Master 100 Gross Ton USCG Approved License Distance Learning Course
Upgrade your OUPV license and take seven or more (7+) paying customers onto the water! Enroll in one of Sea School’s three (3) day instructor-led distance learning courses (via Zoom) and start your journey today.
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The Master / Mate 100 GRT License Course
It covers vessel handling, seamanship, and meteorology, while also providing a more detailed overview of maritime regulations and laws. Graduates of this course can apply for a Master 25, 50, or 100 GRT license, depending on their sea time.
We send by mail the coursebooks before the class starts.
Locations
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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.
This Course Has Other Options for Learning
The Right Course for Every Seafarer
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What Our Clients Say
Outstanding staff and comfortable classroom.
One of the best instructors I had with perfect English language. I learned a lot more than I expected.
Ricardo G.
It’s a great setting with awesome staff.
The instructor is outstanding and the course is informative.
Dean D.
Great instructor, strongly recommend!
Jarrad A.
Best instructors I’ve had.
Instructor was a great teacher, and made the class fun and enjoyable.
Gavin A.
Excellent instructor.
Very adept at answering questions and ensures requirements are met. Great sea stories and experience.
James C.
Nice and very sweet office staff, I enjoyed meeting everyone.
Always an awesome time being at Sea School!
David A.
Highly recommend it.
The staff, classroom, instructors and the course is very professional.
Richard G.
Course is very informative.
Very experienced instructor, easy to talk to. Overall great experience and enjoyable.
Joseph D.
Office staff is always great.
Superb instructor and course has good material.
Kenneth G.
I loved the instructor, he is amazing.
The proctor was excellent too.
Kathleen H.
Good course and good classroom.
Loved the instructor and his knowledge.
Abigail L.
Instructor was so helpful in instructing the rules and safety of boats.
Simple class, easy to understand and loved the pictures so helpful.
Noa A.
The course is very informative.
The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable with plenty of examples and stories.
Haley D.
Instructor was amazing and very insightful to boating knowledge.
Learned a lot of information in this course.
Griffin K.
I have no complaints and I am super satisfied with my class.
Very helpful for the rules of the water. Instructor is super knowledgeable and clearly cares about the art of seamanship.
James H.
Good customer service from the staff.
Professional and knowledgeable instructor. Classroom is clean and adequate.
Arturo B.
Very good instructor.
Excellent communications from the staff.
James H.
Everything was top notch.
I found the instructor to be very knowledgeable in this course.
Donald D.
Great staff and clean classroom.
Instructor is great and also the course.
Mark D.
The course is very enjoyable.
The instructor is very nice to everyone and is knowledgeable. Clean and cool classroom and friendly staff.
Joseph G.
Office staff were very nice.
Instructor did a good job teaching and I love this course.
Mainor C.
Very good course.
Top notch instructor and very experienced instructor.
James D.
Comfortable classroom, well set up to exhibit course very well.
Very knowledgeable, helpful and courteous instructor and staff.
Gerorge B.
Instructor is friendly and very knowledgeable.
Excellent sea stories related to the subject.
Mark L.
Always helpful and accommodating staff.
Highly recommend it. Instructor is uniquely skilled at teaching. Kudos!
Patrick H.
John is very knowledgeable and informative!
Cody C.
Nice office staff.
Clean Classroom. Awesome instructor. Great course. Great food.
Cameron G.
Classroom was a great environment!
Instructor was extremely knowledgeable.
Anthony G.
John is the best teacher I’ve personally had at Sea School.
Knowledgeable and didn’t beat around the bush.
Trenton F.
Great office staff and classroom.
Lots of respect for the instructor. Taught very well!
Nicholas H.
I enjoyed John’s teaching.
Very to the point and sharp.
Cade B.
Very helpful office staff.
Great learning environment. Very knowledgeable and great instructor. Tremendous course! Delicious food!
Noah A.
Staff are professional and extremely helpful.
Instructor is extremely knowledgeable and made the painful course easy for us.
Charles G.
The very best staff.
Will return for any future class needs. Instructor is a great man with a wealth of knowledge.
Gabriel C.
Thank you.
Great job from everyone involved.
Jacob C.
