Captain's license in the U.S.?

Question

I'm currently seventeen and am planning on getting my captain's license someday. I certainly don't think I'm getting it right away, but I'd still like to know what any prerequisites/ requirements are to be able to sail a 42 ft sailboat in ocean waters. What's the age minimum, how long does it take for classes and getting the license, etc. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

The best option for you given your age is to apply and attend one of the various maritime colleges in  the U.S. . Upon graduation, you will have a license, and all the training, and certifications that you need to go to sea, and a degree! They are, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, New York Maritime Academy, Kings Point(free upon appointment), Texas A+M, California Maritime Academy, and reat Lakes Maritime. If you dont decide on the college route, you can sail as a deckhand, accruing 360 sea days, and take a 100gt Masters course, at any of the small schools around the country, (seaschool, northeast maritime, new england maritime, etc..) for about $1500.00. They usually make sure that you pass.

Answer 2

If all you want to do is sail your own vessel for fun and relaxation, and you are not hiring it out, or taking passengers for hire... you do not need a license... I know, sounds scary, but it is true... You can sail the seven seas with little more than a passport and a radio/operators license.  If this is your desire... then check out - "Robin Lee Graham" he made history as the first "teenager" (16 year old) to sail around the world alone! He did it in a 26' sloop named "Dove" (there are books and even a movie on "the Dove")  If however you are planing to hire out yourself, or your boat, you will need a license...  Good Going, and Good Luck... I think it is great idea!

Answer 3

Unless you need to have a 42 foot boat because you are taking out charter guests, I think your goal is a little wrong.

Start with a much smaller boat.  I have done coastal and ocean passages in a 19' boat and have a friend who crossed the Atlantic in a 14' boat.  Small boats cost less, you learn more, and because you are less tied down to financing the boat or finding crew you go much more often, and sail further.

You will probably do more days at sea and do more miles in a 24' boat than you will in a 42' boat. It will be more fun, and a lot less cost.  A small boat is easy for one person to handle in  a storm,but a big one needs a crew of at least two or three.

Learn to sail by joining a community sailing program, or your local sailing dingy club.  You will learn more about boat handling when leaning to race a small sailing boat than years worth of book learning.

Then go to sea as crew on a larger boat.  You will again learn more, and learn much faster,  as a crew  working for a good skipper than you will trying to be your own captain.

Answer 4

The term "Captain's License" is somewhat generic as applied to your goal(s). There are various licenses and certifications available, some may be needed others perhaps just a good idea. Unless you carry passengers or skipper someone else's boat for money you can risk your life and boat as you see fit. That said, you can hardly have too much knowledge and training. With sailing you are always gain experience. There are plenty of sites on the net to get you started. US Coast Guard for licensing, US Sail and American Sailing Assn for training, not to mention training cruises on the so-called  tall ships. There are group and personal sites by full time cruising sailors that would give you personal views and probably answer specific questions. A Google, oops, Yahoo search will give you more than enough starting points. If you live near the waters in which you intend to sail get down to the places where sailors are and ask questions. In any case, don't stare at the computer, do something!