From Weekend Boater to Charter Captain: How Tim Joyner Launched His Business With a Captain’s License

For many recreational boaters, the idea of turning their passion into a business remains just that — an idea.

For Tim Joyner, founder of Out East Island Charters in Wilmington, North Carolina, that idea became a reality when he got his captain’s license through Mariners Learning System.

Now in his third year of operations, Tim’s journey from weekend boater to professional charter captain offers valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path.

Gradual Growth in Boating

Tim moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 2001 for college. He didn’t own a boat back then, but spent plenty of time on the water thanks to friends who did. After marrying and starting a family, he finally bought a boat of his own. 

“I wasn’t really as comfortable with being on the boat,” Tim confesses about his initial outings. “It really wasn’t until after COVID, where we found ourselves stuck inside or outdoors. And oftentimes, we spent our time on the water, on the boat.”

Those long days on the water inspired not just a love of boating but a love of sharing that joy with others. “It opened my eyes,” he says. “Like, hey, this might be an opportunity.”

The Decision to Get Licensed

Tim describes himself as a natural hustler, always thinking about ways to earn extra income. And while boating, he had many conversations with local captains and charter operators. One encounter in particular always stood out: a talk with the man who bought Tim’s first boat.

“He had gotten his captain’s license purely for boat safety and just understanding the waterway,” Tim recalls. “It wasn’t like he was wanting to be a captain.” But the conversation planted a seed.

How could Tim provide memorable experiences for visitors and even locals who rarely accessed Wilmington’s waterways? He could start a charter business. 

As he weighed the advice from those he spoke to, he knew the first crucial step toward any kind of maritime business would be getting his captain’s license.

Finding the Right Fit

As he researched options for certification, Tim had clear priorities in mind. 

“It was very important that I could do it on my own time,” he says. “I really didn’t have availability to go for eight hours out of a day. Also, [...] there were very limited class options locally without having to drive anywhere from two hours to four hours to take a class over a weekend.”

Tim also realized the importance of finding a reputable, U.S. Coast Guard-approved program that would truly provide the preparation he needed. “It’s a very tedious and detailed application to get through,” he says. “If you don’t get the class and the certification right, you’re just setting yourself up for failure.”

His final consideration was cost, and he was happy with what he found at Mariners. “The cost was, I thought, very affordable compared to what my research was leading to,” he shares.

After weighing his options, Tim chose Mariners Learning System, a program that stood out as credible, affordable, and above all, accessible.

The Learning Experience

Once enrolled, Tim found the platform supported a wide range of learning styles. He especially valued the self-assessment tools built into the course.

“I think that was really big in preparation for the actual exam,” he shares. “I can’t tell you how many times I went through those testing modules within each section to make sure I had it down pat before moving forward.” 

Tim didn’t have to develop his own study tools or look outside the program to test his knowledge. He praises the course for having that preparation built in and for ensuring students are ready when exam time comes. 

“Throughout the module, there are small quizzes you’ll take,” he says. “And then at the end of the actual module, there’s the actual test.” When the end-of-module tests showed Tim his results, he was able to use the questions he’d missed as a study guide, shoring up his knowledge before moving on.

Launching His Business

Tim completed his Mariners course and got his OUPV/Six-Pack license in 2022. Several months later, he launched Out East Island Charters. 

Today, Tim offers pleasure rides, shoreside activities, and fishing excursions through his business. His enthusiasm for sharing the water with others is palpable.

“I’ve never had a bad time on the water,” he says. “Anytime I can get someone on the boat, they’re gonna have a great time, and they’re gonna want to do it again.”

This will be Tim’s third season offering charters, and he’s seeing promising signs of growth. “I’ve already had repeat business, so I feel like the word is getting out,” he shares.

Education in Action: Applying His Captain’s License 

The knowledge Tim gained through Mariners Learning System translates directly to his day-to-day operations, particularly in the crucial area of safety. When asked what he applies most often from his studies, his answer is decisive.

“The biggest thing is boater safety, especially when we’re in the busier months,” Tim emphasizes. “That is of the utmost importance when being on the water and you have a lot of boating traffic.”

For Tim, his captain’s license is more than just a legal requirement. It’s the indispensable foundation for making sure his passengers, himself, and other boaters stay safe while having a great time.

Tim’s education with Mariners provided knowledge he applies every day, whether he’s steering through crowded channels or explaining navigational markers to curious passengers.

Advice for Aspiring Captains

For anyone considering getting their captain’s license, particularly through Mariners Learning System, Tim’s advice is simple: “Do it. If you’re uncertain, just do it.”

He says Mariners made the process clear and supported him every step of the way, even after the exam.

“There was no point in the process where I felt lost,” he shares. “Even after getting my certification, they helped with questions about the application and submitting to the Coast Guard — they were there, really guiding me through the entire process.”

Ready to Chart Your Own Course?

Whether you’re looking to build a business or simply want to expand your knowledge and confidence on the water, a captain’s license can open the door. 

Captain Tim Joyner’s experience demonstrates how the right educational partner can give you the tools and support you need to take on what may seem like a daunting hurdle.

Tim himself procrastinated for a while. “I probably could have completed it a lot sooner,” he admits. “But once you take that time and commit to pursuing your license, it’s really easy to get it done, and Mariners makes it easy to do.”

If you’re interested in exploring what it takes to become a licensed captain, explore our courses or take a look at the stories of other captains on our blog who’ve made their dream a reality.