Everyone was nice and very good to help with every problem that I had.
Aaron H.
Classroom is clean.
They provided everything we needed to learn the course. Instructor’s a great guy, super knowledgeable with great stories.
Jacob H.
Friendly office staff.
Instructors were very helpful.
Walter C.
Knowledgeable good instructors.
Instructors were good, reassuring and informative.
Kyle K.
Best staff I have ever met.
Classroom was nice and the course was very meaningful. Instructor is very intelligent.
Leland K.
Classroom is comfortable.
Instructor and staff were awesome and amazing.
Patrick C.
Excellent knowledge from the instructor.
She will make you learn.
Dustin B.
Instructor did not cut corners in teaching this class.
Very clear and straight to the point. Awesome teacher.
Garrison G.
Office staff is easy to deal with.
Friendly and helpful instructor.
Peter F.
Instructor was awesome.
I look forward to another class.
Dimecio D.
Office staff is a ten.
Informative course and clean classroom.
Sara H.
Amazing office staff.
Fun classroom. Awesome instructor. Fun course. Great food.
Hal E.
Great sea stories.
Excellent instruction.
Christopher M.
Instructor is very knowledgeable and passionate about teaching.
Thank you for all the help and for putting up with me.
Phillip C.
Instructor is very helpful and very good at teaching and knowing how to get you to understand.
Jarrett F.
Helpful and friendly staff.
Instructor did a good job and also an eye opening course.
Robert F.
Instructor is informative and the course is very detailed.
Helpful staff and clean classroom.
Carlos K.
Friendly and professional staff.
Instructor is knowledgeable and very willing to assist. I have enjoyed this experience and will be back for upgrades.
Darien H.
Excellent class.
All information was covered and a great instructor.
Jim C.
Pat is a great instructor!
John C.
Accommodations were perfect.
The cleaning staff do an amazing job.
Robert D.
Awesome office staff.
Awesome classroom. Awesome instructor. Awesome course. Awesome food. Awesome accommodations.
Ryan A.
Great office staff!
Instructor is a funny guy. Knows his stuff!
Austin C.
Thank you! I appreciate everything.
Trevan B.
Everything was excellent.
Dylan B.
Nice & helpful office staff.
Very helpful instructor. Excellent accommodations.
Alfonso L.
Well done!
David C.
Very good experience.
George J.
Office staff went above & beyond.
Instructor has relevant and real life experiences or storeis told.
Jacob H.
Amazing!!!
Drake B.
Office staff was great.
Pat did an excellent job and I loved his stories. As always, eggs were fantastic.
John C.
Food is delicious and prepared on time!
Pat is the best instructor to walk the earth and sail the 7 seas, he deserves a red porsche for a company vehicle.
David R.
Awesome office staff.
Nice and cool classroom. Awesome food!
Ryan A.
Instructor was helpful & stayed until our questions got answered.
Timothy H.
I enjoyed just about everything.
Instructor was super knowledgeable and I really enjoyed hearing all his sea stories.
John G.
Super sweet office staff.
Instructor stories keep you entertained and he knows his stuff! Chef is great. More cookies!
Austin C.
Excellent office staff. Awesome instructor!
Demetrios D.
Amazing across the board!
Shone H.
Great food!
Great stories and very knowledgeable instructor.
Ben C.
People are great!
Awesome classroom. Instructor really inspired me. Food was great.
Justin M.
Learned a lot - thanks guys!!!
Everyone from the Sea School personnel are very nice and knowledgeable. Classroom was very neat and clean.
Allen C.
Enjoyed having Capt. John as my instructor. Meals provided were good and enough!
David D.
Excellent instruction from experience.
Jeremy H.
Office staff was friendly and accommodating.
Classroom was clean, in a good state, comfortable. Instructor was experienced, approachable, friendly, and helpful.
Jonathan A.
Great, knowledgeable instructor, good stories.
Food was wonderful and unexpected!
Charles G.
John is amazing at what he does and I greatly appreciate him being my instructor!
Devin H.
Very helpful office staff.
Classroom was clean and organized. Instructor was a good guy. Overall, the course was good and I learned a lot about ships.
Amar A.
