CaptCasey

Just stumbled over some information that I am looking into. There appears to be 4 small schools in the US that offer the 6 Pak course online. All you have to do is go to an approved school (most likely the one posting the online course) and sit for the test.



We are talking to the NMC (National Maritime Center) to find out what we need to do to be able to offer this in our area.



Having taught now for over 4 years in Pensacola, I know a lot of you guys have to take time off of work to come to the school. In all honesty, I really feel this is the best method. If you have questions they get answered.



I can only speculate at the moment on how this will go down but I assure you that I will wear it out once I find out if we can do it.



I still would hope that most people would prefer the class room environment but with the world in the shape that it is in now, many of us hold down 2 jobs just to feed family and our passions.



It may serve some well but I fear it may hurt some.



We will keep you posted on what we find out.





Capt. Casey Bunton

Passport Marine

3535 W. Fairfield Dr.

Pensacola, FL. 32505

850.455.8833

bluffman2

while that would be great for someone to get their license,i still think classroom AND ACTUAL time would be a better way to get licensed...just my .02

Gump

You will still have to have "ACTUAL" Sea Time, but the online study course will keep you from having to sit in a classroom. It will NOT get you out of having to test, but it will allow you to go at your own pace within a year.

bluffman2

ok if you are going to fly ..would you want someone who took their pilots test online or in a classroom with hands on instruction?, with actual flight time???

CaptCasey

Yeah, what GUMP said. I should have made that clear in the beginning. You will still have to acquire the sea time to apply for the license. This course would be just like some of the Captain's courses you see on the net the only difference is that instead of having to go test at the Coast Guard, you would be able to test at the facility that offered the online course.



The only added benefit that I can see with this program is for the time challenged folks, like most of us. Everything else is the same.



Like I said, I don't have all of the fine details but as soon as I do, you guys and gals will.



Capt. Casey

CaptCasey

YOU have never REALLY had to sit in a class to get a license. YOU DO have to provide sea time and pass the test at the Coast Guard. Just putting the word on the street there may be an alternative to sitting in the class room.



Didn't want to produce anything stupid. Just trying to pass the word.

BLKFLYZ

Theres nothing like sitting in a class listening to a professional instructor like Capt. Casey!! You can and will learn far more about laws and life in general in the class. Nothing else you get to listen to Casey's bad jokes and entertainment from "Chopper"! LoL

bluffman2

i agree 100%

but read his first post and he is talking about implementing online courses

Gump

Casey is an excellent Captain, and I enjoy working with him. I sometimes question his tactics with regards to Stability! We have nicknamed him Capt List.

Gump

Guys,.. classroom time is all fine and dandy, but you have NEVER had to have it in order to get a license. The only thing that an approved school does is get you out of testing at the USCG. I agree that getting instruction is great especially with a good instructor, but it is NOT REQUIRED, and never has been. This online thing will just be another option for individuals who do not have 2 weeks to sit in a classroom.



Personally, I think that all Mariners should be required to test at the USCG.