Job Responsibilities

Captain:

First Mate:

Second Mate:

Bosun:

Engineer:

Ship's Cook:

Deckhands:

Licenses

Coast Guard licenses come in many types, kinds, and sizes. The primary rating is by size of the vessel the holder is authorized the operate. Licenses range from 100 tons, for vessels like PRIDE, to unlimited tonnage for supertankers. Licenses are issued for different kinds of work aboard a vessel. For instance masters and mates are issued deck licenses; there are also licenses for engineers, pilots, and other specialties. Licenses usually have an addendum which specify the kind of ship to which the license applies - such as steam ship, motor vessel, or sailing ship.

Another license classification is the type of waters the holder is authorized to operate in. Major categories are Inland, Near Coastal, and Ocean. Each license has its own set of specifications and requirements. All require a certain number of days at sea on the type of vessel for which the license is sought. All require holders to pass a rigorous written test, a drug test, and a physical exam. The written examination for deck licenses cover safety issues, navigation, celestial navigation, and regulations among many other things. Proof of successful completion of specialized courses in lifesaving, radar observation, and fire fighting may also be required.

Individuals who pursue a professional career at sea can look forward to more than heavy seas and exotic ports of call. Like professionals everywhere, they must continually increase their knowledge and skills, and prove it by upgrading the kind of license they hold through rigorous examination. During off watch hours, sailors aboard Pride II are frequently found pouring over training materials and charts. Their goal? The next step up on the Coast Guard's stairway to maritime professionalism.