All,
In the midst of everything else going on, I have signed up to take the exam to get my 6-pack next month. I am considering taking the Masters test at the same time.
Anyone else studing, or have their ticket? I would like to know what helped you study, and hear any advise you might have.
Thnx,
Quote from: s/v Faith on August 14, 2006, 04:27:15 PM
All,
In the midst of everything else going on, I have signed up to take the exam to get my 6-pack next month. I am considering taking the Masters test at the same time.
Anyone else studing, or have their ticket? I would like to know what helped you study, and hear any advise you might have.
Thnx,
You take a test to get a 6 pack? ???
I thought you just went to the store and paid for it
or
You did a lot of situps & crunches :-\
"Six Pack" is the slang term for the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel, OUPV, which is the most basic Captain's License one can get. It is called "six pack" because it licenses you to carry up to six passengers for hire.
Even at the "entry level" of Captain's Licenses, the Six Pack is very, very stringent. Anyone with that ticket has earned the title Captain. imo, both via sea-time and by passing a rather thorough written examination.
You can see the formal requirement just to apply here (http://www.maritimetesting.com/requirments.htm), and as you can see, is pretty stringent.
Oh yeah. I was thinking about going for that at some point.
I think I'd like to go for my six-pack at some point.
I KNOW I would, but right now it seems impossible if I am only logging about an average of about 1 legit sea day per month (if that). At that rate, it will take me 30 years to get my time, with no hope of getting 90 days in a three year period. :(
Also, when I first started logging my time, at least 4 hours constituted a day; now it is 8 hours (or so I recall being told by a licensed Captain - JimB on TSBB), but I think that I site I linked to said 6?? I'm very confused about this.
Also, for operators of their own vessel, they don't require logs or any kind of authentication. I really don't know how that is "measured," and I find it frustrating since I'm pretty sure I can pass the test (especially with a course), since I've done some of the practice questions available on the 'net. But, I'll be the first to admit that 'book learning' is not all (or even half) there is to seamanship, so I don't want to take the sea-time requirement lightly.
Can anyone explain it that has been through the process?
That's one of the reasons I want to get a cruiser more suited to longer term outings for my family of four; I can log sea-days quicker with a few 1-2-3 week cruises per year than day sailing (or weekending) here and there when my wife happens to get a three day weekend. ;)
My goal as it stands right now is to hit a point when I can do 2-3 month cruises; if I'm teaching again long term, then I should be able to keep summers free. One three month cruise per year and that sea time is less than four years away (adding in what I already have).
Why do I want a ticket? Just to get it, really. Sometimes I think about doing crewed charters, but EVERYTHING I've read about that has stated clearly that it is just not worth it - too much hassle and too little money (plus, when crunching my own numbers, I cannot see a way to make it profitable). It'd be cool to have it to do deliveries (to pad the cruising kitty) and stuff like that.
Quote from: s/v Faith on August 14, 2006, 04:27:15 PM
Anyone else studing, or have their ticket? I would like to know what helped you study, and hear any advise you might have.
You may have these already, but here are some 'net resources:
Boat US Boater's Safety Course (http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/) has some good general questions, including Rules of the Road and (very) basic navigation. Not a bad way to spend a few minutes, and you get a Certificate that you can present to a Boat US site to take the practical (without having to sit through the actual class).
Mariner's School (http://www.marinersschool.com/) has some practice tests from their actual OUPV test bank, but it requires a password.
There were others that I have used (I don't recall ever needing a pw) for practice tests, but cannot find them with Google now. One was fairly recenlty (sometime in 2006 iirc).
For practice navigation problems, Ocean Navigator Nav Problems (http://www.oceannavigator.com/browse/ltype.php?t=7) and these vary from radar, celestial, basic speed-distance-time calculations, etc. Some of them are very interesting.
This one seems to come highly rated, but I have never used it: Sea Sources (http://www.seasources.net/new_revised_coast_guard_question.htm)
Might one of the hard copy books, though expensive, be useful? I've not looked at them.
Aha!! I found one of them!
BoatFix Practice questions (http://www.usboating.com/test.htm)
THanks man. ;D
Craig, I know an old Salt and he always is telling me that if I want to get my 6 Pack, I should also get my Masters. ( his humble opinion) He does a lot of deliveries and has been on boats all of his life. That is his take on it.
I'd agree with the old salt. If you're going to take the exams for the six-pack, you might as well try and get your masters, even if it is a bit later...the masters allows you alot more flexibility if you're looking to work in the marine industry.
QuoteAlso, when I first started logging my time, at least 4 hours constituted a day; now it is 8 hours (or so I recall being told by a licensed Captain - JimB on TSBB), but I think that I site I linked to said 6?? I'm very confused about this.
So are a lot of people. Apparently this is because the requirements change by the station you apply through. There is a move in the USCG to standardize it, but currently the basic opinion is that 1 day underway is any day that includes 4 hours underway. Others have gotten credit for 2 days in a 24 hour period by logging time where 2, 4 hour periods were separated by time at the dock (some head boats have a morning and afternoon run).
As for the masters liscence, you are required to have 2x as much sea time, and there are a few other test requirements and the displacement is limited to the size of the vessels you logged hours on.
