Sea School
Company Overview
“The best coaches produce winners. And in the right hands, champions emerge. In worldwide maritime training, that champion is Sea School. Our strategies, programs and great people set us apart.”
Sea School is a leading provider of marine training for U.S. mariners. Since 1977, we have provided innovative and technologically advanced training solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry. In response to market demands, we have expanded our offerings of USCG approved courses through a series of new STCW programs and recently begun providing services for foreign governments.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be the training company of choice for mariners, companies and governments both domestic and foreign. Our strategy is to deliver innovative business solutions with enthusiasm, integrity and the utmost regard for the safety and the protection of the environment.
At Sea School, we never forget we operate in a service industry. This is why everything we do, from developing leading-edge technologies to hiring the best people in the business, is driven by our goal of meeting the needs of our customers. We apply lessons from the past to challenges of the future to which propel to success ensuring our customers remain in the “winner’s circle.”
Culture
Sea School was founded in 1977, however, each of our key officers has been a “founder” within their own area of expertise. Just as we have built our school, one course at a time, we have built our team one person at a time.
Shortly after founding Sea School, Ron Wahl (1934-2008) invited Robert L. Arnold, current Executive Director, to join him in creating a “new breed” of maritime training school. Together, they set out to design a school for the “next generation” of mariners capable of operating highly sophisticated vessels of the future. Over the years, they have been instrumental in assembling a management team to operate a growing fleet of schools currently with $1.3 million in new programs alone.
Sea School’s technical team is comprised of individuals with extensive experience designing and constructing marine programs all over the world. Their backgrounds include naval architecture, engineering, safety, ship-handling and repair, project management, military service and maritime academy training.
Sea School’s current executive team - VP Ken Wahl, COO Cathy Bancroft, and Exec. Director Robert L. Arnold - is made up of individuals who had advised the company in the past and met the standards of character, chemistry, credentials and competence. Each of these professionals brought their own unique blend of skill sets to become “founders” of their respective departments.
Today, we are well equipped to handle the increased demands on USCG compliant companies. Our teams have years of experience in business and information systems, safety consulting and marine transportation.
Whether a client seeking to become a captain or needs an entire program created to train shipboard staff, Sea School is ready to help. We can assist with marine operations, maritime business development, boating safety, engineering, construction, maintenance, risk management, human resources, purchasing, accounting, legal or IT. In short, we are a team made up of like-minded individuals who have built a state-of-the-art Company from the keel up, and we do the same for our clients.
Entrepreneurial Culture
Sea School has one of the largest fleets of new-generation marine training facilities along with the most talented staff in the industry. With nearly 40 years of experience, Sea School’s senior management has demonstrated a knowledge to succeed in business and set a course for others to follow. Our management, systems, and philosophy, are all designed to empower our employees with a sense of ownership. This approach has consistently resulted in growth and financial returns well above our industry-peers. Together, we have developed an entrepreneurial culture that pervades every aspect of our operation with an unprecedented level of energy and enthusiasm.
STCW Training Centres
Sea School have their training centres in the following locations:
- see our Website for details, USA, United States of America
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
- Jacksonville, FL, United States of America
- St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
- Charleston, SC, United States of America
- Toledo, OH, United States of America
- Freeport, NY- Long Island, United States of America
- Panama City, Florida, United States of America
Customer Reviews
Sea School reviews as published on Google:
Phil Darkside
Used Sea School to get my OUPV and Master credentials, then to upgrade my license to 50 ton. Now, as I am going through the renewal process and upgrading to 100 ton I have been calling them constantly with questions. Mary has been kind and patient with me, Cassidy is wonderful and has taken over for Victor with no drop whatsoever in quality of service. This is a high quality organization that delivers what they promise, and beyond. No one does it better!
Pierre Suranto
Can't speak highly enough about my TOTAL experience with this school/company! From start to finish they were hands-on & super friendly! Capt. Bill was phenomenal and kept our 6 day course engaging, he makes the class great. The staff at the school was great to work with as well, special shoutout to Cassidy who was caring and diligent to work with in getting my application completed and sent in. She continued to work with me until I (finally) received my license in the mail. I HIGHLY recommend using (all) their services (physical, application assistance) it really made the process smooth. Money well spent, big KUDOS to the staff/team at Sea School!
Paul Mack
Captain Brandee is without question The best instructor for any class I’ve ever attended. She takes the time to make sure everyone in the class is understanding and able to follow the material as she is delivering it. She makes herself available by phone, text, or email at all times to answer any questions you may have. If you ever have the opportunity to use her for instruction of a class don’t pass it up. You’ll be glad you didn’t!
