Program Description
Professional Boat Captains are responsible for piloting a variety of boats for commercial purposes such as charter boats, dinner cruises, water taxis, and assistance towing. Classes cover navigation, general deck safety, rules of the nautical road, lights, shapes and signals, and the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR). Classroom sessions include plotting courses on charts, tying knots, forecasting weather and handling fire situations along with various other emergency scenarios at sea.
The completion of these lessons prepares students for the Professional Boat Captain Coast Guard test. Successful candidates enjoy the responsibility and satisfaction associated with commanding a commercial passenger vessel. A Professional Boat Captain’s License is different from a Maryland Safe Boating Certificate.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 70. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:
- discuss the processes and procedures of safely and expertly piloting a commercial, 100 ton vehicle;
- read and understand maritime piloting markers and signs;
- use decision making skills necessary for a boat captain; and
- meet the certifying standards to receive a captain’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard.
CCBC Pathway
Business Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.
Program Credentials
CCBC Credential:
Students will earn a CCBC Workforce Training Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).
Students will be prepared to apply for a Professional Boat Captain license by the U.S. Coast Guard (testing is done in class).
Certifying Organization: U.S. Coast Guard www.gocoastguard.com
Financial Aid and Payment Options
We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.
Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students. Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program.
Program Length
5 weeks (evening and Saturday classes)
Courses are offered in Fall, Winter & Spring at CCBC Dundalk.
Program Requirements
The U.S. Coast Guard has several prerequisites for licensing, including:
- Age 19 or older
- U.S. Citizenship
- Possession of a TWIC card
- Physical Exam
- Drug Test
- CPR/First Aid
- Documentation of days of experience on a vessel
Prior Learning Assessment
This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.
Application Process
To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.
Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.
Program Course Sequence
Student must complete all course work.
Course Number | Course Title | Hours | Textbook Information (approximate cost; subject to change) | Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees |
VOA079 | U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s Licensing Course (MASTER 100 Tons) | 92 | Textbook is provided and included in the course costs. | $1,299 T-$390/F-$909 |
| CPR013 | CPR/First Aid Training | 8 | | $145
T-$44/F-$101 |
| Course Series Totals |
| 100 | | $1,444 T-$434/F-$1,010 |
Additional Information
Skills for Success:
Students must possess the ability to make prudent and rational decisions that affect the safety of others based on a changing environment.
Career Opportunities:
Captain of a Charter Boat, Water Taxi, Tour Boat and Boat Delivery.
Career Coach
Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.
Contact Information
For more information call our Call Center at 443-840-2222
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