Sea School’s (4) Day Western to Inland Rivers Route Conversion Course
Enroll today in Sea School’s four (4) day Western to Inland Rivers Route Route Conversion Course and satisfy the Navigation General and Map Navigation requirements to add an Inland Rivers route to a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) on Western Rivers or Master / Mate of Towing Vessels on Western Rivers.
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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.
Mariners who currently hold a Western Rivers Towing License
They are required to operate on Inland Waters can enroll in the Western to Inland River Routes for Towing Vessels Course. This two-day course will provide instruction on navigation rules specific to Inland Waters, towing operations, and recommended best practices.
Western to Inland River Routes Completion and Certification Requirements
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Western Rivers to Inland Routes for Towing Vessels (SEASCH-553) course will satisfy:
- The examination requirements of:
- Rules of the Road: Inland and International
- Navigation General: Great Lakes and Inland
- Navigation Problems: Chart Plot
For increasing the scope of the following endorsements from Western Rivers to Great Lakes and Inland routes if completed within one year of application:
- Apprentice Mate (Steersman)
- Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels
- Master of Towing Vessels
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.
Western to Inland River Routes for Towing Vessels Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
License
- Must hold a valid Western Rivers Towing License
Sea Service
- 90 days of sea service on Inland Waters within the last 3 years
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.
- Earth & Coordinates
- Compass, Magnetic & Gyro
- Nautical Charts
- Publications
- Electronic Navigation
- Aids to Navigations
- Weather
- Tides & Currents
- Communications/Signals
- Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats/Rafts
- Lifesaving Appliance Operation
- Draft Marks & Load Times
- Earth & Coordinates
- Compass, Magnetic & Gyro
- Nautical Charts
- Publications
- Electronic Navigation
- Aids to Navigations
- Weather
- Tides & Currents
- Communications/Signals
- Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats/Rafts
- Lifesaving Appliance Operation
- Draft Marks & Load Times
- Rules of the Road
- Rules of the Road
- Chart Navigation
- Chart Navigation
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
Knowledgeable good instructors.
Instructors were good, reassuring and informative.
Kyle K.
Friendly office staff.
Instructors were very helpful.
Walter C.
Classroom is clean.
They provided everything we needed to learn the course. Instructor’s a great guy, super knowledgeable with great stories.
Jacob H.
Everyone was nice and very good to help with every problem that I had.
Aaron H.
Thank you.
Great job from everyone involved.
Jacob C.
The very best staff.
Will return for any future class needs. Instructor is a great man with a wealth of knowledge.
Gabriel C.
Great, knowledgeable instructor, good stories.
Food was wonderful and unexpected!
Charles G.
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
- Students should bring a pencil, highlighter, notebook, and plotting tools
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Western to Inland course
Inland Waters means the navigable waters of the United States shoreward of the navigational demarcation lines dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers, and other inland waters of the United States and the waters of the Great Lakes on the United States side of the International Boundary.
No! Your Western Rivers Towing experience is valuable and has gotten you most of the way toward getting your Inland Waters Towing License. However, you’ll still have to meet the sea time requirements for Inland Waters and take an approved course like the one offered at Sea School.
The Sea School offers Western to Inland River Routes for Towing Vessels courses 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.
- Sea Service: 90 days of sea service on Inland Waters within the last 3 years
- License: Must hold a valid Western Rivers Towing License
- Rules of the Road: Inland and International
- Navigation General: Great Lakes and Inland
- Navigation Problems: Chart Plot
Inland Towing Licenses are valid for 5 years
So long as you maintain all endorsements and renewals, the Inland License will only help and expand your pre-existing Western Rivers license.
No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official Inland Waters Towing certification, mariners must:
- Complete the necessary USCG application form.
- Submit both the Sea School Course Completion Certificate and USCG application form to the USCG.
The USCG then processes the application and issues the official Inland Waters Towing 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.
