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 to Study for the USCG OUPV (6-Pack) Exam: A Week-by-Week Plan
A realistic week-by-week study plan for the USCG OUPV exam — what to drill each day, how to use practice tests, and how to know you are ready.
The USCG Oral Exam: What REC Examiners Actually Test
Passing the written test gets you to the oral exam — a different format with the same rules. Here is what REC examiners ask, why candidates fail, and how to prepare your answers before the appointment.
How Much Sea Time Do You Need for Each USCG License?
OUPV, 100-Ton, 200-Ton, MMC — exactly how many days of sea service each USCG license requires, the 90-day recency rule that trips people up, and how to document it on Form CG-719S.
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.
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.
USCG 6-Pack License Exam: The Complete OUPV Study Guide
Exactly what's on the USCG OUPV (6-pack) exam, how many questions, the passing score, and the fastest path to passing — from someone who's been through it.