500/1600 Ton License Prep

This two-week intensive course is designed to prepare mariners for the U.S. Coast Guard 500 Ton and 1600 Ton Mate license examinations. The course focuses on the types of questions and problems you will encounter on the exams, providing structured review, practical problem-solving, and supplemental knowledge to maximize your chance of success.

Note: RCM Maritime currently offers only the Mate versions of these courses.

Use this course to learn, refresh, or fine tune your knowledge to give yourself the best chance at passing the license exams!

Important Notes & Recommendations

• Disclaimer: This course is designed as a structured preparation aid for the U.S. Coast Guard 500/1600 Ton Mate license exams. Completion of this course does not guarantee passing of the Coast Guard examinations. The success of each student is a direct function of the effort put into self-study, practice questions, and independent review. Students who do not commit to practice and study outside of class have a slim chance of being successful in the course and on the exam.

• Letter to Test: While not required to attend the course, it is strongly recommended that students have their Coast Guard “letter to test” in hand prior to attending or shortly thereafter. This ensures a smooth transition from course completion to scheduling the Coast Guard exam.

• Mathematical Preparedness: A foundation in basic algebraic concepts is essential for success in this course. Students should be comfortable with basic math skills prior to beginning the program, as many navigation and chart plotting problems require this level of knowledge.

Inland Mate (Course Code: GLI04)

The 500/1600 Ton Inland Mate License Prep Course provides focused preparation for the U.S. Coast Guard’s GLI04 exam. This course emphasizes inland navigation, rules, and practical knowledge tailored to inland waters.

Exam Modules Covered (GLI04):

• Q100 – Rules of the Road: International and Inland

• Q327 – Deck General

• Q328 – Deck Safety

• Q329 – Navigation General: Great Lakes and Inland

• Q330 – Chart Plot

• NOT COVERED: Q331 – Great Lakes Topics

Course Content Includes:

• Nautical Rules of the Road

• U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) relevant to deck operations

• Chart plotting and navigation techniques for inland and Great Lakes waters

• Deck general topics, including seamanship and vessel operations

• Deck safety topics, including firefighting, lifesaving appliances, and stability basics

Near Coastal Mate (Course Code: ONC04)

The 500/1600 Ton Near Coastal Mate License Prep Course prepares mariners for the ONC04 exam, covering navigation and seamanship required for near coastal and ocean voyages.

Exam Modules Covered (ONC04):

• Q100 – Rules of the Road: International and Inland

• Q136 – Deck General

• Q137 – Deck Safety

• Q138 – Navigation General: Near Coastal

• Q140 – Chart Plot

• Q141 – Navigation Problems: Near Coastal

Course Content Includes:

• Nautical Rules of the Road (international and inland)

• U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs)

• Chart plotting and terrestrial navigation problems

• Celestial navigation problem solving

• Deck general seamanship knowledge

• Deck safety and survival skills

• Navigation general topics relevant to Near Coastal operations