The Captain's Log

How to Earn a Captain’s License
Step 1: Enroll in and complete a licensing course. The hardest part of this step is determining which course is right for you. Feel free to check out our blog on this topic or contact the PMT team who will be more than happy to assist. Step 2: Complete the...

Pathfinder & Northern Michigan University Partnership
Pathfinder Maritime Training & Northern Michigan University Continuing Education and Workforce Development Bring Maritime Licensing to the U.P. April 2023 - Pathfinder Maritime Training (PMT), America’s premier online captain’s licensing program, is pleased to...

Which Captain’s License is Right for You?
One of the most common questions we are asked is “What is the difference between an OUPV and Master license, and which one should I earn?” Our first answer is always “It depends.” It depends on what you will use the license for, and it depends on your sea service. The...

Welcome Aboard, Captain Colleen!
Pathfinder Maritime Training (PMT) is excited to announce that Capt. Colleen Wilson has joined the PMT crew as an instructor! Colleen is a former Coastie who brings over a decade of on the water and instruction experience to the team. One of Colleen’s favorite Coast...

Maritime Safety & Security Team Enrolls in PMT’s Captain’s Course
July 2022 – Recently, 22 members of Coast Guard Miami’s Safety and Security Team (MSST) recently enrolled in Pathfinder Maritime’s (PMT) captain’s licensing course and are on track to earn their commercial licenses. The training course was sponsored by the Coast Guard...

Coast Guard Tuition Assistance Can Be Used for PMT Courses
Great news for all Coast Guard members, you can now use credentialing assistance to earn your maritime licenses, and Pathfinder Maritime Training (PMT) has been approved as a training provider! In short, this means you can use credentialing assistance resources to...

Do I Need a Captain’s License?
Summary: Who needs a Captain’s license? Anyone carrying passengers-for-hire on federal waters. If you are receiving direct or indirect compensation from your passengers you are required to hold a Captain’s license. Voluntary compensation, such as splitting fuel costs...

We’ve Changed Our Name
We’ve changed our name to Pathfinder Maritime Training! Since launching Explorer’s Guide Online in 2018, our goal has always been to provide the best maritime training possible, and we’ve always focused on online courses. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to begin...

Do Navigation Rules of the Road (ROTR) Apply to Me?
Summary: ROTR applies to all vessels subject to U.S. jurisdiction, whether recreational or commercial, operating on the high seas or U.S. navigable water connected to them. If you are a commercial mariner, you must maintain proficiency in ROTR via NMC credentialing....

What are Navigation Rules of the Road (ROTR)?
Navigation Rules of the Road, often referred to as a ROTR or COLREGS, can best be described as the traffic laws of the sea – like how cars have traffic laws. These rules help mariners navigate safely by defining light and sound signals required of vessels, actions for...