Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Caution is advised for world travelers on the open sea
Mariners please be advised. Pirate attacks are becoming rampant in parts of the world. This is a sad story of just how it is affecting everyone, not just the big ships. Our thoughts go out to the families of these latest victims. Click here for video
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Delays in Mariner licenses
News from one of the NMC's Marine Credentialing Agents states that there are significant delays in the medical review area of the License processing.
According to Mr. Rivera there is a backlog in review in the medical area at NMC resulting IN DELAYS CURRENTLY RUNNING 78 days or longer. This is just for the medical portion of the application.
This delay in processing applications is virtually eliminated for mariners provided there are ABSOLUTELY NO issues with an applicant's medical (719-K) portion as an application devoid of any medical condition will be picked up in pre-screening at NMC and circumvents the medical review requirement.
This is done once your completed batch file arrives at NMC and is reviewed by the pre-screener. Again, in order for this to happen, an applicant's "K" form has to be completely clear of any medical issues with absolutely no medical conditions reported or medications taken - not even over the counter. As an example, if the mariner lists that he or she takes vitamins or supplements of any kind, then all bets are off and the application would go to the bottom of the medical pile awaiting assignment.
Explorer's Guide Prides ourselves in keeping mariners informed of any news that could affect them. Keep watching our blog for updates and news that could affect you.
According to Mr. Rivera there is a backlog in review in the medical area at NMC resulting IN DELAYS CURRENTLY RUNNING 78 days or longer. This is just for the medical portion of the application.
This delay in processing applications is virtually eliminated for mariners provided there are ABSOLUTELY NO issues with an applicant's medical (719-K) portion as an application devoid of any medical condition will be picked up in pre-screening at NMC and circumvents the medical review requirement.
This is done once your completed batch file arrives at NMC and is reviewed by the pre-screener. Again, in order for this to happen, an applicant's "K" form has to be completely clear of any medical issues with absolutely no medical conditions reported or medications taken - not even over the counter. As an example, if the mariner lists that he or she takes vitamins or supplements of any kind, then all bets are off and the application would go to the bottom of the medical pile awaiting assignment.
Explorer's Guide Prides ourselves in keeping mariners informed of any news that could affect them. Keep watching our blog for updates and news that could affect you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Marine Accidents
You have just gotten into an accident on the water, your boat is damaged and the Coast guard and the insurance company want answers right now. What do you do? Do you even know where to start? In times like this it’s nice to know you have someone to turn to help guide you through.
Accidents happen, instead of fearing the unknown, get the information you need to help yourself get through this situation and back on the water.
*The first step in any marine incident is to document exactly what happened in writing, with pictures, and witnesses if there are any. The best defense is knowing the facts and keeping them well documented.
* Find out the amount of damages inflicted to the boat, you passengers, other boats and see if it requires that you notify the coast guard. These amounts vary depending on the state but you can find links to this information on Explorer’s Guide’s Web page under resources.
*Report any necessary accidents to the Coast Guard with an accident report form that you can download at www.explorersguidellc.com
*Report your claim with all your documentation to your insurance company.
*Get a drug test done within 32 hours of the incident. If it happens on a weekend or you have trouble getting into see someone for this test call Toni at Explorer’s Guide at 715-360-3273 or download the drug test forms and take them to any Quest Lab that has available openings, you can see what labs are near your location and their hours at www.questdiagnostics.com
* The most important things to remember are to 1. stay calm, 2. document, document, document, and 3. get everything completed as soon as possible after the accident happens.
Accidents happen, instead of fearing the unknown, get the information you need to help yourself get through this situation and back on the water.
*The first step in any marine incident is to document exactly what happened in writing, with pictures, and witnesses if there are any. The best defense is knowing the facts and keeping them well documented.
* Find out the amount of damages inflicted to the boat, you passengers, other boats and see if it requires that you notify the coast guard. These amounts vary depending on the state but you can find links to this information on Explorer’s Guide’s Web page under resources.
*Report any necessary accidents to the Coast Guard with an accident report form that you can download at www.explorersguidellc.com
*Report your claim with all your documentation to your insurance company.
*Get a drug test done within 32 hours of the incident. If it happens on a weekend or you have trouble getting into see someone for this test call Toni at Explorer’s Guide at 715-360-3273 or download the drug test forms and take them to any Quest Lab that has available openings, you can see what labs are near your location and their hours at www.questdiagnostics.com
* The most important things to remember are to 1. stay calm, 2. document, document, document, and 3. get everything completed as soon as possible after the accident happens.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
We grant you three wishes...
