FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Innovative Captain’s Course Streamlined for Inland and Great Lakes Boaters
RHINELANDER, Wisconsin (October 5, 2010) – A new course developed by Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training will now make it easier for mariners on any inland lakes to obtain their captain’s license. According to Toni Nelson, student recruitment manager, Explorer’s Guide just received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center for a 52-hour course specifically designed for boaters who will not be using their license on the ocean.
It is a trimmed down version of the 56-hour Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel Course (6-Pack) that most mariners were previously required to pass, in order to receive their captain’s license.
The 52-hour Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel Inland and Great Lakes course is a nice alternative to the Restricted OUPV course. While twice as long as the Restricted, it can use be used on any U.S. inland body of water. A restricted license limits the mariner to just one small geographic area.
In the past, obtaining a captain’s license to operate on federal waters has not been easy. By USCG mandate, the classes cover some items most inland lake boaters will never use. “There are many elements of the near coastal course that simply are not needed by inland lakes guides, such as set and drift calculations, international navigation rules, and complicated magnetic compass conversions,” said Capt. Gary Kulibert, course instructor and developer. “We developed a 52-hour course that is relevant to the these mariners, with an exam to match. Students still need to be involved and learn during the class. However, there is a lot less stress.”
This course should be attractive for guides in states that have multi-USCG restricted license requirements, such as the State of Minnesota. There, the state is divided by two different USCG districts. Each district requires their own restricted license. The Inland Great Lakes OUPV course and license would permit guides to fishing any place in the region, including the Great Lakes, with just one license. This approach saves time and money and covers a larger area.
The OUPV Inland and Great Lakes course will be held when and where there is interest. The cost for the course is $695 and includes all materials, instruction, and exam. For more information about scheduling a class in your area, contact Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training at 800-487-6029 or visit them online at: http://www.mycaptainsclass.com for details.
Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training is a pioneer in the development of maritime training solutions for civilian, law enforcement, and military applications. They were the first U.S. maritime training school to develop online and blended courses for the USCG-approved captain’s licenses. Courses are accredited, in partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Associate degrees, Safe Boating Council courses, and financial aid are available.
Contact: Capt. Gary Kulibert
[email protected]
(800) 487-6029
