Captain’s License Premium Bundle – Online Course & Exam
$1,445.00
Earn Your USCG Master 100 Ton License — Done Right, Start to Finish
Everything you need to earn your USCG Master license up to 100 Gross Tons—the go-to for full-time captains commanding inspected vessels with higher passenger capacities (as per the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection) on tours, ferries, dinner cruises, whale watches, crew boats, and more. Instructor-led live virtual classes twice weekly, flexible pacing, plus full application prep, screening, submission, and support from Diamond Marine Services to avoid delays, mistakes, and hassle—and get the highest credential you’re eligible for.
After purchase, you are redirected to your “My Courses” page where you can click on your course to get started immediately. Course never expires. Study at your pace anytime, anywhere! (Your physical Book Package ships USPS Priority Mail and arrives in about five days.)
You will receive a phone call from your instructor & application consultant within 36 hours.
Scroll down for full course details. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Premium Captain’s License Bundle
Includes our instructor-led Virtual Master Captain’s License Course plus full application consultation, preparation, and submission by Diamond Marine Services.
Virtual Master Captain’s License Course
The Virtual Master Captain’s License Course is instructor-led and provides structured guidance through live, interactive web-based classes held twice weekly. The flexible course schedule allows you to progress at your own pace—finish early or take additional time as needed to fully master the material.
“Thanks to John’s guidance and expertise, I feel well-prepared and confidant in my pursuit of the USCG Master credential. I highly recommend his instruction to anyone serious about passing the course and gaining a solid foundation in maritime operations.” ~ Jeremy W. (Instructor Led Master 100)
Diamond Marine Services – Application Consultation and Submission
The application process is one of the most challenging parts of earning a captain’s license. Diamond Marine Services manages the process from start to finish, including preparation, screening, submission, and ongoing support. Their team helps ensure you apply for the highest license level for which you qualify, reducing errors and delays and helping your application move through the system as efficiently as possible.
“Captain Sam and his team are the absolute best. Get signed up with Diamond Marine before you ever begin your class (US Captain with Neil and John were awesome). Diamond Marine walked with me every step of the way and the medical certification was an absolute beast but with their guidance I was able to get it secured. I can’t stress enough how important it is to let Sam, and his team handle the application process as you begin your classes. The services Captain Sam and his team provide are first class and the absolute BEST IN THE BUSINESS! Every text, call or email I sent was answered in a very timely manner with great information. Thank You Diamond Marine and US Captain for making a dream come true.” ~ Ken Davenport
Why Thousands of Captains Choose Our Courses
- Finish as fast as you want — go at your own pace
- Lifetime access — log in 24/7, forever; your course never expires
- 3 final exam attempts included (extra attempts available if needed)
- Industry-leading support — real captains and experts answer fast (phone, text, or email)
- Simple, stress-free proctoring — live person via Google Meet, nothing to install
- No lockdown browser — full control of your computer during the exam
- Only requires a computer with webcam/mic + a phone or tablet for the second camera angle
Get Your Master Captain’s License Faster Than Ever
- Instant access the second you check out
- Study at your own pace and finish when you’re ready
- Self-schedule your proctored final exam immediately
- Pass → your USCG-approved Certificate of Training is generated instantly
- We team up with Diamond Marine Services (top USCG application experts) to get definitive answers to nuanced application questions
Enroll
Click “Add to Cart” and proceed through checkout to enroll in the Master Captain’s License Course. You’ll also receive an email titled “US Captains Training Username and Password” to reset your password and access your account. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Course Materials
Everything you need to complete the course and Online Final Examination is included in your purchase and accessible in the online classroom. The Book Package needed to complete the Master Captain’s License Course is included in the purchase price. It is shipped USPS Priority and arrives in about five days. The package contains the following items:
Exam Modules
The five Exam Modules listed below make up the Master Captain’s License Course, Master 100 (USCAPT 281).
- (EM100) Rules of the Road: International and Inland
- (EM160) Deck General
- (EM161) Deck Safety
- (EM162) Navigation General: Near Coastal
- (EM163) Chart Plot
Complete the Exam Modules by passing quizzes which unlock topics sequentially. The final practice quiz unlocks a Badge for the exam module. Unlock the Badge for each exam module and you are ready for the Online Final Examination which is schedule via a link in the Final Examination – Master 100 Tons (USCAPT 281).
