6-pac

[cpasseno03]

Hi<br />I hope to go for a 6-pac license sometme this winter. Wondering if anyone could tell me a little more about it, or perhaps reccommend a place (nearest Cheboygan, MI) and what does it run these days? Most likely go thru one of those weekend class jobbys that cover everything and "garauntee you'll pass".<br />Thanks!<br />Craig

 

[Solittle]

Re: 6-pac

I think you will find that a little more than a couple of days "guarantee you pass" course are required. I'm sure you can find the specifics on the web and probably under Coast Guard. If I remember (senior moment-senior moment) you also have to demonstrate competance and experience in the water you plan to use it on. For example be able to demonstrate *** hours of experience over a *** period (6 months or a year come to mind) in Florida costal waters.<br /><br />When I looked into it many years ago the course(s) had to be Coast Guard approved and not some fly by night commercial course.<br /><br />Since the 6-pac allows you to take passangers for hire I'm sure that you would want to actually have the trsining and experience that you claim both for your passangers safety and your own - not to mention liability.

 

[JB]

Re: 6-pac

If I recall, you need to log (document) x hours as mate on a commercial boat, signed by a licensed Captain.

 

[Boatist]

Re: 6-pac

Craig<br />Not sure if it is the same all over but out here you must be certified and then have crewed for over 1 year or 365 days. Good luck.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: 6-pac

Good Morning!!! <br />You must be 19 years of age; must have 360 days experience in the operation vessels. You need proof of age, citizenship and ssn.; cpr & first aid training; DRUG test;physical examm; 3 character reference letters; sea service documentation and a Coast Guard approved course certificate.<br />Check this web site it may have a school near you.www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/marpers/examques.achome.htm <br />GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: 6-pac

I want to see someone retain that much information in a three day class. My class went for six days starting at 8:00 and leaving at 5:00. That was back in 75 when the tests weren't nearly as hard as now. Hardest test I've ever taken. I almost messed up about ten years ago when I let my license expire past the grace period. Had to go to New Orleans and retest on the Rules of the Road. Took three trys just to pass by the skin on my teeth. Now the six pack is some shorter that the test for tonnage that I took. But not that much shorter. I'm trying to remember if it was plotting that was dropped from the test for six pack or some other area of the test. Heck, for my towing endorsement I had to sit thru a six hour class before taking the test.

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: 6-pac

You have to have the requirements that flyrod mentioned but the 360 days of service is over the last 5 year period. You will have to document that and will need to show, copy of registration and owner's signature, if any of the time was on a boat other than your own. <br />It will take more time involved than a single weekend. I'd recommend to find a CG approved school. I believe some schools are allowed to give the exams themselves now. <br />Go to the Coast Guard web site and that will give you all the information on the requirements needed. Good luck.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: 6-pac

Capt. Ken and Wave are leading you in the right direction also. I also doubt that you can do this in 2 days.WATCH out for fly by nite schools.You pay 500.00 + for a 2 day crash course and they say that you have to go home and study and gve us a call when your ready.GO to a Coast Guard certified school and they will also give you the test.<br />The license is good for 5 years. It may be renewed within 12 months prior to expiration and 12 months following expiration.<br />You must have the original license on board at all times while carrying passengers.<br />The 365 days is over a 3 year period.<br />Six- Pack # of ? Score<br /> General/ safty 60 70<br />Rules of road 30 90 allowed 3 wrong<br />navigation general 20 70<br />navigation problems 10 70<br />It's a hard course It's a hard test. Good luck<br />It should be mandatory that every boater must know the rules of the road when operating a boat.<br />They add 10 more ?s to the 100 ton licsence.

 

[Jim Mrozik]

Re: 6-pac

For a detailed account of being a charter captain, from one who knows and is one, go to: www.michigansportsman.com It is authored by John King. He is out of Manistee, Michigan and can give you the scoop. He wrote an extensive and very informative article about it. This website has a lot of useful information for Great Lakes Fisherman. Check it out!