07/29/2026
Let's talk about setting up another captains licensing class here locally in the Jamestown/Russell Springs area this fall.
You are required to qualify for, test and be granted a Merchant Mariner's License whenever you are responsible for paying customers on the water. The license is issued by the US Coast Guard after you prove proficiency in understanding the maritime laws, Rules of the Road and other related material as well as having sufficient time behind the wheel of the size craft you are testing for.
So, if you want to be a fishing guide, towboat operator, water taxi driver, para-sail boat operator, tour guide on the water, drive a pontoon for the day for a bridal shower, etc.... if you are paid to be in the care of others on the water, either directly or as an employee of a company that is providing the service to their customers, you are required to be licensed.
If you fit this criteria and want to attend a class where you learn all the items you need to know. this class is for you. The class is put on by True Course Captains Service and is an all inclusive approach to being issued your license. The Coast Guard requires 40 hours in classroom time on all the items you will be tested on as well as the actual test being proxied and all the related items being presented for you as well. Expect to invest between $1500 -$2000+ in getting your license. Some of that is this class, some is a physical, some a background check, etc.
If you are interested, we need about 12-15 participants to make having the class here feasible. It will likely be the second week of October, or thereabouts. It is an intense class, so I'm not sure if they plan to run all 5 days altogether again, or break them up over a 2 week span. I will let you know about that. We tried last year, but only had 5 interested people at the time, so we had to scrub it.
So, if you are indeed ready and wanting to get your license, even if it just so people have to call you "Captain", I'd like to see you comment or call in to True Course at (937) 478-1947 to add your name to the list. Their website is www.truecourses.com for more information. I Have had several Marine Assist captains go through this process to obtain their licenses, which is why I endorse and help to facilitate this particular company.
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