From the bridge
RSSPractical maritime compliance.
Plain-English writing for commercial operators — USCG rules, Sub M, STCW, cyber, and the free tools we built along the way. No regulatory fog. No SEO filler.
How Much Does a Captain's License Cost? (2026 Breakdown)
The real all-in cost of a USCG captain's license in 2026 — course, TWIC, physical, drug test, and Coast Guard fees — broken down by license, plus the hidden cost most first-timers miss.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Captain's License?
From deciding to start to holding the credential, a realistic USCG captain's license timeline — the course, the documents, the exam, and the NMC processing wait most people underestimate.
Gross Tonnage Explained: Why 25 / 50 / 100 / 200-Ton Matters
Tonnage isn't weight — it's volume, and it sets the ceiling on what you can captain. Here's what gross tonnage means, how your license tonnage is determined, and why it decides your career path.
From Deckhand to Captain: The Full USCG License Ladder
The complete path from your first day as a deckhand to a Master's license — every rung, what each one requires, and how to climb it without wasting time or sea days.
COLREGS Lights and Shapes: The Complete Quiz and Study Guide
Lights and shapes are the most reliably tested topic in every USCG Rules of the Road module. Master the arc widths, the vessel types, and the identification method before exam day.
Calculating ETA to the Boarding Point — and When to Launch the Pilot Boat
How a dispatch board turns AIS into a defensible ETA at the boarding ground, then fires the launch alert at the right minute — not too early, not too late.
USCG Deck General Exam Study Guide: Every Topic Covered
Deck General is the most question-dense module on USCG license exams. This study guide covers every major topic — stability, anchoring, fire, weather, cargo — in exam-ready detail.
Retiring the VHF Paper Board: Moving a Pilots Association to a Digital Dispatch Log
Why the VHF-plus-paper-board breaks on busy days, what a digital dispatch log fixes, and a change-management path that never puts the watch at risk.
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Exam: Complete Application Guide
The MMC is your federal mariner's credential from the USCG NMC. Here's how applications work, what documents you need, how the exam fits in, and what every mariner gets wrong.
USCG Safety Exam Topics: Everything You Need to Know
The USCG safety module covers fire, flooding, lifesaving equipment, distress signals, and first aid. Here's every topic and what the exam actually asks about each one.
How to Choose Dispatch Software for a Marine Pilots Association: A Buyer's Guide
What a pilots association should actually evaluate in dispatch software — AIS model, ETA accuracy, safety stack, rotation equity, billing, and the red flags to walk away from.
Radar Observer Exam USCG: Full Prep Guide for 2026
The USCG Radar Observer endorsement requires a separate exam covering radar operation, ARPA plotting, and collision avoidance. Here's what's on it and how to pass.