Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) for Inland / Western Rivers or Near Coastal / Oceans
The Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) is a required set of assessments used to test a mariner's knowledge and skill in towing vessel operations. Sign up for one of our assessment slots and complete your TOAR from one of our USCG Designated Examiners.
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.
The Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) is a required set of assessments used to test a mariner's knowledge and skill in towing vessel operations. At Sea School's Bayou La Batre campus, students perform assessments on our brand new, state-of-the-art mission bridge simulator. Enroll today to take the Inland / Western Rivers assessment or the Near Coastal / Oceans assessment.
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.
Towing Vessel Licenses and Requirements
General Requirements
- Minimum age - 21
- US Citizenship is required
- Medical Exam (Form CG-719K):
- A valid USCG physical is required
- Physicals available at most Sea School brick-and-mortar location
- Drug Test & Consortium Membership:
- Required for licensing
- Sea School provides access to APCA, a USCG-approved drug consortium
- Sign up at apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727
Sea Service Recency
- Recency – 90 days service in the past 7 years on vessels. A minimum tonnage is not applicable for towing MMC. Recency not required for adding a route or adding to current MMC greater than 200 GRT.
- NOTE: Service will be credited as follows:
- Service on GL will be credited day for day towards GL, Oceans or NC.
- Service on inland waters, other than GL, may substitute for up to 50% of the total required service towards Ocean and NC.
- Only service on WR is applicable towards WR endorsement.
- The OC or NC TOAR must still be completed to obtain the OC or NC MMC.
Master of Towing Vessels Requirements
- 540 days must be on towing vessels as Mate (Pilot) and if adding new route, must also include: \
- Ocean/NC - 90 days on ocean vessels, if new requested route.
- Inland & GL- 90 days Inland or GLs, if new requested route.
- Western Rivers – 90 days on WR, if new requested route.
- No additional training and observation is required. Oceans/ NC may operate on Great Lakes and Inland. WR must have route endorsed. When adding superior route or Western Rivers, additional exam and TOAR may be required
Holds Master More Than 200 GRT Requirements
- May operate towing vessels within any tonnage or route restrictions on their endorsement if they have:
- Ocean/NC - 30 days of training & observation on ocean towing vessels,
- Inland & GL- 30 days training and observation on Inland or GLs vessels,
- Western Rivers – 90 days training and observation on WRs vessels AND must be endorsed on the MMC.
- Training and Observation must be documented.
- All must hold a complete TOAR OR have completed an approved course for the TOAR. No exam required as the route is already held except when adding WR.
- EXCEPTION to holding WR endorsement: If operating on LMR Pilotage waters (MM 236 and below), not required to hold WR endorsement but must hold either a FCP for that route, a MMC for Western Rivers or Master greater than 200 GRT for other routes/waters.
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).
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FAQs about the Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR)
The Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) is a formal assessment record, based on the standards in National Maritime Circular 03-16 (NVIC 03-16), that documents a mariner's ability to safely operate a towing vessel.
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.
