Answers
Captain's license FAQ
Plain answers to the questions that come up most in the boating and charter-captain communities, from an independent resource with no course to sell.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a captain's license with a DUI?
Often yes. A single driving-under-the-influence conviction rarely bars a captain's license outright, but it triggers a case-by-case review by the National Maritime Center, with a waiting period tied to how recent it was. You must disclose it on the CG-719C; concealing it is treated as worse than the DUI.
Does this site issue or process my captain's license?
No. We build free tools and neutral guides to help you plan. The sea-time calculator estimates creditable days from the public rules, but only the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center evaluates applications and issues the credential. Nothing here is legal advice or an official determination.
How long does a captain's license take to get?
Plan on several months once you file a complete package. As of the latest 2026 bulletin, the National Maritime Center is processing complete applications in about four months, and the TWIC card runs on a separate track that can exceed 45 days. Sea time and the TWIC have the longest lead times, so start them first.
Is Captain's License Prep affiliated with the Coast Guard?
No. Captain's License Prep is an independent study resource published by Urban Algorithm LLC. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Maritime Center, the TSA, or any course provider, and we do not issue, certify, or process any credential.
Is the sea-time calculator free?
Yes, completely. It runs in your browser with no signup, no email, and no paywall. Your voyage dates stay on your device; when you calculate we receive only an anonymous, banded summary such as the tier you targeted and whether you met the recency window, with no identifier attached.