Pavel
Captain Brandee Sharp,
This was an amazing class, your presentation and the information you provided!Capt. Rich Kuhn
Outstanding teacher in Captain Brandee Sharp. She made the oupv and master class very enjoyable and easy to follow. So happy to recommend sea school to everyone.
Bill Sheridan
Having just completing the OUPV Captain training, I am a fan of Sea School! I attended the coursework at the Bradenton location and tested at the St Pete home offices. These guys give you all the information you need to successfully pass the 4 Coast Guard exams. I was startled to achieve a perfect 100% correct in the plotting test. My boat has full electronic helm so I felt this was my weakest area coming into this program. But I still knocked the ball out of the park! You can too…
tim smith
I was going to renew my consortium and while looking through my paperwork realized that my license was expiring at the end of the month thanks to Cassidy I was able to meet up with her and she pointed me in the right directions to haisley renew my license I got everything done in one day thanks to her knowledge very helpful awsered all my questions to my satisfaction very kind great smile
Zach Gagnon
If you need assistance with your captain’s license paperwork make sure you see Cassidy at SeaSchool. Big shoes to fill with Victor’s retirement but rest assured she’s Courteous, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Ronald Adams
Took several courses here years ago the best choice I ever made. Did my 100 ton, 200 ton, radar endorsement, and tow endorsement back in the early 2000's operated out of Port Canaveral, Florida, Kings Bay, Georgia, West Palm Beach, Florida and Brownsville, Texas.
Retired now but license held in continuity with the U. S. Coastguard just in case I may want to operate part time headboats or 6 pack fishing vessels.
Excellent courses, instructors and great value!T J
Great instructors, easy to follow course, and no time was wasted.
Bill and Gator are awesome if you get a chance to work with them. I'm sure the other instructors are just as good but I had the pleasure of working with both and it was a good time.Joseph Wegzyn
This place is the best . Tess is so helpful , I wouldn’t recommend any other place for all your captain needs ! Thanks again Tess.
Michael Erturk
Took my course here online and needed some help, and they gladly provided the info I needed. Also what I like is there’s no playin around, you ask a question and you’ll get the answer. I’ll be going for my master soon, and I know they’ll be able to help me pass that as well. Very good material to study with as well.
Capt. Sam
Recently took a sailing endorsement course online. (Tested at Sea School) Course was $105 for me to teach myself and then another $25 charge to process a sail aux endorsement and then another $95 to the coast guard for them to send me a single sticker.
Sea school charging $105 for a VERY outdated online course is absurd. You can hardly see the diagrams on there to learn properly. On one of my tests (you can take the test up to three times.) it asked questions that I know were not in the course, I studied like crazy and knew everything and made a 65 on my first test and a 90 on my second test. The course needs to be updated since they are charging $105 just to send you a login for their course on the website that isn’t very well maintained.Garrett Roofing
Exceptional! The staff from office to trainers were very pleasant to deal with. One person in particular is Captain Marlene... She got to the class early each day and literally didn't leave the classroom for 11 hours. Her dedication to making sure each student understood was second to none! If I have one critique, it's to suggest Sea School hire more like Captain Marlene, she's a gem of a person and an absolute asset to your company!
Stephen du Buis
Went there FCC testing for a commercial radio license. People were very friendly and efficient. Great experience!
Spencer Johnson
I’ve have nothing but good things to say about Sea School. I got my captains license there about 10 years ago and had a great experience. They’re still helpful with renewing my license and always have the answer to any questions I have.
Scott Glasser
Great programs. One stop for your licenses. Highly recommend!! Get Capt Bill if you can! Outstanding job to get you fully prepared for your 6 pack test!!
Bryan Hayes
I can’t recommend Sea School highly enough. They help you every step of the way. They are always available for questions and help. I will always recommend friends and family go to Sea School. They are super knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. 5 stars all the way!
Dale Roznowski
Great school, great customer service, whoever is on the facebook response to messages was awesome all the way through. I signed up on March 14 for the self paced virtual course, did all my exams on March 24, then the team walked me through all of the other steps either via email, facebook messenger, or on the phone. Start to finish a month and 4 days which includes the time it took to get my TWIC, get CPR/First Aid, Physical etc. It will likely take me more time to get my license in the mail than it took me to do all of the coursework and paperwork thanks to the team at Seaschool. Highly recommend spending the little bit extra to let them review all your paperwork things were caught on mine that took 30 seconds to correct and probably would have delayed my license by months
Daren Welker
I need to get a GROL license. The staff was very nice and Knowledgeable Highly recommend this place if you are trying to get a FCC GROL license.
