Sea School’s one (1) day Inland to Western Rivers Route Conversion Course
Enroll today in Sea School’s one (1) day Inland to Western Rivers Route Conversion Course and learn practical aspects and rules of towing on Western Rivers. Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, mariners will be able to work with the USCG to add the new route to their towing license.
.webp)
This course is required for mariners
Are required to operate on Western Rivers can enroll in the Inland to Western Rivers Towing Course. This one-day course will provide instruction on navigation rules specific to Western Rivers, towing operations, and recommended practices.
Locations
Bayou La Batre, AL
Location
,
Location
Heading
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.
This Course Has Other Options for Learning
The Right Course for Every Seafarer
.webp)
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.
- The Inland Waterways
- Inland Rivers Vessel Movement Center
- Western Rivers - Aids to Navigation
- Western Rivers - Chart Interpretation
- The Inland Waterways
- Inland Rivers Vessel Movement Center
- Western Rivers - Aids to Navigation
- Western Rivers - Chart Interpretation
- Maneuvering in Rivers
- River Sailing
- Towboats
- Maneuvering in Rivers
- River Sailing
- Towboats
- Rules of the Road
- River Safety - Policy & Procedures
- Rules of the Road
- River Safety - Policy & Procedures
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
What Our Clients Say
Amazing across the board!
Shone H.
Great sea stories.
Excellent instruction.
Christopher M.
Amazing office staff.
Fun classroom. Awesome instructor. Fun course. Great food.
Hal E.
Office staff is a ten.
Informative course and clean classroom.
Sara H.
Instructor was awesome.
I look forward to another class.
Dimecio D.
Office staff is easy to deal with.
Friendly and helpful instructor.
Peter F.
Instructor did not cut corners in teaching this class.
Very clear and straight to the point. Awesome teacher.
Garrison G.
Excellent knowledge from the instructor.
She will make you learn.
Dustin B.
Classroom is comfortable.
Instructor and staff were awesome and amazing.
Patrick C.
Best staff I have ever met.
Classroom was nice and the course was very meaningful. Instructor is very intelligent.
Leland K.
Course Comparison
Inland to Western River Routes for Towing Vessels Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
License
- A first-time applicant applying for apprentice mate of towing vessels upon western rivers must have this course in order to request this route even if they are requesting inland and near coastal as well.
- A mate pilot of towing vessel or a master of towing vessels need this course to add the western river route to their endorsement if it was not previously held at the apprentice mate level
Sea Service
- 90 days on Western Rivers
- If a holder of mate pilot of towing or master of towing is taking the class to add western river route to their endorsement, the TOAR for that route needs to be completed in addition to taking the course
- Original apprentice mate of towing vessels do not have to complete the TOAR
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Inland to Western course
The USCG considers Western Rivers to be the rivers that primarily encompass the Mississippi River system. These include:
- The Mississippi River and its tributaries
- The South Pass and Southwest Pass
- The Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route
- The part of the Atchafalaya River above its junction with Plaquemine-Morgan City Alternate Waterway
To find the most up to date and accurate description of Western Rivers, it is best to refer to 33 CFR 83.03.
The Sea School offers Inland to Western River Routes Conversion 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.
License
- A first-time applicant applying for apprentice mate of towing vessels upon western rivers must have this course in order to request this route even if they are requesting inland and near coastal as well.
- A mate pilot of towing vessel or a master of towing vessels need this course to add the western river route to their endorsement if it was not previously held at the apprentice mate level.
Sea Service
- 90 days on Western Rivers
- If a holder of mate pilot of towing or master of towing is taking the class to add western river route to their endorsement, the TOAR for that route needs to be completed in addition to taking the course
- Original apprentice mate of towing vessels do not have to complete the TOAR
Due to the unique navigational challenges of Western Rivers, the USCG requires specialized instruction and experience for marine operators.
Simulators generally do NOT replace required real world experience, especially for the 90-day sea time requirement.
Maintaining a detailed log of your sea time, signed by your employer, is necessary when submitting for most endorsements or licenses that require sea time.
As with many other Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsements, the Western Rivers Towing License is valid for 5 years.
No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official Inland to Western Rivers 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 to Western Rivers Towing 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.