Your “My Courses” Page
After purchase, you are redirected to your My Courses page, where you’ll find:
- Master 100 (USCAPT 281) – Main course that triggers enrollment in all required modules
- (EM100) Rules of the Road: International and Inland – Exam module
- (EM160) Deck General – Exam module
- (EM161) Deck Safety – Exam module
- (EM162) Navigation General: Near Coastal – Exam module
- (EM163) Chart Plot – Exam module
- Final Examination – Master 100 (USCAPT 281) – Proctored final examinations
In addition to being redirected to your “My Course” page you will receive an email with the subject “US Captains Training Username and Password.” This email allows you to reset your password and access your account details.
With over 6 million views on YouTube, we’ve helped tens of thousands of people earn their captain’s license — and we have the tools and resources to help you do the same. You’ll get everything you need to succeed: clear video lectures, practice quizzes, books and tools, and expert instructors to guide you through both the material and the application process. If you have questions, our team responds quickly — and Neil, the guy from the videos, actually loves talking with students on the phone. (866) 293-9308
Online Final Examination
Take the Final Examination Online as soon as you are ready. The process is convenient, reliable and USCG approved. You are never alone during Online Final Examination your proctor is always present to guide you through the process.
Prepare
Complete the Exam Modules which make up the Virtual Master Captain’s License Course. You must complete all five of the Exam Modules before you may schedule your Final Examination.
Schedule
To schedule your final examination, navigate to the My Courses tab. Select Final Examination – Master 100 Tons (USCAPT 281), then click the link labeled “Click here to Schedule your Pre Exam Consultation for Master 100 Final Examination.”
Complete
Pass the Final Exam for each of the five Exam Modules which make up the Virtual Master Captain’s License Course. Below is a list of the Exam Modules including the number of questions and passing grade.
- Rules of the Road: International and Inland – 50 Questions – 90% to pass
- Navigation General: Near Coastal – 50 Questions – 70% to pass
- Chart Navigation – 10 Questions – 90% to pass
- Deck General – 50 Questions – 70% to pass
- Deck Safety – 50 Questions – 70% to pass
Answers to FAQs
Below are answers to the most frequently asked question we receive about the Online Final Examination.
- All exam modules comprising a final examination must be completed on consecutive days within the same business week.
- The mariner must complete a minimum of two final exams per day.
- This gives you three days to complete your first battery of exams for the master’s course.
- A battery of exams is a set of final exams grouped together and administered to USCG license applicants to earn their license.
- There are five exams in the battery for the master’s license.
- You have three chances to pass each final exam.
- Once you have completed your first battery of exam you have 90 days to finish any retesting that is required.
- The 90 days starts from the day you took your first exam.
- If you fail any final exam three times the USCG requires that you retake the entire course.
- If you must retake the entire course you do not need to repurchase the course, you pay a retest + administration fee.
- The Online Final Examination is the only final examination you need to take, there is no testing with the USCG.
- Our Online Final Examination has been approved by the USCG and is in lieu of testing at the REC.
Sea Service Review
The Premium Bundle includes Application Preparation, Screening, Submission, and Support by Diamond Marine Services. Their team ensures you are applying for the best license for which you qualify. You are contacted by an application specialist to go over your sea service when you purchase the Premium Bundle.
Qualifications
The USCG qualifications an applicant must meet to hold a Master Captains License are presented below and based on the USCG Checklists
- Checklist for Inland/Great Lakes & Inland Master Captain
- Checklist for Near Coastal Master Captain
- Checklist for Tonnage Increase once you hold a license
General Requirements
- Must have U.S. Citizenship
- Must be at least age 19
- Medical Certificate Requirement
- Original – Must hold a valid Medical Certificate or be approved for
Medical Certificate - Renewal, ROG, New Endorsement – Must hold an unexpired Medical
Certificate or submit a Medical Certificate application
- Original – Must hold a valid Medical Certificate or be approved for
- Drug Testing Compliant
- Mariner Fees must be paid
Sea Service Requirements
The scope or “Route Endorsement” of your license is based on the geographic location in which you gained your sea service and may be either Inland, Great Lakes & Inland or Near Coastal. A Near Coastal route endorsement allows the holder to operate up to 200 miles offshore and also covers “Subordinate Routes” such as Great Lakes & Inland. The tonnage of your license will be 25, 50, or 100 tons based on the tonnage of the vessel on which you gained sea service.
