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.
USCG Deck General Exam Study Guide: Every Topic Covered
Deck General is the most question-dense module on USCG license exams. This study guide covers every major topic — stability, anchoring, fire, weather, cargo — in exam-ready detail.
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.
USCG Safety Exam Topics: Everything You Need to Know
The USCG safety module covers fire, flooding, lifesaving equipment, distress signals, and first aid. Here's every topic and what the exam actually asks about each one.
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.
Celestial Navigation USCG Exam: Tips From Someone Who Passed
Celestial navigation is the hardest module on the USCG Master 200-ton and higher exams. Here's exactly how the sight reduction procedure works and how to stop making the errors that fail candidates.
Chart Plotting USCG Exam: How to Pass Every Problem
Chart plotting is the only hands-on module on the USCG license exam. Nine problems, real paper charts, plotting tools. Here's the problem types, the mechanics, and how to avoid the errors that sink candidates.
USCG Navigation General Study Guide: Master Every Topic
Navigation General is the broadest module on any USCG license exam. This study guide covers compass correction, current sailing, tides, celestial basics, and electronic nav — in the right order.
COLREGS Rules of the Road Practice Test: What to Know Before Exam Day
The Rules of the Road module fails more USCG exam candidates than any other. Here's how to study COLREGS correctly — and what the practice test questions actually test.
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.