The USCG OUPV License (6-pack) is pretty easy to get. The Masters license is a bit more difficult. They deal with different types of seagoing work.
There are lots of reference sources on line, of course. Basically, the 6-pack is for unispected vessel operators. The Master's is for inspected vessel operators. I have a 6-pack as I have no intention or desire to be an inspected vessel operator.
I did not train with these guys but their web site says it all pretty well.
http://www.nemaritime.com/master25_50_100.html
http://www.nemaritime.com/oupvsixpack.html
The thing I remember from my course is that the class work and exam were hardly difficult. Show up for class, study, pay attention, etc. Stuff we tell our kids every day also applies to us! The hassel begins afterwards getting the drug test, physical, letters of commendation, etc. It took me a year (maybe working as a captain in the Caribbean did slow things down a bit) and cost another $2,000 by the time it was all done. Now, you must get the STCW95 certificate... another $1,000.
All this so you can make $20/hr as a sailboat captain. Oh... if you have an accident you lose everything and go to jail. Or, they execute you on the dock. Your choice, I think. (Pretty close but still tounge in cheek... OK?)
To top things off. I sail foriegn a lot where the license is not recognized. Hooray. Serious sailors get the British RYA Yacht Master Certificate which is recognized everywhere but here. The RYA exam actually takes you out on the water for a detailed practical exam. Good sailors actually fail it!
The US certificate assumes you were sailing with a competent skipper who taught you wisely. If Moe owned the boat, he could sign off on Larry and Curly's sea time forms. My experience is that Moe often owns the boat.
I once worked in a place where a young top-quality sailing/cruising instructor worked hard and got his OUPV. He became a captain and has slowly worked his way up to good paying jobs. At the same place, a young office staffer pulled some time out of a hat, got his OUPV, landed a captain's job, and would bug us senior instructors for... shall we say... technical support.
Please take the certification seriously. The incompetent degrade all of us.
Best regards even though I am a bit cynical about this subject.
Norman
Note: This is my week off and it is no fun. Some other guy is sailing around in my boat. That's about as satisfying as watching your wife go out on a date with another guy. As a diversion, I should be putting my little boat project together. It'd be like dating another!
apologies for not running the foregoing through spell check.
Quote from: Norm on September 21, 2006, 02:54:13 PM
apologies for not running the foregoing through spell check.
Not to worry. Speeel cheking before posting is not the strong suit of many of us. Many of us have learned the power of the 'modify' button on our posts. ;D
"I respect a man who knows how to spell a word more than one way."
- Mark Twain -
;)
Norm-
Sorry to see here that Melissa is out... Do you know why the USCG won't recognize a RYA Yatchmaster certification? Rather sad that they do not.
I do not know why the USCG and the Royal Yachting Association don't recognize one another's certificates or harmonize the certifications. In Ft Lauderdale one can get into a program that certifies Americans only in RYA, USCG and STCW95. Super yacht crew need the certifications.
I suspect some darn bureaucrat somewhere got his nose out of joint and put the kibosh on the whole thing.
Captain Dan: Yes, Melissa is out on a training cruise with another instructor. Frankly, it took me a long time to develop any affection at all for her. But she's stolen my heart. Back before 1999, we used J30s for the training courses. Now there is a real sailboat! My heart still skips a beat when I look in on the J30s. Fickle sailorman?
Do know what the program in Ft. Lauderdale is called?? I'd be interested in finding out more. :D I'll be hauling the Pretty Gee out of the water in October, and I'm looking for something to do this winter. ;)
I can highly recommedn the yachtmaster program, Both Margaret and I did it a couple of years ago. It is in two parts. The classroom course and exam is first. Lots of navigation, heck...lots of pretty much everything. The exam is pretty brutal.
This gets youa competent crew rating.
Then you are supposed to go out and gain a minimum of X hundred hours.
Then you can do the practical yachtmaster course. This is done with a certified inspector on HIS boat and is actually in some ways easier then the theoretical part that preceded it...In some ways.
For instance, the inspectors boat is almost always quirky in some way or another. In te case of the local guy he prop spun in the opposite direction to 98% of standard...so the massive prop-walk generated by backing his heavy steel boat out of the most challenging marina pen in the area was a little surprising!
The guy is also not above pulling the odd cotter pin from the rig or pulling a connection to generate a "strange" electrical fault. Part of the course is that you get to examine the boat like you were meeting it for the first time and doing a delivery across an ocean. Some people do not actually leave the dock for three days after they first set foot aboard as they check everything, conduct basic maintenaince and survey tasks and audit all safety gear. Once again, it can be brutal.
The practical course, if apporved by the inspector, culminates in another exam, which then nets you the yachtmaster ticket.
At this point, both Margaret and I have done all of the course apart form the last exam in my case and apart from the practical and exam in Margaret's case. I have four years in which to sit the exam...I pretty much know I need to almost go back and start form scratch in order to have all the information floating around shiny and new in my forebrain. Oh well...
Alex.
