A Quest for a Catamaran!
Where it began…
We are Mariners Learning System, an online education provider who meets the United States Coast Guard written requirement for obtaining a captain’s license. We were founded in 2002 by Robert Figular after his experiences pursuing his 100-Ton Master’s captain’s license. Having just sold a previous company and with retirement on the horizon, Robert purchased a catamaran, a two-hulled sailboat, from France. After a weekend recreational boating navigation course, he flew across the ocean to pick up his new acquisition. With little boating experience under his belt, and a vast body of water to traverse, he began a sailing trip around the world. Two and a half years (and many close encounters) later, Robert made it back to United States land.
The Catana 431
The Catana 431 was designed by Christophe Barreau and is built by Catana S.A. of Cedex, France. It was introduced in 1998 and is currently marketed as the Catana 43 Ocean Class. The model has been popular in Europe and the Caribbean since its introduction, and more come to the United States each year.
After the Voyage
As he reflected on his trip, he craved additional information. How could he have handled situations differently? What were the rules that kept him alive? In the search to become a safer, more knowledgeable boater, Robert knew the next step was to achieve a captain’s license. In 2001, he went to in-person classes held by a popular northeastern school. To his disappointment, the school lacked depth, merely teaching him the answers to pass the exam. Ultimately, he achieved his captain’s license but left with a longing for more from his educational experience. It was this discontent that drove Captain Bob, a high school dropout, to write his own educational program to supplement this void in the market. In 2002, after rigorous approval through the United States Coast Guard, Mariners Learning System was founded
We initially began by providing in-person classes, following the current industry norm of teaching sandwich style with two weekends and five weekdays in between. We found this style led many to have to quickly cram and those who fell behind stayed behind. Captain Bob innovated how the teaching schedule was planned to allow for better absorption of information. In the new MLS way, students learned across three consecutive weekends and received teaching for understanding, not just answers and memorization.
Our desire to keep delivering the best learning experience has continued to evolve. In fact, Mariners Learning System became the first company in the country to be approved by the United States Coast Guard to offer online courses instead of in-person. With this new format, students can learn at their own speed, on their own time, with the support of our instructors and dynamic media content. We were also the first company in the country to offer online testing upon course completion, highlighting our drive to provide superior service for a reasonable price.
Today…
Through the current efforts of six full-time, five contract, and four part-time employees, we are able to provide knowledge and know-how, anywhere, any time, on any device. This mission paired with our values at Mariners Learning System have successfully built an industry-leading company, still dedicated to serving and equipping our students for years to come.
200,000+ Students Can’t Be Wrong!
Over the last two decades, our courses continue to evolve and improve. Along with our expert, 24/7 technical support team and a 99.6% pass rate, we guarantee you’ll be happy with your Mariners experience.
"I tested tonight and had great success. Thank you all for your guidance through this experience. The staff at Mariners couldn't be more professional, patient, and prompt. I'm looking forward to applying what I've learned on the water. Thank you, Mariners Learning System."
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