion done the better. Yeah, I am a dreamer.....

a friend of mine got his 100 tonne licence up in newport a couple years ago, I don't think it was all that hard, last time I looked I think the course was like $1500 in florida

1500 isnt bad....considering that by the time I want to really put it to much use it will probably be more then that, and only available if your willing to be RFID tagged. :lol:

What you have to have is "sea time". You have to have so many days working on a boat that qualifies for the tonnage license you are trying to get.

I have been a 500 ton licensed Master for almost 13 years so I am speaking from experience. You need 480 twelve hour days on deck before you qualify for a 100 ton license.

Call this number, 985-537-1222, and speak to Mrs. Theresa. She will be able to tell you exactly what you need to get a 100 ton license.

Also, $1500.00 sounds high to me. The most I ever paid for a license upgrade was $1000.00 and that included radar endorsement.

Chuck