Office staff were very nice & helpful!
The course had good information and was easy to understand. Good instructor. Helps any way he can.
Steven J.
Gave clear instructions and presented the material in a relatable manner.
Ian M.
All excellent! Thank you!
Ramon H.
Great, very friendly and helpful office staff.
Instructor was very engaged in the course. Overall, great course!
Grant D.
Welcoming staff! Great instructor.
Hayes E.
Great knowledge & brought real world knowledge to class.
Christopher D.
Thank you!
Instructor was great and didn’t mind me asking any of my questions. I was nervous, but he made me feel comfortable.
Jayme H.
Great office staff!
Awesome classroom. Awesome instructor. Very good course.
Jason E.
Great instructor!
Very knowledgeable.
Ryan M.
I highly recommend!
Pat did a fine job.
Michael G.
Very enlightening course.
Great folks! Awesome instructors.
Aaron H.
Amazing people.
Course is straightforward and very informative.
Brendon K.
Informative course and instructor is very good as his experience teaches us knowledge.
Kevin D.
Instructor made the class very understandable.
This is my third time attending this school and the staff are always helpful and nice.
Dave C.
Great staff and instructor worked hard to help me in every way possible.
Gorki H.
Great instructors take the time to actually teach and help you learn everything that's needed.
Elijah C.
Thank you!
Office staff went out of their way to help me out.
Jonathan B.
Everything was good and the instructor was excellent.
Jaequavius J.
Mariners
Captains
Recreational boaters
Boaters
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.
- Shipboard Terminology & Principles of Ship Construction
- Trim, Stability & Buoyancy
- Effects of Icing and Downflooding
- Shipboard Terminology & Principles of Ship Construction
- Trim, Stability & Buoyancy
- Effects of Icing and Downflooding
- Purchases, Block & Tackle
- Purchases, Block & Tackle
- Ocean Current Systems
- Principles of Magnetic Compass
- Magnetic Compass Error/Correction
- Ocean Current Systems
- Principles of Magnetic Compass
- Magnetic Compass Error/Correction
- Dragging of & Clearing of Fouled Anchors
- Maneuver for Launching Lifeboats/Rafts in Heavy Weather
- Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats/Rafts
- Dragging of & Clearing of Fouled Anchors
- Maneuver for Launching Lifeboats/Rafts in Heavy Weather
- Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats/Rafts
- Rescuing Survivors from Ship/Aircraft in Distress
- Rescuing Survivors from Ship/Aircraft in Distress
- Organization of Fire Drills
- Firefighting Systems
- Firefighting Equipment & Regulations for T-Boats
- Sea Survival
- Organization of Fire Drills
- Firefighting Systems
- Firefighting Equipment & Regulations for T-Boats
- Sea Survival
- Lifesaving Appliance Regulations for T-Boats
- Lifesaving Appliance Operations for T-Boats
- Lifesaving Appliance Regulations for T-Boats
- Lifesaving Appliance Operations for T-Boats
- Vessel Alteration/Repair Hot Work
- Vessel Alteration/Repair Hot Work
- MARPOL 73/78
- Other International Instruments - Ship/Passenger/Crew/Cargo Safety
- MARPOL 73/78
- Other International Instruments - Ship/Passenger/Crew/Cargo Safety
- Load Lines
- Rules & Regulations for Inspected T-Boats
- Shipment & Discharge, Manning
- Load Lines
- Rules & Regulations for Inspected T-Boats
- Shipment & Discharge, Manning
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
A Master Captain’s License opens the door to many career opportunities. Many of our mariners pursue careers in the following*:
Charter Boat Captain
Ferry Operator
Water Taxi Driver
Tour Boat Captain
Dinner Cruise Captain
What Our Clients Say
Thank you so much! You were great!
Matthew F.
Instructor was very knowledgeable and was willing to help.
Winston G.
Office staff was very helpful with everything.
Instructor did an awesome job teaching.
Steven F.
Excellent course.
Outstanding office staff. Instructor did a good job.
Brian H.
Helpful office staff.
Well informed course. Awesome instructor and food.
Greg B.
Amazing!
Pat is a wealth of knowledge.
Edward G.