Near Coastal Master Captains License
- 720 days total
- 360 days seaward of the boundary line or on the Great Lakes (of 720 days total)
- 90 days in the last seven years (of 720 days total)
Great Lakes and Inland Master Captain’s License
- 360 days total
- 90 days on the Great Lakes (of 360 days total)
- 90 days in the last seven years (of 360 days total)
Inland Master Captain’s License
- 360 days total
- 90 in the last seven years (of 360 days total)
To qualify for the Masters 100 GRT
- 90 days on a vessel 51 GRT or above, or (of total days)
- 180 days on a vessel 34 GRT or above, or (of total days)
To qualify for the 50 GRT
- 90 days on a vessel 25 GRT or above, or (of total days)
- 180 days on a vessel 17 GRT or above (of total days)
To qualify for the 25 GRT
- If mariner does not meet the tonnage calculation for 50 GRT or more he or she is eligible for 25 GRT
Other Requirements
- First Aid (completed within 1 year) (original only)
- CPR (must be valid) (original only)
Exams
- Course completion certificate in lieu of Coast Guard examination (Online Master Captain’s License Course)
Diamond Marine Service’s Application Consultation and Submission
The application process is half the battle of getting a captain’s license. Diamond Marine Services provides Application Preparation, Screening, Submission, and Support. They are industry leading consultants who make sure you get the best license for which you qualify in the shortest amount of time with the least hassle.
The information below is for your reference. Diamond Marine Services is included in the Premium Bundle and guides you through the entire application and submission process.
USCG License Application
You must submit an Application Packet to the US Coast Guard (USCG) to earn a license. You may submit your application packet to the USCG before or after taking a course.
IMPORTANT: Your Course Completion Certificate (Certificate of Training) satisfies the testing requirements for your license. However, we recommend preparing your application and submitting it as soon as possible. The application evaluation process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. You do NOT need to include your course completion certificate with your application. If your application is evaluated and approved for issuance, the USCG gives you one year to complete the course!
If you need help putting your application together, we have prepared the following resources:
- The National Maritime Center website has resources including live chat if you have questions for the USCG.
- If this process seems overwhelming, time consuming, or if you just want professional help putting your application together, we recommend contacting Diamond Marine Services. The team at DMS have credentialing experts and former National Maritime Center evaluators on their staff and can quickly guide you to a complete and properly prepared application. You can reach them at 877-335-6341.
Application Packet
A USCG application packet contains everything the USCG needs to process and issue your captain’s license. Fill out the Forms and complete the Tasks below to create an application packet.
Forms
The US Coast Guard (USCG) application packet consists of the following USCG forms. Visit our Application Page for video tutorials of each form.
- Application – APPLICATION FOR MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL (FORM CG-719B)
- Sea Service – SMALL VESSEL SEA SERVICE FORM (OPTIONAL CG – 719S)
- Physical – APPLICATION FOR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE (FORM CG 719K)
- Drug Test – DOT/USCG PERIODIC DRUG TESTING FORM (OPTIONAL 719P)
- Conviction Statement – DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR NARCOTIC, DWI/DUI, AND/OR OTHER CONVICTIONS (OPTIONAL FORM CG-719C)
- Certificate of Training – Issued upon course completion
Tasks
To complete an application packet you must complete the following tasks.
- TWIC – Applicants for original licenses must apply for a TWIC and include the receipt in their application packet.
- Pay.Gov – Go to Pay.Gov and pay processing and issuance of your license.
- CPR & First Aid – Take this USCG Approved Online CPR & First Aid Course. Send a copy of your CPR & First Aid Card in with your application packet.
Application Packet Costs
The total cost of completing a USCG application packet will vary. The figures below are cost estimates based on our experience.
- Physical and Drug Test – $160 – This is our best estimate for a physical and drug test.
- Any primary care physician can complete the USCG Physical (719K).
- We recommend US Drug Test Centers 866-566-0261 for scheduling a drug screen at a local lab.
- TWIC – $125 – Applicants for original licenses must apply for a TWIC.
- Pay.Gov – $145 – Pay for processing and issuance of your license. Renewals and modification of an existing license will cost less.
- CPR & First Aid $119.95 – Online and USCG Approved.
Certificate of Training
The Certificate of Training satisfies USCG testing requirements. Once you complete the course and online final examination your Certificate of Training is issued. As a reminder, you can prepare and submit your application before completing the course. Keep in mind that due to USCG regulation, your Certificate of Training is only valid for one year.
- If you completed the course first, please include your certificate of training with your application.
- If you have already submitted your application, you can send your Certificate of Application via email to iasknmc@uscg.mil.
Email your Application Packet
Please follow the USCG Electronic Submission Instructions to email your complete USCG Application Packet to the Regional Examination Center (REC) nearest you. The USCG processes and issues your license once they have evaluated your application packet. The USCG evaluation process takes about four to six weeks.
If your packet is incomplete or filled out incorrectly the USCG will mail you a letter explaining what additional information they need. Get that information together and send it to the USCG to keep the process moving.
