Classes Offered | Explorers Guide Midwest

USCG Approved Courses

The USCG-Approved OUPV 6 Pack Captains License lets you take 6 passengers for-hire, plus crew, on your vessel. The course was designed for Captains working and boating on federal waters with passengers for hire. This includes duck hunters, tours, fishing and similar activities.

OUPV Captains License -
Inland, Great Lakes or Near Coastal Routes

Time to upgrade your OUPV license to 100 Ton Masters License? Explorers Guide can help you do it. Your sea service determines both the route and tonnage for your license. The routes include Inland, Great Lakes, and Near Coastal.

OUPV Upgrade to 100 Ton Masters Captains License Near Coastal, Inland, or Great Lakes

If you have time on a vessel over 67 gross tons, it is time to upgrade to Mate 200 Ton. It is an easy way to get your 200 Ton Master license. This course is for a Mates Endorsement up to 200 Tons, based on your sea service and our 70 question exam.

OUPV to Mate 200 Ton Endorsement

Our Able Seaman course includes Deck Safety, Rules of the Road, and Navigation General. You must still obtain the Lifeboatman portion for your endorsement. This course is not PSC. This course covers the AB rating for vessels without lifeboats. The course also includes the USCG Approved practical demonstration of competency in knot tying and splicing.

Able Seaman

This assistance towing endorsement is a added to your captains license. The Assistance Towing Endorsement is for boat Captains who would tow vessels for a fee. Captains are required by the USCG to hold an Assistance Towing Endorsement on their credential to be able to assist vessels that have run aground, are disabled, or have run out of fuel.

Assistance Towing
Captains License Endorsement

CPR/First Aid is required to obtain a Mariner Credential. We offer the American Red Cross Blended courses. Once registered, you will be emailed online access to the course. Required skills checks are done at any of our scheduled courses. You do not need to be enrolled in a Captain's Course for CPR. For skills check outside any of our scheduled classes, please contact us for arrangements prior to purchase.

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification

A commercial radio operator license is required to operate the following:

Ship radio stations if:
- the vessel carries more than six passengers for hire; or
- the radio operates on medium frequencies (MF) or high frequencies (HF); or
- the ship sails to foreign ports; or
- the ship station transmits radiotelegraphy; or
- the ship is larger than 300 gross tons and is required by law to carry a radio station for safety purposes.

On-Line MROP (Marine Radio Operators Permit)

Chart Your Course with Explorers Guide

Become a Licensed Captain!

Ready to take the helm of your own vessel? Explorers Guide offers USCG-approved Captain's License courses to suit your needs. Whether you're a recreational boater or aspiring marine professional, our expert instructors will guide you through the process.

Why Choose Explorers Guide?

Personalized Learning: Benefit from one-on-one interaction with your instructor and fellow students.
Flexible Scheduling: Our classes are designed to fit your busy lifestyle, with weekend options.
Engaging Instruction: Our experienced instructors use practical props and create a focused learning environment.
Dedicated Support: We're committed to your success. Additional mentoring is available to ensure you fully understand the material.
Affordable Options: Financing is available to help you achieve your goals.
Don't Wait, Navigate Your Future!