Chicago, IL 200 Ton Mate with possible Master Upgrade 11/18/23

If you have time on a vessel over 67 gross tons, it is time to upgrade to Mate 200 Ton. Why? It is an easy way to get your 200 Ton Master license.  

NOTE: Based on sea service and minimum of 360 days operating with a officer credential you can upgrade to a Masters license for the same route, based solely on sea service time.

Here is the cfr for this process  46 cfr 11.903  (c) The following officer endorsements do not require examinations:

(3) Master of oceans or near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT, when upgrading from mate of near-coastal self-propelled vessels of less than 200 GRT. (5) Master of Great Lakes and inland vessels, or river vessels of less than 200 GRT when upgrading from mate of less than 200 GRT on the same route.

HOWEVER: it is very important you make the correct request on your license application. It needs to read:

"I am requesting a raise in grade from oupv NC to a less than 200 ton mate NC per the attached course certificate.

If you have a masters and upgrading to the mate, then wording is a little different. "I am requesting a change is scope to a mate less than 200 tons for the same route per the attached course certificate.

To the above statment add below it "I am also requesting a raise in grade from mate 200 ton to a 200 ton masters based on my sea service per 46 cfr 11.903(c)(3) or (5)"

This way you are not requesting a 200 ton master on the 200 ton mate course certificate but per the sea service as a separate request.

Class Fee: $325  Includes all instruction, course materials.  Exams are given on site.

Payment Options: Credit or Cash. Payment in full is required 7 days before class start date.

Location: M/V Fred A. Busse,  111 N Lakeshore Dr. Chicago, IL.   Class will be at the Columbia Yacht Club upper deck banquet tent.

Hours:  This is a 12 hour course.  Attendance of all 12 hours is requred.

Important: The first set of exams are included in the price of the course.  If a re-take is needed, there will be a $50 proctor fee per student, per session.