How Long Will It Take to Get My Captain’s License?

Timeframe from Course Enrollment to License Issuance

How long does it take to get my captain’s license? 

The timeline to obtain your captain's license depends on a few factors, including how quickly you complete your required boating experience, take the course, gather the necessary materials, and pass your physical and drug test. The entire process can take anywhere from a few months to up to a couple of years. 

Here’s the breakdown:

• Online Course Completion: After activating in the program, you have one year to complete the course and pass the final proctored exam. You can take the exam online at your convenience.
• Submitting Your Application: Once you pass the exam, you have one year to submit your certificate and application package to the Coast Guard.
• Coast Guard Processing: After submission, the Coast Guard typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, and up to 90 days, to issue your official credentials. Please note that you cannot operate professionally until you have your license in hand.

How long is the captain’s license good for?  

Once you receive your captain’s license, it is good for a lifetime. However, you will need to renew it every five years. To renew, you’ll need to prove that you’ve accumulated 360 days of sea time in the past five years. If you haven’t met this requirement, you can take our Deck License Renewal course to meet the criteria.

You have a grace period after your license expires to renew it. During this period, you cannot use your license, but you can still complete the renewal process. If you go beyond the grace period, you may have to go through the entire licensing process again.