USCG-Approved four (4) hour Assistance Towing Endorsement Course
Enroll today in Sea School’s four (4) hour US Coast Guard-Approved Assistance Towing Endorsement Course. This endorsement grants the holder permission to accept payment for commercial towing of disabled vessels.
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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
The Assistance Towing Endorsement course is a four (4) hour course designed for mariners holding a USCG OUPV (6-Pack) or Master license up to 200 GRT who wish to assist disabled vessels for compensation. This endorsement is required for captains engaging in commercial assistance towing operations. Students may also simultaneously apply for the OUPV license, rather than holding it prior to taking the course. Sea School’s USCG-approved course covers all necessary information related to assistance towing. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion, which can be submitted to the Coast Guard to have the endorsement added to their license. No additional sea service is required for this endorsement.
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Assistance Towing (SEASCH-42) course within one year of application will satisfy:
The examination requirements of 46 CFR 11.482(b) to add an Assistance Towing endorsement to any national officer endorsement as:
- [01] Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV); OR
- [02] Master on vessels of less than 200 GRT; OR
- [03] Mate on vessels of less than 200 GRT.
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.
Assist Towing: Everything You Need to Get Certified
License Requirements
- Must hold a valid USCG OUPV (6-Pack) or Master license up to 200 GRT (or apply for it simultaneously)
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.
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
The instructor really explains it.
Always a pleasure to have him teach the class.
Christopher F.
Highly recommend
Very clean and comfortable classroom. Long course but worth it.
Steven C.
The best instructor of the three courses I’ve taken.
No spoon feeding. He taught the knowledge we need to be a great sailor.
Shawn K.
Thank you.
Great job from the staff in helping out all of us.
Christopher C.
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the OUPC License course
An Assistance Towing Endorsement is a USCG endorsement added to a mariner’s license that authorizes them to conduct commercial assistance towing of vessels.
The Sea School offers Assistance Towing Endorsement courses at several of our brick and mortar locations and distance learning. You can also find a list of approved courses on the NMC website under the “Approved Courses” tab.
The Sea School’s course is approved to qualify mariners who hold the following:
- Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV); OR
- Master on vessels of less than 200 GRT; OR
- Mate on vessels of less than 200 GRT.
Commercial assistance towing differs from recreational towing in that it involves payment for services rendered and necessitates a USCG endorsement. Recreational towing is typically for personal use.
The Assistance Towing Endorsement is valid for the same duration as the underlying USCG Captain’s License to which it is added. Typically, this is five (5) years.
No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official certification, mariners must:
- Complete the necessary USCG application form.
- Submit both the Sea School Course Completion Certificate and USCG application form to the USCG plus $95 USCG fee and copy of medical certificate.
The USCG then processes the application and issues the official certification.
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.