Having a say in your education is where the statement "partners in education" comes from. Are you truly a "partner" in your education? Do you get to have a say in what you learn and what's important to your specific career goals?
Don't settle for cookie cutter programs that tell you what you have to take even if it doesn't apply to you. Be a real partner in your education and take only the classes you need and want to match your unique goals. You're not the average Joe, so why settle for an average education?
Explorer's Guide is embarking on a new e-learning service. A site where all the options are laid out before you like a smorgasbord of choices. Pick and choose the courses that fit your needs and even suggest new topics. It's better than all you can eat, it's all you can learn, and you can never get too full on knowledge.
Here's your chance to be our partner in your education. Tell us what classes you need or would like to see and get that course added to our growing list of available online sessions. Don't sit on the sidelines, speak up now and get your ideas and questions answered.
The site will have resources on topics ranging from small engines and outboard motors
to celestial navigation. Tell us what topics you want to see. We're looking forward to your suggestions and to showing you our new site soon. Have a site where you learn the topics you want by getting involved today.
Don't settle for cookie cutter programs that tell you what you have to take even if it doesn't apply to you. Be a real partner in your education and take only the classes you need and want to match your unique goals. You're not the average Joe, so why settle for an average education?
Explorer's Guide is embarking on a new e-learning service. A site where all the options are laid out before you like a smorgasbord of choices. Pick and choose the courses that fit your needs and even suggest new topics. It's better than all you can eat, it's all you can learn, and you can never get too full on knowledge.
Here's your chance to be our partner in your education. Tell us what classes you need or would like to see and get that course added to our growing list of available online sessions. Don't sit on the sidelines, speak up now and get your ideas and questions answered.
The site will have resources on topics ranging from small engines and outboard motors
to celestial navigation. Tell us what topics you want to see. We're looking forward to your suggestions and to showing you our new site soon. Have a site where you learn the topics you want by getting involved today.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
How much does getting a license actually cost?
Getting your Captain's license isn't as easy as just walking in and applying for one. Just as many other careers in transportation have become more in depth in their training and licensing procedures, the maritime industry has stepped it up a couple notches. Some will argue the pros and cons of this upswing in protocol but that's not the point of this discussion.
What we're after for the moment is what's involved in getting your Captain's license and what, on average, is it going to cost you.
First things first, would you even qualify? You can't even start the process if you don't meet the requirements of the license.
*Are you a US Citizen?
*Are you at least 18?
*Do you have 360 days on the water since age 15?
Even if you answered yes to these things it does not automatically mean you qualify. There are other factors that contribute to your ability to obtain a license. Such as:
*recent convictions
*health issues such as color blindness, diabetes, heart issues, epilepsy and even your weight
*ability to pass the written exam either with an approved school or at the REC
These are not all automatic disqualifiers but they are items you need to be aware of that could prohibit you from getting a license.
So now that you've made it past the qualifiers here's what you'll need to do to get that license process started.
1. The application package must be completed, cost: Free (if you do it yourself) (some companies charge up to $90 to help you fill it out or to fill it out for you)
http://www.explorersguidellc.com/images/stories/pdf/newnmcapplication-2.pdf
2. The exam. You can take the exam at a school with an approved USCG course, or you can take it at the REC closest to you when they offer them. There are pro's and cons to each option. Cost can range any where from $1200.00 for some schools to as low as $495.00 at others (only 695.00 at Explorer's Guide) and $95.00 to take the exam at the REC. (if you take the course with a school you have a better chance at passing than at the REC because of size of the pool of questions they pull from, but it's really your call)
3. CPR and First Aid courses. Cost: any where from free to $250.00 depending on where in the country you are and other factors. Be sure the classes you take are accepted courses by the National Maritime Center ( you can find this out easily by visiting their website link below)
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/approved_courses_course.asp
4. Drug Test. This can be done at any approved lab or doctors office. The form can be downloaded for free. The cost for the drug test can be anywhere from free (if you are already in a drug consortium) up to $100.00, again, depending on your situation and location.
5. Physical. This must be done using the USCG form. (find at link below) The cost can range anywhere from free (if covered by your insurance) to $100-$300.00 depending on your health care plan, facility you're using and location in the United States.
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/forms/medical/cg719k.pdf
6. TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card) This is done at your local TSA office. They will do your fingerprinting and photo here. This card (if you pass the required background check ) will cost you $132.50.
