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Navigating Knowledge: Share Your Educational Journey

At Mariners Learning System, we love hearing about the experiences of our students! Whether earning your original captain’s license, upgrading to a Master's, or adding a Towing or Sailing Endorsement, your journey inspires others to take the helm.

Real Captains. Real Stories.

A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Passion

Captain Billy Self runs a thriving cruise business near Dallas called Sail with Scott, originally started by his father, Scott Self.

Captain Scott’s story began with the construction of a 40’ wooden catamaran, Seawolf, inside their family warehouse business. After two years of work, Seawolf was ready to set sail on the waters of Lake Ray Hubbard in 2008. Captain Scott operated Seawolf passionately until 2020, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away shortly after. The photo opposite is from his last sail with his son Captain Billy.

Wanting to carry on the tradition of Seawolf and sharing the love of sailing on Lake Ray Hubbard, Captain Billy obtained his captain’s license with Mariners Learning System, which he did with great success! He achieved outstanding scores for his OUPV/6-Pack Captain’s License, Towing and Sailing Endorsements, and his upgrade to Masters.

Captain Billy is now carrying on his father's legacy as the owner of Sail with Scott.

Empowering the Next Generation of Boaters

"Mariners Learning System has been an important piece of my maritime journey and my career. Six years ago, I took your course and obtained my Captain's License, and recently, I completed the requirements to upgrade to the Master Captain's License (shout out to MM-SEAS for making my licensing paperwork process a breeze!) Mariners provided an excellent education that allowed me to truly absorb the material, build my skills, and ultimately, prepare me to run the business I own now! I'm having the best time running the Upper Chesapeake Boat School, where I get to teach individual and group lessons that empower boating students to navigate the water with confidence."

- Captain Lauren Warren

From Riverboats to Ferries: A Lifelong Maritime Journey

Captain Paul grew up in the Connecticut River Valley and spent his early years working on riverboats for the Essex Steam Train. After a successful career as an art director in NYC, he rediscovered his passion for boating while visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands. He pursued his captain’s license through Mariners Learning System, gaining experience on various vessels before becoming the lead riverboat captain for the Essex Steam Train. Over the years, he expanded his expertise, consulting for other operators, speaking at industry meetings, and captaining multiple ferries on the Connecticut River. His reputation has led to numerous opportunities, keeping him busy in a career he loves.

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Trial, Tide, and Triumph: One Man’s Sailing Saga

Every great adventure starts with a spark of curiosity. For Captain Bob, that spark came when he purchased a catamaran from France with little boating experience and set sail across the ocean. His journey around the world was filled with challenges, close calls, and invaluable lessons - lessons that inspired a mission to help others navigate their own maritime dreams.

After returning home, Bob pursued his captain’s license, but the education he received left him wanting more. Determined to create a better way to learn, he founded Mariners Learning System in 2002. What started as in-person classes soon evolved into the first USCG-approved online captain’s license program, revolutionizing how mariners prepare for their careers.

Bob’s story is one of adventure, perseverance, and innovation. It’s proof that every captain’s journey begins with a single step - or, in his case, a bold voyage across the sea.

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