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Bill_R · 15-07-2008, 09:43

Does anyone have any experience and or reviews of the Chapman School of Seamanship professional mariner course?

Thanks,
Bill

**Pblais** · 15-07-2008, 11:53

All the professional training programs do is gear you up to take the relevant USCG exams. It's an exam cram course designed to cover all the written material on the test. It covers a great deal of technical material depending on the exam. There isn't any practical hands on training.

The recreational ASA courses includes time on the water with a boat and instructor and cover boat handling skills as well as regulations and other technical information. ASA instructors have to be certified by ASA.

I've never attended any of their classes but the recreational training I have had I think it comes down to the quality of the instructor. I would call them on the phone and set up a time to speak with the actual instructor. While the school has a 30 year reputation you want to know about the instructor more than who they work for. They may have more than one. You might as well get the one you like best. If you are going to travel all that way it's worth the up front effort.