USCG-Approved 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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The Assistance Towing Endorsement course is 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.
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Bayou La Batre, AL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Jacksonville, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Charleston, SC
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Train from Anywhere with Sea School Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace
Train on your schedule with Sea School’s self-paced online courses. Designed for flexibility and convenience, our online programs allow you to complete key certifications and knowledge-based training from anywhere, at any time.
Call us today to get scheduled for our Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels bundle
Throughout this sixteen (16) day course, mariners will go through trainings for OUPV, Master 100 Ton upgrade, Master 200 Ton upgrade, Inland to Western Rivers and the Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels upgrade.
Upcoming Zoom Trainings
Join our Captain’s License OUPV course from anywhere with our convenient Zoom sessions. Choose the dates that work best for your schedule and start your journey toward earning your license - without ever leaving home.
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The Right Course for Every Seafarer
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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.
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.
Team Trainings
Sea School provides comprehensive team training solutions designed to meet your organization's unique requirements. Our certified instructors are available for on-site training at your location, or your team can utilize our dedicated training facilities. Please contact us for further details regarding our corporate training opportunities.
Online Trainings
Looking to obtain your next license at your own pace? Sea School offers a selection of immersive online courses designed to provide you with convenient access to our high-quality course material. Explore our online options and contact us with any questions you may have.
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).
Advance your Maritime Career
Tankers, Cargo Ships, Passenger Vessels, Offshore Vessels, Government Vessels, Engine Room Duties
Captain of Towing Vessel
Standby Towing Support
Sea Tow
Tow Boat US
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.
Office staff is efficient and very pleasant.
David I.
One of the best instructors I have encountered.
William H.
Office staff is very helpful.
Course was very well done.
James G.
Great class, very informative and fun.
Russell D.
Comprehensive course.
Clean and well lit classroom. Very kind and accommodating office staff. Smiles and friendly conversation everyday.
Elena B.
The staff are amazing!
Provided everything I needed and ran a professional operation. Instructor clearly has a lot of experience in this field and I thoroughly enjoyed her instructions.
Dallas B.
Course Comparison
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)
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.
It’s Time to Start Your Maritime Career!
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.
