U.S. Coast Guard Requirements for Original or an Upgrade to Master 500GRT; 1600GRT Great Lakes or Inland
NOTE: These are the Coast Guard requirements as we know them to be right now. The below requirements for Master 500/1600GRT are subject to change upon the Coast Guard publishing other requirements.
Master 500GRT Sea Service Requirements:
1080 minimum total career days including: 360 days of service as Master, Mate or equivalent supervisory position on vessels over 50 GRT while holding a license as Master, Mate or OUPV on Great Lakes, inland, or near coastal routes OR; 180 days of service as a licensed Master of Towing vessels, OF WHICH: 720 days of the 1080 days must have been served while holding a license as Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing vessels, or as Mate AND completion of a limited exam; 90 days in the last three years on a vessel of at least 50GRT.
Master 1600GRT Sea Service Requirements:
1080 minimum total career days including: 540 days of service on vessels over 100GRT, AND; 360 days of service as Master, Mate or equivalent supervisory position on vessels over 100 GRT while holding a license as Master, Mate or Master of Towing, on Great Lakes, inland, or near coastal routes OR; 180 days of service as a licensed Master of Towing vessels over 100GGRT; 90 days in the last three years on a vessel of at least 100GRT.
Required Approved Training & Education
Required Training Courses
Radar Observer (Unlimited)
Basic Fire Fighting
Advanced Fire Fighting
ARPA (License restricted if not taken)
Average # of Training Days
5-days
2-days
4-days
4-days
U.S. Coast Guard Examinations
Exam Modules
Rules of the Road
Navigation General
Deck General + Deck Safety & Environmental
Navigation General + Chart Navigation
Great Lakes Topics (Great Lakes Route Only)
#Questions
50
20
60
20
25
Passing Score
90%
70%
70%
90%
70%