Very helpful and knowledgeable office staff.
Clean & well laid out classroom. Instructor was very knowledgeable with great way of explaining everything.
Patrick G.
John made that class fun, learned a lot!
Dexter J.
Very organized office staff, clean and neat classroom.
The instructor does a great job and is a great instructor.
Ryan H.
Very clean classroom!
The office staff is most helpful and wonderful to have in your corner. The instructor was very knowledgeable of the material.
Jordan H.
Course Comparison
Master 100 GRT Captain's License: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Education & Testing Requirements
Course Completion Certificate:
- Completion of Sea School’s approved Master/Mate 100GT course and exam.
- Alternatively, the exam may be taken at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) (note: not all provide testing).
- Prep courses are strongly recommended.
Testing:
- Upon completion of your course, you will need to schedule an online proctored exam with Sea School.
- If you'd prefer to test in person, we offer exams at our Sea School offices. Those offices are in Charleston, SC, Jacksonville, FL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, St. Petersburg, FL. Panama City, FL or Bayou La Batre, AL.
- All exams for Distance Learning courses must be completed within one year of the course start date.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- Must be 19 years old.
- Students 18 years old may take the course if their 19th birthday falls within one year of completion.
Boating Experience (Sea Time):
- 720 days on Inland or Near Coastal waters.
- At least 360 of those days must be on Near Coastal or Ocean waters.
- 90 days of sea time in the past 3 years on vessels.
- Experience in the engine department may count for up to 90 days.
Tonnage Requirements by License Level:
- 100 GRT: 180 days on vessels ≥ 51 GRT OR 360 days on vessels ≥ 34 GRT
- 50 GRT: 180 days on vessels ≥ 26 GRT OR 360 days on vessels ≥ 17 GRT
- 25 GRT: 541 days on vessels ≤ 5 GRT OR 180 days on vessels 6–25 GRT OR 260 days on vessels 1–16 GRT
Medical & Drug Testing Requirements
Medical Exam (Form CG-719K):
- Required for licensing.
- Offered at most Sea School locations.
Drug Test / Consortium Membership:
- Required for all applicants.
- Sea School offers access to APCA, a USCG-approved consortium.
- Sign up at: apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727.
Safety & Security Certifications
CPR / First Aid Certification:
- CPR/First Aid required if applying for original license only. If upgrading from OUPV, not required.
- Must be USCG-approved and less than one year old.
- Offered at Sea School locations.
- Not all CPR courses are USCG-approved—students should verify at the USCG-approved course list.
- Other recommended providers are: Emergency University, American Heart Association and the Red Cross
TWIC Card (Security Clearance):
- Required for U.S. government security clearance.
Citizenship:
- Must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a Master License.
Application & Licensing Process
Fees:
- Mariner fees must be paid as part of the application process.
Official Documentation:
- Students are encouraged to check the official USCG Checklist NMC for up-to-date requirements and forms.
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Master License course
A Master’s License is a USCG approved license that allows license holders to operate inspected vessels with seven or more paying passengers. The Master's License is available in 25, 50, and 100-ton versions. Eligibility is based on sea service time and vessel size.
An inspected vessel is a vessel built in accordance with USCG Commercial Vessel inspection standards. A Certificate of Inspection (CG-841) is given to a vessel once it has been inspected and approved by the US Coast Guard. This certificate is required for vessels that carry more than six paying passengers and includes details such as: the vessel's equipment, approved route, minimum manning requirements, passenger capacity, owner and operator information, and the certificate's period of validity.
- A certificate of completion of Sea School’s approved course and exam.
- Alternatively, a student could take the exam at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC). Not all USCG locations provide testing, so students must schedule at an REC. Prep courses like ours are strongly recommended.
- 19 years of age
- Students who are 18 years old may take the class, provided that their 19th birthday falls within one year of completing the course. This is a common question from parents who want to take the class with their children.
