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Where Boaters
Become Captains

NMC Captains license
Don't have your captains license, need one?


Let Explorer's Guide Maritime Training help you out!
We are your one-stop shop for getting your captains license.
  • Courses approved by National Maritime Center
  • Courses offered in three format to meet your need - Classroom, Online, Blended
  • Accredited with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College - College Credit 
  • Application Help; NMC accepted First Aid, CPR AED Training; Drug Testing Services
  • One-Stop Shopping to meet all your captains license needs.
  • Course funding available for qualified students - Tuition Assistance, GI Bill

    “I enjoyed the whole experience (of the online course) and already am recommending it to co-workers and my company’s management.” – Taken from a post-course evaluation

    “I have many hours at sea. I was surprised how much I didn’t know! It was an excellent course! Capt. Gary was always patient and he always solved problems I was having with ease. He really knows how to teach the subject matter!” – Taken from a post-course evaluation

    “The course was challenging and rewarding as I completed the assignments and tests. It helped me have a greater understanding of the responsibility of a Captain.” – Taken from a post-course evaluation

    “Mariners interested in developing a professional approach to their craft will benefit greatly from taking Captain Gary Kulibert’s OUPV Course. I know I did! Captain Gary’s goal is not to teach the student the answers for the test, but to teach the student to understand the theory behind the application so the student can always think through the required exercise. Thanks for a great course.” - Norman J. S MD MBA

    “Being first mate on a charter yacht in the Caribbean is one of the best jobs in the world. However, the hectic schedule didn’t leave any time to attend classes for my USCG captain’s license. Taking OUPV/Master’s training on-line with Explorer’s Guide allowed me to learn the concepts I needed and not miss a day of sea time. Captain Gary was just an email away with the answer.I can’t say enough about the on-line training, and my experience with Explorer’s Guide as a whole. Staff is very knowledgeable and truly interested in the success of their students.” – Captain Matt

    “The content was eye opening, challenging, informative, interesting and even fun. I marveled at how kind and patient Captain Gary was, especially because once I did grasp a concept it all seemed so easy. I also appreciated the very slow methodical way he went over the materials. His passion for boat safety and our welfare was very obvious.  He was not just teaching but imparting truths. Then, when the other students were done testing and it was late in the day, Captain Gary continued to be patient with me as I finished the test.” - Larry Chapel

    “Took the OUVP / Master (exams) yesterday. Everything went well. For anyone really wanting to learn the material, this is the way to go. I have several friends that have taken the two week course that never learned the material. Not their fault but much of the time was taken up with paperwork, CPR, 1st Aid, etc . . . On test day there was someone there to help. (If you know what I mean.) I wouldn't hesitate to endorse your class.” - Dr David

    “Well I passed the OUPV exam this morning :-) so needless to say, I am very pleased with your course. I think it was very advantageous to take the course on-line in many ways. I guess the greatest advantage for me was the ability to take and review each exam as many times as I wanted too until I felt comfortable with each section. Thanks again for the course and all your help!”. – Captain Jim Hampton

    “Great class...couldn't have found a more patient and personable instructor, dedicated to finding out how to teach us as individuals . . .and this comes from a former prof, wise in the ways of university run arounds.” – Paul Brown.

    “Just a note to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed your class. I left looking forward to getting back on the water and applying the skills you shared with us. Thanks again! I will stay in touch.” – Captain Richard

    “I want to thank you again for such a wonderful and enjoyable educational experience. While I will never likely be a professional mariner, I’m bound to be a much better amateur because of you.” - Captain David

    “Took the OUPV/Master (exam) yesterday. Everything went well. For anyone really wanting to learn the material, this is the way to go. I have several friends that have taken the two week course that never learned the material . . I wouldn’t hesitate to endorse your class.” - Dr. David B.

  • Thinking about taking an online class for your captains license? Take this online self-evaluation to see if Online course are right for you.

    We are now taking registrations for Captain License classroom style classes in Milwaukee WI, St Paul MN, Green Bay WI, Marquette MI, Winneconne WI, and Fish Creek (Door County) WI. We also have Blended (part online, part classroom) classes scheduled in Fairbanks Alaska and San Diego CA.

    Call (800) 487-6029 to find out more or register online at: http://www.explorersguidellc.com/classes-by-location.html.
Courses Services
National Maritime Center Approved Captain Courses
OUPV (6-Pack) Near Coastal
OUPV (6-Pack) Inland/Great Lakes
Master of Vessel 100-Ton w/Towing
Master 100-Ton Upgrade
Navigation Rules of the Road
Assistance Towing Endorsement
Auxiliary Sail Endorsement

Course Schedule and Registration
First Aid, CPR, AED - NMC accepted
Pre employment Drug Testing
NMC Application review and electronic submittal
Application Help Page
Military and Veterans Help Page
Student References
Class Funding
Recreation and Public Service Coures
Marin Radio Operator (MP); Class/FCC Exam
Close Quarter Boat Handling
Marine Boat Patrol Officer
Knot Tying/Line Handling
NOAA Charts
Gift Certificates
  • Let Explorer's Guide Maritime Training help you meet your goals in getting a captains license.


Explorer's Guide Maritime Training
3019 W Spencer St
Appleton, WI 54914

Technical Assistance with Online Courses:
920-733-5500
Registration: 1-800-487-6029