(I actually asked the inspector if his prop spun in the standard direction and when it had been last inspected and had annodes checked....I was taking my shoes off at the time and had every intention of diving off to take a look in mid-winter 10degree C water. The guy took pity and answered the questions rather then have me go hyperthermic)
Make mine a 6 pack of IPA, beer *designed* to round a Cape... ;D
I know a fellow who got Moe to sign off on his hours towards a 100-ton license a few years back. He's got less time on the water than I do, by far. At the time, he was basically a steward on a gambling boat, a 3-hour-booze-cruise kind of thing. He did get some time at the wheel, but not as much as what was written on his forms. He'd gotten his 6-pack time on a parasail boat, which is marginally more instructive than watching a boating movie.
Yep, they're out there, but my hope is that most people who take the time to get their ticket don't do the shortcut route, and take pride in doing it proper.
QuoteYep, they're out there, but my hope is that most people who take the time to get their ticket don't do the shortcut route, and take pride in doing it proper.
Sadly they are out there, but FWIW,
The outfit I went with was World wide marine training, they do a refresher course, and then they administer the exam in 5 parts. Navigation, Navigation pract, safety, seamanship, and rules of the road. The instructor was a retired USCG CO of a buoy tender, so his knowledge of vessel operation was pretty advanced. It was a good course, and even though I believe I would have passed the course without the review it was very helpful.
I passed all 5 sections of the exam with perfect scores, the examiner appeared to be impressed, and said that it was very rare for someone to come through with a perfect set of exams. (I am pretty much a rock, so don't be too impressed).
As far as the sea time. I have have much more documented time, day for day, then the 720 days I needed, across over 15 vessels well over the 200 ton limit for the license (I plan to upgrade to the Masters, 200t). I have spent time in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Red sea, and Persian gulf as well as up and down the eastern sea board from New York to Ft. Lauderdale, on small boats and much larger vessels. I crewed on a couple of merchants when I was a teenager on the Gulf coast.
None of this really matters for poop, other then to say that the idea of the 'license in a box of crackerjacks' idea is pretty offensive to me. I am sure there are some out there, just like I remember some pretty BS pilot license programs a few years ago. People with limited integrity will pretty much figure out a way past any barrier (I had to show multiple forms of ID, as people have tried to have surrogates take the exam for them in past).
My experience with this process is that it is a pretty good license to get, and the process is pretty well thought out. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of doing it not to put it off, as the process is likely to continue to become more restrictive as the federal government becomes more paranoid.
The reasons to get the ticket vary, but I believe that it is a good thing to have even if you are not planning on being a professional Capt.
I have heard people say they would not get their ticket because they don't want to be accountable for being more knowledgeable in the event of an accident. That is a cop out, and I suspect those are the same people who resist learning proper sail trim because they 'are not going to race anyway'. In my mind, even if you never 'use' it, the it is good to have as it opens up options you don't have otherwise.
FWIW
Just remember, the paper tigers aren't limited to the Captain's licenses.
For instance, in my industry, the IT field, there are a lot of people with paper certifications for Cisco and Microsoft, that don't have the real world experience to back them up with.
Congratulations Captain Craig on getting your ticket
(http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/attachment.php?attachmentid=3421&stc=1&d=1151586719)
"HEY!.....
You scratched my anchor!"
;D ;D ;D
Congrats Craig!
Good Show mate! :D
I 've been doing a lot of landlubber art stuff so I'm behind on things 8)
"Rock" ;) -
Having that 200t cert seems like it would be a good thing once you get out cruising, allowing you to pick up jobs unavailable to those of us who don't have a nice jacket like yours, or such a fancy cap... ;D
CONGRATS, man! Good job! Aceing all the tests - I bet thats a statistical rarity!
Grog for the new Captain! :D
NO way Jose! 8)
I have two sailing trips planned over the next 2 weeks coming
My ASA BKB instructor test Nov 1st
also moved my Japan passage forward 3 yrs, so now into a 5 yr plan. how sweet it is... ;D
Just need to balance the life sails on land from time to time.
8)
Congrats Craig. Good News.
Now we know who to ask all those tricky ColRegs questions. ;D
Quote from: Zen on October 05, 2006, 02:46:23 PM
also moved my Japan passage forward 3 yrs, so now into a 5 yr plan. how sweet it is... ;D
Very Cool.
Are you planning to sail straight from SF to Japan, or make stops along the way? I was recently looking at a world atlas and thinking about sailing routes, and actually thought of you since Japan looked to be not so easy to get to (winds/currents, etc). It got me to wondering what route you are planning to take.
(Sorry if you've posted this before)
Direct no!
SF to Hawaii
Hawaii to Marshall Isl
Marshall to Micronesia
Micronesia to Guam
Guam to Japan
I stay with better currents and winds. Get rest & play stops every 3 weeks, can do layovers for better weather (as in avoid Typhons). Longer but a more pleasant voyage. Besides it is about the journey... ne!
Hopefully it will be pleasant to venture further south to the deep Pacific islands. It is do able...grabing the gusto 8)
Oh go on, admit it, you are wanting to do the Melbourne to Osaka race!
;D
Alex
shhhhhhhhh , it's a secret ;D
got mine about 15 years ago, not a big problem but some local fishermen did not do so well. the rules of the road can be tough for some as you must score 90% or greater. good luck
I recently joined the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (think British Life Boat Service and not US Coast Guard as a model).
