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.
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.
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.
USCG 100-Ton Captain License Exam: What to Expect
A practical breakdown of the USCG Master 100 GRT exam — module structure, question counts, passing score, and the prep sequence that actually works.
USCG 6-Pack License Exam: The Complete OUPV Study Guide
Exactly what's on the USCG OUPV (6-pack) exam, how many questions, the passing score, and the fastest path to passing — from someone who's been through it.