Formerly Explorer’s Guide Online
We’ve changed our name to Pathfinder Maritime Training!
Since launching Explorer’s Guide Online in 2018, we’ve always focused on online courses. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to begin offering in-person and blended trainings. With these additional offerings, keeping “Online” in our name didn’t make much sense.
Professional Expertise
Owned and operated by a Coast Guard cutterman, our trainers have decades of sailing & navigation experience
Unbeatable Support
National Maritime Center approved instructors are standing by & are ready to help you meet your goals
On Demand Learning
Self-paced, online courses allow you to learn at your leisure, wherever & whenever you want.
Our Courses
Our captain’s licensing courses were developed by a former Coast Guard Commanding Officer and a maritime training expert who have spent years training international and domestic crews. Integrating real-world sailing, Search & Rescue, and navigation experience, we provide you with the knowledge and skills to operate safely on the water.
Our online courses meet the highest standards and are approved by the Coast Guard & National Maritime Center for captain’s licensing.
OUPV (Six Pack) – Inland, Great Lakes and Near Coastal
Auxiliary Sail Endorsement
OUPV Upgrade to 200 Ton Mate
OUPV Upgrade to 100 Ton Master
Assistance Towing
Master Increase in Scope to Near Coastal
The Captain’s Log
Members of Coast Guard STA Fort Myers Beach Complete Captain’s Course
February 2024 – 11 members of Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach earned their commercial mariner’s licenses, also known as captain’s licenses, with Pathfinder Maritime’s blended training course. Members of the unit earned licenses ranging from OUPV, commonly...
Members of Coast Guard STA Grand Haven Earn Commercial Mariner’s Credentials
December 2023 – 13 members of Coast Guard Station Grand Haven earned their commercial mariner’s licenses with Pathfinder Maritime’s blended training course. The members completed online lessons and then participated in a day of in-person training. The course was led...
The Pathfinder Difference
Online courses designed with you in mind provide an unmatched learning experience.
- Learning Software: Online, e-learning software provides an intuitive, user-friendly experience. Mobile responsive content lets you complete courses anytime, anywhere
- Unbeatable Support: From start to finish, we’re committed to your success and will provide all necessary support to help you earn your captain’s license
- Global Experience: From the Great Lakes to the Bering Sea to the Persian Gulf and beyond, our instructors have sailed throughout the world. Regardless of your homeport or destination, we are prepared to assist you
Making a Positive Impact
A registered Public Benefit corporation, Pathfinder Maritime Training is committed to preserving our waterways and creating a safe maritime community. As such, we’re committed to giving back a portion of time, talents, and resources to championing these causes.
Hundreds of Satisfied Captains
“Everyone I have talked to has been very polite and professional. I recommend this school to the people I work with. I have been an operator of tugboats for over 30 years and found this class an eye opener.”
“This is program is top notch. I looked at a handful of other programs but this one was by far the best. The lessons were extremely helpful and easy to navigate. By the time I was finished, the test questions were second nature!”
“I can’t thank you enough for how enjoyable you made the experience of getting my license. I was really nervous about the tests, but with all of reviews that you put in the program, they really turned out to be a non-issue.”
“With our ship’s busy schedule, the online courses were exactly what the crew needed. The Explorer’s Guide team answered all our questions & made the process easy. We all passed the exams first try!”