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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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.
Locations
Bayou La Batre, AL
Location
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Location
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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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.
- 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

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
Course Comparison
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
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.
So long as you maintain all endorsements and renewals, the Inland License will only help and expand your pre-existing Western Rivers license.
So long as you maintain all endorsements and renewals, the Inland License will only help and expand your pre-existing Western Rivers license.
So long as you maintain all endorsements and renewals, the Inland License will only help and expand your pre-existing Western Rivers license.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