- 720 Days of experience on Inland or Near Coastal Waters with 360 of those days being on Near Coastal or Ocean waters
- If NC license:
- 100GT=180 days >51 gt or 360 >
- 36GT50GT= 180 > 26gt, or 360 > 17gt
- All others will get 25gt
- If INLAND:
- 100GT= 90 days > 51GT or 180>34GT
- 50GT= 90 > 26GT or 180 > 17GT
- All others get 25GT
- Physical that satisfies the Form CG-719K
- We offer physicals at most of our brick and mortar locations
- Consortium membership / drug test
- Sea School has its own USCG drug consortium, APCA. Interested students can sign up for a drug test/consortium membership at apcadrugtesting.com or by calling (727) 522-2727
- USCG-approved CPR/First Aid certificate that is less than one year old
- We offer classes at all of our brick and mortar locations and it’s encouraged to promote our own courses
- If a student can’t make our class, we usually recommend: Emergency University, American Heart Association, or The Red Cross
- The course needs to be USCG-approved; many CPR courses aren’t USCG approved. For further questions, consult the USCG website
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- We offer classes at all of our brick and mortar locations and it’s encouraged to promote our own courses
- TWIC card (U.S. government security clearance)
- Must have U.S. Citizenship
- While non-U.S. citizens can receive a OUPV license, mariners looking to obtain a Master License MUST BE U.S Citizens.
- Mariner fees must be paid
While the Sea School does our best to keep our website up to date with all USCG standards and regulations, mariners should always check official documentation can be found at Checklist NMC.
Mariners need 720 days of sea time before they are eligible to become a Master Captain. 90 of those 720 days of sea time must also be within the past 3 years.
This information is only correct for a Master Near Coastal license.
All USCG licenses are valid for 5 years.
- Application CG719B
- Copy of current TWIC, or check TWIC box on application if expired
- Copy of valid medical certificate, or submit updated CG719K medical form
- Current drug screen
- Pay mariner fees
Sea Service Requirements (only if MMC is not expired beyond 6 years):
Please note only 1 of the below is required to renew your Master license
- 360 days of service during the past 5 years from date of application
- Pass a comprehensive, open-book exercise
- Complete an approved refresher training course
- Provide evidence of employment as a qualified instructor or in a position closely related to the operation, construction, or repair of vessels (either deck or engineer as appropriate) for at least 3 yrs during the past 5 years from date of application
- Provide evidence of being a qualified instructor who has taught a CG approved course relevant to the endorsement being applied at least twice within past 5 years from date of application.
Submit your Application Packet to the Nearest Regional Exam Center (REC)
The USCG Master’s License is the highest level captain’s license and allows you to operate larger, inspected vessels, such as dinner cruises, ferries, dive boats, and party boats with seven or more passengers.
There are several differences between an OUPV and Master’s license listed below:
- Required Age: For OUPV the minimum age is 18 while the minimum age for Master is 19.
- Citizenship: OUPV can be permanent resident. Master MUST be US citizen.
- Passenger Limit: OUPV (6-Pack) license allows you to take up to 6 passengers for hire on your vessel. Master License allows you to take more than 6 passengers.
- Vessel Type: OUPV is for “uninspected” vessels only. Master License is for inspected and uninspected vessels.
- Area of Operation: OUPV is for U.S. Inland and Near Coastal Waters. Master’s License is for U.S. & International Waters (depending on your endorsement)
- Master's License sea time: Master Inland: 360 days total (same as OUPV). Master Near Coastal: 720 overall, at least 360 in near coastal waters.
The 25/50/100-Ton Masters license is reserved for U.S. citizens. Non-eligible individuals can still join the Sea School course to enhance their maritime knowledge and boating skills.
There are three different Master Licenses available: 25-ton, 50-ton, and 100-ton. Each license permits you to operate vessels up to the specified tonnage: 25 tons, 50 tons, and 100 tons, respectively. The Coast Guard determines your license eligibility based on your sea time. See below for general guidelines:
If NC license:
- 100GT=180 days >51 gt or 360 > 34GT
- 50GT=180 days >26GT, or 360 days > 17GT
- All others will get 25gt
If INLAND:
- 100GT= 90 days > 51GT or 180>34GT
- 50GT= 90 > 26GT or 180 > 17GT
- All others get 25GT
If you meet all the requirements for a Master’s License (MM100) you can apply for both OUPV and a Master/Mate License at the same time, presuming you complete both courses prior.
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.