7. Your oath. This can be given by any notary of the public. Some charge more than others depending on your states laws. Cost: free to $20.00
8. The sea service forms and the three letters of recommendation should be free, I guess that depends on if your references think you deserve to get their praises for free or if you have to buy their love.... But for the blog's sake we're going to assume they will be free.
9. The USCG has fees for applications as well. They charge $100.00 to review your application and $45.00 to issue your license. Both which must be paid before they will process your application and neither will be refunded if you are, for whatever reason, refused a license.
10. There are other odd ball costs that you may also incur as well, anything from gas and lodging to and from a class or REC, postage if you plan on mailing in your application (you can now email your application in, but if you are going snail mail we suggest using a service with a tracking number and signature upon receipt, this is all your personal information and you would hate to have that "lost" in the mail) You may end up paying to take the exam over if you fail the first time or may even have to pay for more intense medical checks if the medical review has issues with your physical. These costs are too variable to come up with an estimate, but we wanted you to be aware they may pop up and to be prepared for them.
So now that you know the amount of time and effort it takes to actually obtain your license and an average of the cost, you can make an informed decision on if getting a license is right for you. And if and when you do go with the pro's who can help you through, here at Explorer's Guide.
What we're after for the moment is what's involved in getting your Captain's license and what, on average, is it going to cost you.
First things first, would you even qualify? You can't even start the process if you don't meet the requirements of the license.
*Are you a US Citizen?
*Are you at least 18?
*Do you have 360 days on the water since age 15?
Even if you answered yes to these things it does not automatically mean you qualify. There are other factors that contribute to your ability to obtain a license. Such as:
*recent convictions
*health issues such as color blindness, diabetes, heart issues, epilepsy and even your weight
*ability to pass the written exam either with an approved school or at the REC
These are not all automatic disqualifiers but they are items you need to be aware of that could prohibit you from getting a license.
So now that you've made it past the qualifiers here's what you'll need to do to get that license process started.
1. The application package must be completed, cost: Free (if you do it yourself) (some companies charge up to $90 to help you fill it out or to fill it out for you)
http://www.explorersguidellc.com/images/stories/pdf/newnmcapplication-2.pdf
2. The exam. You can take the exam at a school with an approved USCG course, or you can take it at the REC closest to you when they offer them. There are pro's and cons to each option. Cost can range any where from $1200.00 for some schools to as low as $495.00 at others (only 695.00 at Explorer's Guide) and $95.00 to take the exam at the REC. (if you take the course with a school you have a better chance at passing than at the REC because of size of the pool of questions they pull from, but it's really your call)
3. CPR and First Aid courses. Cost: any where from free to $250.00 depending on where in the country you are and other factors. Be sure the classes you take are accepted courses by the National Maritime Center ( you can find this out easily by visiting their website link below)
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/approved_courses_course.asp
4. Drug Test. This can be done at any approved lab or doctors office. The form can be downloaded for free. The cost for the drug test can be anywhere from free (if you are already in a drug consortium) up to $100.00, again, depending on your situation and location.
5. Physical. This must be done using the USCG form. (find at link below) The cost can range anywhere from free (if covered by your insurance) to $100-$300.00 depending on your health care plan, facility you're using and location in the United States.
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/forms/medical/cg719k.pdf
6. TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card) This is done at your local TSA office. They will do your fingerprinting and photo here. This card (if you pass the required background check ) will cost you $132.50.
7. Your oath. This can be given by any notary of the public. Some charge more than others depending on your states laws. Cost: free to $20.00
8. The sea service forms and the three letters of recommendation should be free, I guess that depends on if your references think you deserve to get their praises for free or if you have to buy their love.... But for the blog's sake we're going to assume they will be free.
9. The USCG has fees for applications as well. They charge $100.00 to review your application and $45.00 to issue your license. Both which must be paid before they will process your application and neither will be refunded if you are, for whatever reason, refused a license.
10. There are other odd ball costs that you may also incur as well, anything from gas and lodging to and from a class or REC, postage if you plan on mailing in your application (you can now email your application in, but if you are going snail mail we suggest using a service with a tracking number and signature upon receipt, this is all your personal information and you would hate to have that "lost" in the mail) You may end up paying to take the exam over if you fail the first time or may even have to pay for more intense medical checks if the medical review has issues with your physical. These costs are too variable to come up with an estimate, but we wanted you to be aware they may pop up and to be prepared for them.
So now that you know the amount of time and effort it takes to actually obtain your license and an average of the cost, you can make an informed decision on if getting a license is right for you. And if and when you do go with the pro's who can help you through, here at Explorer's Guide.
Friday, December 24, 2010
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