Thinking about a Captain’s License?

Have you ever considered getting your captain’s license? Here are some of the many reasons a sailor or powerboater might decide to get a captain’s license, presented by Captain Cheryl Duvall for Spinsheet.

Many of us began boating for recreational reasons. Maybe our parents had a sailboat, or we were introduced to sailing by racers who needed crew. Or we simply wanted to enjoy the outdoors and harness the wind. Whatever the reason, I doubt most of us began boating with the thought, “I’m going to get my captain’s license someday.” I certainly didn’t. When I began sailing, I never considered recording days on the water. I was just happy to have access to small boats, whether my own or through clubs. I didn’t begin logging hours until I started cruising on larger boats, recording weather and destinations.

It wasn’t until my husband considered buying a boat for instructional purposes that we both thought about becoming licensed. After drafting a business plan, we decided not to pursue the commercial use of a personal boat for a variety of reasons. However, my husband decided to get his captain’s license to improve his boating skills.

Several years later, I also decided to become licensed. I can still remember the moment it dawned on me that I had to act, and quickly. We had recently returned from a seven-month “sailbatical,” logging more than 100 days at sea (four hours or more underway). One of the licensing requirements for documenting 360 days of sea time is that 90 days must have occurred within the last three years. – Full story