Tuggings

How to get licensed to be a tugboat captain?

My fiance' has the goal of captaining a tugboat (in Oregon, if that matters). I've been looking over the US Coast Guard website for books he can use to study for the exams. Does anyone know any? And what, exactly, would be the title of the necessary license? I've seen some tugboat workers around on this site so this doesn't seem like a complete shot in the dark. :) He plans to work on the river - not the ocean.

Public Comments

1. You start as a deckhand and then you work your way up.
2. As Chuckles says you have to work your way up. He must begin by getting a 'Z' card enabling him to hire out on a USCG vessel. My suggestion would be to approach the relevant companies and express his ambitions. If they feel he is a suitable candidate they may put him in trainee program that would enable him to fast track the requirements. Specific numbers of 'days underway' are required in specific waters appropriate to the license obtained.
3. Does he have experience in operation of vessels? The towing license has three levels. Its is issued like other license, i.e. Oceans, Near Coastal, Great Lakes, Inland and Western Rivers. Limited restricts a license to certain routes and harbors. Entry level is, Apprentice Mate (Steersman). An OS or AB can apply for Apprentice Mate (Steersman) with 18 months sea time, 12 of the 18 months are requited to be on a towing vessel. Inland 3 months on each route. Advancement to Mate (Pilot), and then to Master requires no further examination, advancement is based on sea time, and TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) Good Tug captains are in demand, but it is a job that requires years of training and experience. USCG Requirement check list: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/checklists/MLD-FM-REC-134_Master_Towing.pdf More License info: http://hawsepipe.net/license/license.htm
4. He will have at least a 10 year buildup to Captain because becoming a boat captain requires PROVABLE experience.. He can contact any of the schools that train mariners and get all the information about licensing. Sea School and Houston Marine come to mind, but there are hundreds of schools that ready people for getting their licenses. I can't really add more to the already excellent answers.