
The Captain’s License Drug Test: A Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Application Delays
Learn what questions to ask and how to prepare for a captain’s license drug test to ensure you avoid the most common application delays.
4th of July Sale: Save 35% with code BOAT35
4th of July Sale: Save 35% with code BOAT35
by Bob Figular August 13, 2021 2 min read
The General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG) is required for individuals who are responsible for adjusting, maintaining, or internally repairing FCC-licensed radiotelephone transmitters. This license is essential for those working in aviation, maritime, and international fixed public radio services.
In addition to authorizing the operation of radiotelephones, the PG license conveys all the operating authority of the Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP), allowing operators to work with the same types of equipment in a variety of settings.
A PG license is specifically required for the operation of:
This license is crucial for individuals who manage powerful radiotelephone equipment in both maritime and aviation industries, ensuring compliance with FCC regulations for operating high-power communication systems.
GROL stands for General Radiotelephone Operator License, and the PG is the operator class code abbreviation used by the FCC for this permit. The PG code is used to refer to the General Radiotelephone Operator License in the FCC's official documentation.
To obtain the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), you must pass Element 1 and 3, which are the written exams that cover the requirements for the license.
In addition to the passing of the correct element exams, you must...
Sign up to get the latest blog articles, new releases, and more…
Ask a question, share an experience, or add a helpful tip related to this article. Comments may appear after review to prevent spam.

June 09, 2026
Learn what questions to ask and how to prepare for a captain’s license drug test to ensure you avoid the most common application delays.

June 04, 2026
Discover the three types of drug tests working captains must submit to even after they’ve met the initial USCG drug testing requirements for their license.

June 02, 2026
Discover how a retired airline pilot became obsessed with the Great Loop and built a thriving captain training business through Mariners Learning System.

May 28, 2026
Learn which substances the MMC drug test looks for, plus how masking agents and false positives factor in.

May 26, 2026
Discover the five most common mistakes mariners make on the captain’s license physical, plus a checklist for how to avoid them.

May 19, 2026
Discover why so many charter captains run out of money and how to plan every startup cost from your vessel purchase to guest-ready outfitting.

May 14, 2026
Learn how to build a charter business plan that covers pricing, expenses, and marketing so your captain’s license leads to lasting profit.

May 12, 2026
Transform how you talk about price with proven anchoring strategies and value-first framing that stops charter guests from shopping around.

May 07, 2026
Discover how charter captains use hybrid pricing models and seasonal adjustments to increase revenue and simplify bookings for every guest type.

May 05, 2026
Learn how Mariners Learning System and We Make built an eight-year partnership creating meaningful careers for adults with autism through real operations.