Gary Peterson has spent a lifetime on the water, primarily as a recreational sailor around San Diego. He also teaches boating safety courses twice a year for the Coast Guard Auxiliary for San Diego County.
Every now and then, a student in the boating safety course would ask a question that stumped him, or which he wished he could answer more fully. He realized getting his captain’s license would make him more effective in the classroom. It also facilitated a side hustle delivering boats.
He enrolled in a course with Maritime Institute and earned his 50-ton near-shore license, before returning later to earn his 100-ton license. When it came time to renew the credential, he decided to outsource the task to Maritime Institute rather than spend time on the paperwork himself.
“They were extremely helpful in handling all of the paperwork and making sure the renewal applications were filed on a timely basis,” said Peterson, who retired in July following a successful career in the insurance industry.
“They set my expectations in a way that was simple to navigate their side of it and also the Coast Guard licensing side of things,” he continued. “They just did a wonderful job, and because of how detailed they are, they seem to get license and credentials done much quicker through the Coast Guard.”
Maritime Institute (which also owns Professional Mariner magazine) has maritime training campuses in San Diego; Everett, Wash.; Norfolk, Va.; and Honolulu. It also offers programs through satellite locations in a half-dozen California locations.
It began offering one-on-one credentialling and support to streamline the application or renewal process for its students. The price varies depending on the circumstance but is roughly the cost of a nice dinner out for two people.
“Our services are for both professional mariners renewing or upgrading their credentials and new mariners learning to navigate the credential process,” according to Tammy Poole, Maritime Institute’s credentialing services manager. “We can provide guidance on requirements and review your documents to make sure your information is in compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) and any applicable regulations and policies.”
Representatives from Maritime Institute help students apply for the highest possible credential and work with them to gather, organize and prepare important documents and records. They also review materials before submitting, handle communications with the NMC and assist the student with any appeal process.
“When you start to think about all the work you have to put in by yourself (to apply for a credential),” Peterson said, “it is definitely a great service.”
For more information on credential support, visit Maritime Institute’s website.