I am going through the training that they will give us over the next year....Ye Gods!!!
There notion of Competent Crew certification is a full step above the coastal skipper ticket in yachtmaster.
I am suddenly going to have to buckle down and study again...well worth it though. Lots and lots of marlinspike seamanship. A variety of splices in both traditional and all common modern ropes is the FIRST INTRODUCTION to the course. Then it is onto serious rigging.
Suddenly all I am confident in is my first aid, fire fighting and sea safety survival stuff...I get the feeling I have stepped into the serious end of things for just about everything else in the course. I am not going to make assumptions about anything regarding navigation and all the other stuff I thought I already knew....they are just going to take a can opener to my head and pour new stuff in.
Alex.
Quote from: Fortis on October 28, 2006, 03:38:57 AM
I recently joined the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (think British Life Boat Service and not US Coast Guard as a model).
While it may or may not be similar, I've thought of going the Coast Guard Auxilary route rather than (or perhaps in addition to) six-pack.
Good luck, Alex; it sounds like a rigorous (and worthwhile) program.
John,
The Coast Guard Aux provides a great service, I think you would be doing well to associate with them. I also think you should go after the license as well if you are inclined. The process has been worthwhile for me, and the studying has definitely made it worthwhile, even if I never use it.
Yes, I intended to day that. :o
:D
By the Grace of God, I finished my Master's exam this afternoon. I also passed the test for the towing endorsement, both with perfect scores. ;D
I frankly do not see any circumstances under which I want to carry more then 6 passengers, or command a 200 ton vessel, but should the opportunity ever present it's self, I will have the license.
Congrats on the Master's and the towing endorsement. :D Of course, s/v Faith would probably be a horrible tow vessel...most sailboat are underpowered to begin with. ;)
Actually.......
'Faith' has towed other vessels twice. Once was just a boost to a fellow Sailor who was aground.
The best one was a small (~24') power boat who was drifting about 2 miles from my marina. It is a minimum $300 for seatow where I am (unless you have a policy, with them or Towboat US) and I see this couple drifting. I go in as close as I can get (they were in about 2' of water), and ask if they need help. Their motor had died, and they had run down the battery trying to re-start it. THey wanted a 'jump' but as I could not get over to their boat, and had no cables that would reach my battery I heaved them a line.
I towed them back out into the channel, I figured out that their motor had probably not been charging, so even if I could jump them off they would probably not make it back to the marina......
The wind was blowing them back into the shoals, so I did the only logical thing.... hoisted the main and headed in with them in tow.
I wanted REAL BAD to call back to the marina and ask someone to take the picture as I sailed up to the 'T' dock with them.. but I figured they would be embarrassed enough....
LOL... that's great.. that would have been a picture for the website... a sailboat towing a stinkpot via sail power... :D I LOVE IT.
Hey! CONGRATS, Craig!!! 8) ;D Awesome!
Congrats, Craig. Good Job. :) :)
Wahooo
Congrats !
I just returned from an ASA sailing, instructor clinic.
Having pass I am now a certified ASA Basic keel Boat Instructor. 8)
The Instructor Evaluator, who holds Master lic with USCG spoke on two things about the 6 pack.
1. There is a new classification called something like a Yacht tender class which is basicly a limited 6 pack lic. from the USCG.
2. The ASA is working with the CG to establish that those you have gone through the teaching clinic with ASA are cleared, as in can by pass the written part of the exam for this limited 6-pack.
;D
Outstanding Zen!
I looked at that course a year or so ago, but they did not get enough folks to hold it. I have the basisc, and keelboat asa courses, and was impressed with the content and delivery.
How did you find the instructor course to be?
Quote from: AdriftAtSea on November 06, 2006, 05:02:16 AM
Congrats Zen... Do you have plans to teach anywhere in particular???
grog to ya btw.
Thanks
I had spoke with the people who run classes for the City of Oakland Parks & Rec. Dept where I took my frist student level classes about working for them. My first teacher who works in the office said they generally need help during the busy season. So I am planning on putting inan aplication with them. They have a fairly popular class. Also the ASA has a placement site with lots of ads for schools looking for help. I need to teach a min of 24 hr a year to stay current. I do not think that will be a problem.
I am also planning to run "Zendo Sailing" my own enterprise on a small level...
I have a position as an independant contractor with a certified school in Japan waiting, once I get there.
I'm laying the ground work for future events.
Quote from: s/v Faith on November 06, 2006, 08:44:51 AM
;D
Outstanding Zen!
I looked at that course a year or so ago, but they did not get enough folks to hold it. I have the basisc, and keelboat asa courses, and was impressed with the content and delivery.
How did you find the instructor course to be?
Thanks.
I as well as the others found the course to be challaging. Even folks there with lots of boat time thought so. Having your six-pack will help with the written test because many of the question are what would be on that test. Some of the wording on the ASA stuff is kind of weird. Over all everyone agreed including those with USCG Masters it is a good course. Even if you have the text book stuff down there are still other factors involved with being an instructor. Lecture, water skill, command, lesson prep, etc. It was a Looong weeekend. 4-9pm on friday, 8:30 am to 10:00pm on Sat, 8;30am to 7:00pm on Sunday.
