From the bridge
RSSPractical maritime compliance.
Plain-English writing for commercial operators — USCG rules, Sub M, STCW, cyber, and the free tools we built along the way. No regulatory fog. No SEO filler.
The USCG Physical & Drug Test (CG-719K): What to Expect
The medical exam and drug test trip up more captain's license applications than the written test. Here's exactly what the CG-719K physical checks, what can disqualify you, and how to pass the drug screen.
USCG License Renewal: Step-by-Step (and the 5-Year Clock)
How to renew your USCG captain's license before it lapses — the 5-year clock, the renewal window, the recency requirement, and exactly what to submit. Don't let your credential expire.
TWIC Card: How to Get One for Your Captain's License
Your first TWIC is required before the Coast Guard will issue your captain's license. Here's how to enroll, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to keep it from delaying your application.
USCG Towing Officer Endorsement (TOAR): What to Know
The path to a Master of Towing or Mate (Pilot) of Towing endorsement runs through the TOAR — a practical demonstration of skills, not just a written test. Here's how the towing endorsement works.
How Much Sea Time Do You Need for Each USCG License?
OUPV, 100-Ton, 200-Ton, MMC — exactly how many days of sea service each USCG license requires, the 90-day recency rule that trips people up, and how to document it on Form CG-719S.
How Much Does a Captain's License Cost? (2026 Breakdown)
The real all-in cost of a USCG captain's license in 2026 — course, TWIC, physical, drug test, and Coast Guard fees — broken down by license, plus the hidden cost most first-timers miss.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Captain's License?
From deciding to start to holding the credential, a realistic USCG captain's license timeline — the course, the documents, the exam, and the NMC processing wait most people underestimate.
Gross Tonnage Explained: Why 25 / 50 / 100 / 200-Ton Matters
Tonnage isn't weight — it's volume, and it sets the ceiling on what you can captain. Here's what gross tonnage means, how your license tonnage is determined, and why it decides your career path.
From Deckhand to Captain: The Full USCG License Ladder
The complete path from your first day as a deckhand to a Master's license — every rung, what each one requires, and how to climb it without wasting time or sea days.
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Exam: Complete Application Guide
The MMC is your federal mariner's credential from the USCG NMC. Here's how applications work, what documents you need, how the exam fits in, and what every mariner gets wrong.
Radar Observer Exam USCG: Full Prep Guide for 2026
The USCG Radar Observer endorsement requires a separate exam covering radar operation, ARPA plotting, and collision avoidance. Here's what's on it and how to pass.
Master 200-Ton Exam Prep: What's Actually Tested
The Master 200 GRT exam is a serious credential with real celestial navigation, advanced stability, and deep Rules of the Road. Here's how to prepare correctly.