USCG-Approved Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels two (2) Day Upgrade Course
Enroll today in Sea School’s two (2) ay US Coast Guard-Approved Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels course and enhance your towing, navigation, and safety knowledge while ranking higher on the water.
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Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Course Overview
Sea School’s two (2) day Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels course is an upgrade course for mariners holding at least a Master 200 GRT License.
Throughout the sixteen (16) hour course, mariners will learn watchkeeping, vessel and cargo handling, maritime law, and more about the business of shipping. Upon successful completion of the course, mariners will receive a Course Completion Certificate from the Sea School that they can submit to the USCG to receive their official Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels certification.
Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels Completion and Certification Requirements
The examination requirements of 46 CFR 11.466(a) for original issuance of an endorsement as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal, Great Lakes and Inland, or Inland), PROVIDED applicant:
⦁ Is endorsed as Master of less than 200 GRT for the scope requested in the application; OR
⦁ Has satisfied the examination requirements for Master of less than 200 GRT for the scope requested in the application within the previous 12 months.
Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- Must be 18 years old
Citizenship Status:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residence
Sea Service Requirement
Total Sea Service:
- 540 days of total sea service in any position or department
Specialized Service Requirements:
- 360 days must be on a towing vessel\
- 90 days must be on the specific route for which the endorsement is requested
- Must pass exams for the particular routes requested
Recency Requirement:
- 90 days of sea service within the past 3 years on any vessel or tonnage
Real-World Expertise
Excellence starts with a strong foundation. We believe in mastering fundamental skills, building confidence, and ensuring every mariner has the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in their career.
Flexible Learning Options
True leadership is demonstrated through action. We foster a hands-on approach, where mariners learn by doing and gain real-world experience that prepares them for the challenges of the industry.
Career Advancement
In the maritime world, challenges are inevitable - but so are solutions. We encourage proactive thinking, problem-solving, and the courage to take initiative.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
We never settle for mediocrity. Whether in training, leadership, or problem-solving, we strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
A Strong Community & Industry Network
Success in the maritime industry requires a strong work ethic. We embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, knowing that real growth comes from effort and persistence.
Confidence & Leadership Development
Ttrue professionals must be ready to adapt. We believe in staying agile, embracing change, and continuously expanding our skills to meet new challenges.
We’ve developed comprehensive, engaging, and practical curriculum to set you up for success on the water
While the curriculum represented on the Sea School website is a general layout of course information, it is not the exact order in which lessons are taught.
- Navigation Safety Regulations
- Navigation Safety Regulations
- Ice Operations/Ice Navigation
- Towing Vessel Operations
- Ice Operations/Ice Navigation
- Towing Vessel Operations
- Dangerous/Hazardous Cargo Regulations
- Barge Regulations (Operations)
- Dangerous/Hazardous Cargo Regulations
- Barge Regulations (Operations)
- Rules & Regulations for Uninspected Vehicles
- Watch Routine & Watchstanding
- Pilotage
- Rules & Regulations for Uninspected Vehicles
- Watch Routine & Watchstanding
- Pilotage
- Charters
- Liens & Salvage
- Documents & Certificates
- Insurance
- ISM & Safety Management Systems
- Charters
- Liens & Salvage
- Documents & Certificates
- Insurance
- ISM & Safety Management Systems
A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career
Choose Your Course
Pick the course that fits your experience level and sea time and select the available format that works for you (in-person, Zoom, or online).
Enroll & Prepare
Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.
Get Certified
After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
What Our Clients Say
Amazing across the board!
Shone H.
Very good experience.
George J.
Well done!
David C.
Nice & helpful office staff.
Very helpful instructor. Excellent accommodations.
Alfonso L.
Everything was excellent.
Dylan B.
Thank you! I appreciate everything.
Trevan B.
Super sweet office staff.
Instructor stories keep you entertained and he knows his stuff! Chef is great. More cookies!
Austin C.
Awesome office staff.
Awesome classroom. Awesome instructor. Awesome course. Awesome food. Awesome accommodations.
Ryan A.
Accommodations were perfect.
The cleaning staff do an amazing job.
Robert D.
Office staff was great.
Pat did an excellent job and I loved his stories. As always, eggs were fantastic.
John C.
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
- Students should bring pencils, highlighter, and a notebook
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Apprentice Mate course
An Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels, formerly referred to as Apprentice Mate Steersman, is an endorsement on a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). It allows endorsement holders to work as an apprentice mate on various towing vessels and gain the necessary experience to advance to a mate pilot or master of towing vessels with further sea time and coursework.
The Sea School offers an Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels upgrade course at our Bayou La Batre, AL location. You can also find a list of approved courses on the NMC website under the “Approved Courses” tab.
- Age: 18 years of age or older
- Physical Exam: Physical that satisfies the Form CG-719K
- We offer physicals at most of our brick and mortar locations
- Drug Testing: Consortium membership / drug test compliance
- Sea School has its own USCG drug consortium, APCA. Interested students can sign up for a drug test/consortium membership at apcadrugtesting.com or by calling (727) 522-2727
- Citizenship: US Citizenship is required
- Mariner Fees: Mariner Fees
- Sea Service:
- 540 days of total sea service, in any position or department, OF WHICH:
- 360 days on towing vessel AND
- 90 days must be on the particular route requested AND
- Pass exams for particular routes
- Recency: 90 days of sea service in the past 3 years on any vessel or tonnage
- 540 days of total sea service, in any position or department, OF WHICH:
- First Aid*: Completed within one year
- CPR*: Must be valid and completed within one year
- *Valid STCW BT meets both First Aid and CPR requirements
Like other MMC endorsements, an Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels endorsement is valid for 5 years.
There is no tonnage limitation on an endorsement for towing vessels.
The Sea School offers a 18-day bundled package to enable mariners to receive an Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels endorsement on their MMC. Additionally, mariners who meet the required sea service may also qualify to apply for OUPV, Master 100 GRT, and Mate 200 GRT endorsements.
No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official STCW certification, mariners must:
- Complete the necessary forms and requirements.
- Submit both the Sea School Course Completion Certificate and USCG application form to the USCG.
NOTE - Because this course is a bundle, you must submit all course completion certificates and materials to the USCG to ensure you receive your licenses and endorsements in a timely manner.
The USCG then processes the application and issues the official certification. This bundle is a combination of separate courses and ALL certificates must be sent to the USCG with the application to qualify for Apprentice Mate of towing vessels
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