I have put some of the story on my blog.
Congrats, Zen! It's apropros that you got an Instructors ticket, I can tell you enjoy the process of teaching. You are doing it at a much higher level than I ever have. Teaching might be a good thread on it's own... It gives you good stories. :)
I used to teach a form of "Basic Catamaran Sailing" years ago, on some very basic catamarans ("Aqua Cat 12s (http://www.dickersonsmarine.com/americansail/aquacat125.html)" think 'two hulls with a Sunfish rig'). The textbook was made of sand, and the teachers writing instrument was something vaguely pencil-shaped picked up from the beach. After about 25 minutes of 'book larnin' I had you on the water. I stayed with you out there for about that same amount of time, and then turned you loose, alone upon the wide Atlantic, up to your own devices for the next 2 hours.
50% or so of my 'graduates' made it back to the beach in more-or-less the same place they'd left it.
The rest - well, we just made sure that they'd paid upfront. ;D
Quote from: Zen on November 06, 2006, 10:36:06 AM
Quote from: s/v Faith on November 06, 2006, 08:44:51 AM
;D
Outstanding Zen!
I looked at that course a year or so ago, but they did not get enough folks to hold it. I have the basisc, and keelboat asa courses, and was impressed with the content and delivery.
How did you find the instructor course to be?
Thanks.
I as well as the others found the course to be challaging. Even folks there with lots of boat time thought so. Having your six-pack will help with the written test because many of the question are what would be on that test. Some of the wording on the ASA stuff is kind of weird. Over all everyone agreed including those with USCG Masters it is a good course. Even if you have the text book stuff down there are still other factors involved with being an instructor. Lecture, water skill, command, lesson prep, etc. It was a Looong weeekend. 4-9pm on friday, 8:30 am to 10:00pm on Sat, 8;30am to 7:00pm on Sunday.
I have put some of the story on my blog.
and just edited ;)
Quote from: Zen on November 06, 2006, 10:19:15 AMThanks
I had spoke with the people who run classes for the City of Oakland Parks & Rec. Dept where I took my frist student level classes about working for them. My first teacher who works in the office said they generally need help during the busy season. So I am planning on putting inan aplication with them. They have a fairly popular class. Also the ASA has a placement site with lots of ads for schools looking for help. I need to teach a min of 24 hr a year to stay current. I do not think that will be a problem.
I am also planning to run "Zendo Sailing" my own enterprise on a small level...
I have a position as an independant contractor with a certified school in Japan waiting, once I get there.
I'm laying the ground work for future events.
Just be careful about teaching on your boat, since doing any "paid" work on the boat might violate your insurance, which would be bad if your student screws up. ;)
A good source for literature on the Coast Guard exams is Marine Education Textbooks. They are located at 124 North Van Ave., Houma, LA 70360. Their tel no. is 504 879 3866
I have not had call to use them in quite some time, but they were the source for Cornell Maritime Press study guides for ocean licenses. The study guides are a compilation of question, answers, and navigation problems from past USCG exams and are euphemistically known as the "pony". Sometimes in a Coast Guard exam the pony "hits". Hits are described in percentages with a 100% hit equalling euphoria.
"4 to 6 weeks, do you want to pick it up or mail it? he repeated after she told him what to say. I thought briefly, I hope to be working , but replied, I'll pick it up. "If you do not hear from us, call she said". Marming salamat I replied, then se-gay. They smiled as I headed for the door.
What does this Tagalo and this picture (on my blog) have to do with sailing... well, let's backup wrrrrrrrrrrrr bilb bilb chip.
This has been a long process. Months in fact, research, copies, letters, talking, calls so...For the last few weeks I have really been focusing on wrapping up the paperwork I needed. After a couple of set backs from various doctors. The latest of which after standing me up for a drug test, says when I'm leaving, It should be in on Monday. I'll call you...
Monday, I wait, nothing, comes and goes...Lady Z says, no one here follows through on what they say, it would never happen in Japan, you should call. I think, hmmm, I'll wait a bit more, maybe it was delayed... :'(
Tues, half way through I call. hello, Doc, what about my test??? Oh, yes Mr Zen I have it ready for you, shall I mail it? Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. >:( I told him I would pick it up on Monday so I can go direct to the Office!! No I say calmly, no sense losing it , what is done is done. Let it go....Ommm
I tell lady Z about it later that evening. Now having though about it more, I'm not pleased, and kvetch about it. She says the only that surprises me, is your reaction. I told you they do not care, why are you surprised??!! And I hear about the sad state of customer service in the states even from doctors. Hrmp, I say, ommmm ommmm ommmm. Ok it's done. :(
Now it is down to filling out the final papers, the sea time forms. I dig through files find s/v Kuan Yin's old paperwork, plus s/v Zen, do some calculations and fill in the blanks.
So Weds morning, I give everything the once over, and make some copies just in case and head off to pickup my golden rain test... Done. :)
Next stop the United States Coast Guard Regional Testing center in Oakland inside the Federal Building... finally wah hooo!! I was a bit concerned about the timing... wonder if they break for lunch. After going through the homeys (Homeland Security Screening) to enter the building, take off belt, shoes, empty pockets, cavity search ( kidding about that so far...). The guards ( cool guys, helpful) tell me they, the CG group are on lunch. I can hang out in the lunch room , come back ( do the screening again) , or go on the roof sitting area. I opt for the roof.
It is a nice view from there. I can see the Zencycle down the street, and hope to myself, I do not get a $35.00 parking ticket while waiting. That would be a major bummer. Glad that Mercury Retro thing is over... Since I am slipped in between a no parking sign and a car in a spot. I grab a few shots from the sky view and walk around a bit to kill time.
I head back down to the ground level and have to wait about 2 min before the green light on the door comes on saying it is ok, to enter the Coast Guard Office. I am the only one there so far, and sign in. I wait for a couple of minutes and a guy comes out to help me. I was told by Capt Mary that there were females running the show here, so I was only slightly surprised to have him wait on me. I tell him I am here to submit an application for my limited Masters, but not for the test. Him having asked two times... We go in to the rear section and I am seated. The guy goes through the papers after a min I get the sense he is new. I show him this and that, that and this. He is checking and looking , getting up going for stuff, etc. Meanwhile a couple of other applicants come in and the ladies help them. I say I have this waver from the the CG director about being with the ASA as an instructor so do not need to test I was told. He looks at it and says, hmmm. My other concern is about my CPR and 1st aid certificate. I hand it to him, he looks at it and says. "This is for both?"hmmm, I say yes. Ok, I'll copy it. After that and verify the originals I have for my passport, SS Card, and some other stuff. He gets out his check list. I am pleased as he comes down it slowly checking off everything. I've done the whole package. After a bit he get up and goes to check with one of the ladies. I hear them speaking in Tagalo... he comes back sign here please, then goes away, he comes back after more discussions, and once more do you have...? Finally I hear, this needs more info as he is talking with the lady. She comes over, "your Doctor needs to fill this part out as well. You can call him from this phone and have him fax over the info. Wheeww I am relieved I though it was going to be a two day affair. After speak with the nurse and her waiting me to fax over the sheet. The helpful lady at the office says I'll fax it for you. Have a seat.
Now I'm thinking, I wish I had brought my book this my take awhile..
tick toc tick toc...
Not too much later, the helpful lady says come with me for finger prints. She jokes a bit with myself and another worker while I am doing the deed. Afterwards I am directed to sit again. A short wait and now she wants to know how I am paying? Check or plastic. I hand her the card, and a short while later it is done.
So now I'm waiting again I 'm thinking ok , well at least I got most of it out of the way, now for the doctor...
Nothing more was said about the wavier for the written test from the ASA , or missing stuff, so I'm not sure what to think.
Soon she comes out, walks by the door a bit, then back, then to the door. I figure out she is waiting for something.. the new guy comes out, she says to him, "tell him 4 -6 weeks"
he comes over to me...
"4 to 6 weeks, do you want to pick it up or mail it?" I thought briefly, I hope to be working , but replied, I'll pick it up. "If you do not hear from us, call the helpful lady said". Marming salamat I replied, then se-gay. They both smiled as I headed for the door.
Now the wait...
I get to the Zencyle...no ticket....sweet! ;D
Sidenote: This should have gone on the SaiFar blog, but...since I know not what is happening there.... I posted here and on zensekai2.
Well told, Zen - very entertaining.
Have some Grog while you wait.
Quote from: Captain Smollett on July 12, 2007, 09:55:19 AM
Well told, Zen - very entertaining.
Have some Grog while you wait.
Here is another one for you... might take a while. ;D
That is pretty cool that ASA / USCG has worked this out. Pretty hard to teach sailing if you can not have some one aboard who is paying you to be there...
Aground
Well, I got a call from the USCG this morning and it seems as my plans, hope for a USCG license in 4-6 weeks has gone aground.
I spoke with a rep for some time. I can still get my license, but the by pass with the ASA is not going to fly or should I say float! It is only good I was told for the Long Beach area NOT for here in the Bay. My alternatives, or choices is a better word, to continue are:
A - take the test. re: major study, I have no idea what is on the test. Meaning buying the test preparation books, study guide or something...
or B - take a class. I have found a deal via the Tradewinds school, where I took my teachers training exams, cost for that for $600.00
With no full time job that seems like a large amount of money, well it is anyway, but it is a lot cheaper than the average of over 1,000- 2,000 for the typical school class for this.
The positive of this would be I'd have a full masters, not a limited.
A Tide Book & chart would be nice to have...sitting here on a sand-barge. :(
Zen - dontcha just LOOOOOVE a good bureaucracy? ::)
(NOT)
Anytime I have to deal with one, I take a book. Not just to deal with boredom, but to provoke action by the bureaucrats!
They *hate* to see you sitting there having the audacity to maybe enjoy the wait they are subjecting you to, and so will go out of their way to move things along.
They do this in order to get you wrapped up in their paperwork morass, in the hopes that thereby they will be able to suck out some of your life-force, which seems to be the primary raison d'etre for bureaucracy...
It's weird, but true! :D
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you on the license. :)
Hey Zen, hang in there. As a current holder of a 7th issue Masters License (master sail/steam/motor 1600 tons, Chief Mate unlimited tonnage) I've dealt with the coasties more than my share and know the feeling. Assuming you're testing for one of the licenses under 200 gross tons and you're not going for the Oceans endorsement (requires celestial exam), the study books are your best bet if you're a motivated sort. Spend a bit of time with the book, work through the chart problems, memorize the Rules of the Road and you'll pass no problem. Feel free to PM me if there's anything I can help you with!
And by the way, all the questions are now available online if you just want to study the questions rather than actually learn the material! ;)
Oh, the update to this is... I start a class end of next month. Three weekends then a test with the school. The City of Oakland paid for 1/2 of cost as they wanted someone on staff who was official with the CG. I was the only one well on the way...They had money in a training grant...I got it... Nice ;D
Sometimes it just works!
Zen,
Hope you don't mind that I merged these. I continue to be amazed at the ability of 'Homeland Security' to make this process more complicated then I could ever have imagined when I started this trhread OVER A YEAR AGO.
I submitted an amazing amount of information when I went to Baltamore and submitted my application. The person at the desk verified my application was complete.... :P
I spoke with my mother the other day, and she said that I had gotten a call from the USCG about my liscence.
First, I should say that about a month after I submitted the application they called my office and asked if 'The USS THeodore Roosevelt (a nuclear aircraft carrier) was over 200 Tons.... ::)
Still waiting to find out what the issue is, but just wanted to share how truly amazing the orginazation is....
Quote from: s/v Faith on November 08, 2007, 08:05:20 PM
...they called my office and asked if 'The USS THeodore Roosevelt (a nuclear aircraft carrier) was over 200 Tons...
You can not assign a weight to the "Big Stick"! It is what it is.
You'd think that DHS could figure out how big one of our own Aircraft Carriers were??? DHS seems to be pretty ineffective in a lot of what they're supposed to do... so I'm not too surprised.
This is /was the first weekend of a series of three for training to take the USCG OUVP Captain License Test. The class was being hosted by Tradewinds Sailing School. My last class there was for the ASA teacher for Basic Coastal Instructor some 6 months ago I think it was. There was a guy there from South Africa who was....hmmm, not someone who I enjoyed being around let's say. I'm not big on the know it all types that share their knowledge asked or not. Low and behold he was there on Friday when I arrived for class. I was the first there, he the second. I passed him just outside when he was coming in. He did not speak, so I did not bother as well. When in the room there was nothing setup as yet. I took a spot on the floor and prepared to wait. He took out some chairs and setup a table, setup his space and motion that I could next to him. I smiled slightly , thinking no way will I do that again, but I shook my head no . I said I'm off to look for a Loo and headed out the door.
After tracking around almost back to the main office some quarter mile away, I encountered the person in charge of the school. We had taken the last teacher IQC together also. He is a nice guy, quiet ex-navy, he his father and wife run the school. All nice folks. I had ran into his father down in Southern Ca at the ASA convention we got to chat some. Anyway, after some time I was able to make it to the Loo and back to the class room, It was still empty. I played a game with two ping pong paddles and a ball, then just sat and did a bit of meditation.
Finally others arrived, tables were setup, I took one in front. There were about 21 people I think I heard the instructor say. The room was large, but cold. Did I say it was cold! The whole weekend was cold! The room was also cement with no insulation so voices carried really well which turned out later to be a problem as the guys had loud voices, and no one thought to trying to speak softy when having personal table conversations. At one point the teacher was trying to give directions, and the other voices were so loud no one could hear and he had to wait until the chatter stopped before he could continue with the class. A couple of times it was the guy from S.A. who held up the class with his loud voice talking over the teacher to his table-mate. He is not a bad guy I just do not care for his style. There were others being as rude while the instructor was lecturing, it was very trying for me to not speak-up, but I did well.
The instructor was a entertaining guy had lots of stories an the animation to tell it interesting. It was much better than just being spoke at. He went over the class matters, subjects, etc. We will cover things in three segments, the test were in four modules. Deck General, Plotting, Rules of the Road, Navigation. The things covered so far seem very much like the ASA things, except some areas are less. It does seem the question are themselves the challenge, not so much the information.
Now the the class...It was Navigation for this weekend a lot of it was review from the ASA navigation course. The plotting for the ASA was much more demanding than what we went over and were showed that was needed to learn for the CG (Coast Guard). It is good practice for when I retake my Navigational Instructor Test for the ASA again, in the Spring (2008) Part of the the two and final ASA teaching certificates I want next year. After that it will be just training for the sail courses. Celestial Navigation (2010), Advanced Coastal Cruising (2009) and Passage making. (2011) With some practice, good weather, money, planning and the blessings of the Force I will be off...
Sorry I digress... The class tonight was review and it was nice. I needed some clarification on things and practice on my plotting skills. The instructor had me helping the guy who I sat with, I thought that was funny since I barely felt I know what I was doing. After I got over my natural un-comfortablenesses of being forced to work with someone unknown. I settled into the task. The guy and I worked out well, I lend from behind. He did most of the hands on paper plotting with some aid and assistance from me. It worked out, we both got to practice.
It was a long day weekend. 9-6 Sat/ Sun, 6-9:30 on Friday. I have two more weekends...This will be a long journey. Three weeks with no rest time. It will be a challenge. Not just with all the study and work , but the endurance part of these long days. Oh well, I'll ganbatte ( do my best)!
It has been asked "so Z what are you going to do with all this? " Well, the teaching ASA certificates are already in use with the city of Oakland , a HELPFUL part time job. The USCG approval, makes me full legal to run my own school or charter or the like. It also gives me some good image clout in Japan holding a USCG Captain's license and for when I write my book. The other training is for me to know what I'm doing "out there" and again clout for teaching in Japan.
Anyway that is long term... for now, I'm just trying to get my act together, laying groundwork...
Sounds good Zen... :D Keep use posted.
Ahhhh yeah...Holiday..sweet!
Dudes I am soo ready for this. Holla!!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f276/bayshaolin/misc/4.jpg)
Yeah after the last few weeks ( actually the whole bloody year) I am ready to kick it.
SO the final test day , I studied , I practiced, I studied. Everyone at the test night was pumped up and ready to go. At least to get it over with, especially watashi (me)!
It took awhile for everything to get setup. Once ready I was one of the first if not the first to get my test and have at it. However I was not the first finished and I did not want to be. I took my time and went over the questions carefully. The first test was what most considered the most difficult, the Rules of the Road. Most including moi took that one first. I'm glad I put in the time with the on-line practice test. I ended with one wrong out of 30. Nice! One is only permitted 4 wrong on this section. I got 1 out of 30 incorrect.
The next one I did was On deck general, Knots, safety, fires, that kind of stuff. I think I got 16 correct. I needed 14. Then there was Navigation, I do not remember what I got, but I passed which is the most important. There was one or two tricky question on there, I was not ready for, but I passed. Finally was the plotting. One needed speed and to be correct. in some way this was the hardest part, because one had to pick the answer that was closest to the one you got...yuk! Then there were a couple of questions on there that was not covered in the class, choosing which chart was best for another section of the river, also what radio station to dial into tho get the local weather and news!!!?!??! After some logical thinking I was able to find what I needed on the chart. !!! wheww . Then I was done.
The instructor took those who had finished outside for the results. I heard someone, while I was still working get the news... I heard ahh no, sucks! I find out later he had missed something by one point. Meaning e had to return to re-test that section in Feb.
Finally it was my turn... He handed me my stack of papers. I looked it over and the final numbers. I knew I had passed the Rules of the road, but could not tell about the other stuff, so I said "what does this mean?" I was good to go I was told, I passed!! wooo hoooooo!
What a relief I felt like a weight was off my shoulders. I felt good, I was smiling as I said my good byes to the gang, amoungest good wishes I headed off into the night.
Now I can bring in the new year with all that behind me. Next step once I receive the certificate from the school is to take that to the CG. I was told Once they have that it should only take a week or so before I get my official license. Captn Zen in da Hous!! Bazai! bazai! banzai!!!
WOO HOO!! Congrats, Zen.
Grog to ya, mate. Of course, the next round is on you, which is proper. Gotta wet the swab. ;D
Congrats Zen...
BTW, don't smoke... it'll stunt your growth.... OH RATS... too late.. :D
Congratulations, Captain Zen! That's awesome. :) I'm glad for you, what a milestone. It seems like your quest has taken a long time. Do you feel more official? :)
(I assume no li'l babies were harmed in the making of that picture? ;D ;D ;D )
PS - Have some Christmas and Congrats Grog on me! 8)
Way to go Capt Zen! Have another grog... don't drive tonight!
Aren't you glad a license is good for 5 years before you have to renew! ;D
Thanks gents, a round of Grog on me!!! ;D
ok make it two!!
Quote from: CapnK link=topic=602.msg12537#msg12537 date=
Congratulations, Captain Zen! That's awesome. :) I'm glad for you, what a milestone. It seems like your quest has taken a long time. Do you feel more official? :)
(I assume no li'l babies were harmed in the making of that picture? ;D ;D ;D )
PS - Have some Christmas and Congrats Grog on me! 8)
[/quote
Capt K, yes a do feel more official . THe quest did take a long time...but that is why they are "quest" ! ;D
BTW: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings to ALL.
I mailed in my final paper work on Sat. Today Weds I got back my official license from the USCG!
Grog for everyone!!!
Is it a big deal?
...hells yeah!!!!
:-)
now I'm going to Disneyland!!!!
Captn Zen...sweet!
More Grog fer CAPTAIN ZEN-SENSEI! ;D
Congrats, bud. :)
Congrats, Zen!! Good Job.
Congratulations!
Congrats Captain Zen. :)
Nice going Capt Zen. You survived the Coast Guard licensing gauntlet and are obviously worthy of the title!
THANKS ALL !
Gauntlet indeed!
Almost like going through Shaolin temple graduation :o
Way to go there Cap'n Zen, you salty dog
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q30/commanderpete/captain_hat_for_dogs.jpg)
Congratulations! I remember the joy and satisfaction I had when receiving mine. Do you plan to put it to commercial use or, like me, just wanted the accomplishment and the knowing that you could and have done it?