Yousef Albadri
If you’re English is not that good will they be next you I’m trying to do my QMED ?? I’m screed to take the class and don’t pass
John Anderson
I have been using seaschool for the last few years as I upgraded from my original OUPV 6-pack license to 50-ton and now to 100-ton. I always go see Victor to help me fill out my paperwork, but last time i decided to do it myself… long story short, go see Victor! All there teacher are great and share helpful stories from there careers.
Jon Dunn
Outstanding instructors, however the administration was very disorganized and gave me misinformation regarding TWIC approval. Thus after countless hours of classes, exams(hundreds of dollars in class/exam fees) & passing everything including CPR, physicals & the Coast Guard requirements-- the mis-information given to me by the Sea School administration prevented me from getting my captain's license. Of course we will continue sailing horizons off US waters & abroad. Further inland they stand eschewed within signing people up blindly without giving them clear professional information, which is not acceptable.
Furthermore in their reply to my review they shirked personal responsibility and tried to shoulder all the blame on me when their administrator lied about the strength of the requirements.E.S. roarke
My experience with sea school and all of their staff was amazing! They were friendly, patient, on the ball & went out of their way 2 help me at every turn! I was really struggling with 2 sections and they had an instructor get with me asap & was able to help pin point my weak areas & helped me pass!
I definitely recommend this company for anyone needing their uscg licenses! My husband will be going through it and will definitely be going through Sea School!Marc Kenney
I took the online OUPV, Masters 100, Auxiliary Sail, and Assisted Towing classes. Super informative, professionally written with videos and I could call an instructor anytime I had a question. I took the OUPV test in St. Petersburg and met Victor Tufts...who served in the USCG with my brother in Gitmo! Talk about a small world!! I felt right at home and scored very high in all sections. I firmly recommend Sea School because the instructors there not only know what they’re talking about, but can put it in a perspective that an average boater can understand. You guys rock!!
Mike Bujwalo
Always an enjoyment learning from the dedicate instructors and staff. Always helpful even without an appointment
Vargas Charters
Great school! Highly recommended. The staff really cares about your success and help through the entire process, not only with getting your license, but afterwards too.
Miranda Jean Hearn-Holman
Only place I trust for all my licensing needs
Troy Schuberg
Best place for Captain's license!
Chris tofer
I've been boating since the 60's and thought I was pretty on top of my game. Then I took the OUPV and Master upgrade classes at the St Pete Sea School and really expanded my knowledge and skills. When it was time to submit, Victor was instrumental insuring all of my paperwork was in order. These guys really have the entire program down and I highly recommend engaging them to expand your seamanship skills.
Jeffrey Lebowski
Excellent facility for obtaining your Captains license!
John McChesney
From all indications, Sea School is an excellent institution and provides a great instructional experience. However, I remain frustrated and extremely disappointed (after 4+ years of patiently waiting) they have not followed through on their promise to work with the Veterans Administration (VA) to enable veterans such as myself to utilize our hard-earned Post-911 GI Bill educational benefit to pay for US Coast Guard captain’s license certification courses (in my case the OUPV . . . AKA: 6-pack license captains license) and related expenses at the St. Petersburg Florida Sea School campus. I can’t understand why they won’t take the time and effort to make this happen. Definitely doing our veterans a disservice.
Matt Burgett
Nadia at Sea School provided excellent customer service, you can really tell she takes pride in her work.
gerald genna
We Hold Your Hand Til' It Holds A License... is their slogan but not sure who’s hand they were holding surely not mine and my hand has be empty for months. 4 times my paperwork has been returned incorrect from USCG. Do yourself a favor and have your instructor look over your app before sending to Coast Guard. This experience has coated me many Opportunities to be paid as a captain.
I’d like to say thank you to Judy at FT Laudable office for helping me.Sean Finucane
First class crowd! Went out of there way to rig me up,can't thank them enough!
Hoke Jenkins
I earned my OUVP and Master Near Coastal licenses at Sea School. The teachers are great and the classes interesting. The books and materials are first rate. They do hold your hand all the way till you succeed.
Frank Bird
Just got my license in the mail today. Great place very nice people and super easy process.
Lisa Lowman
Just finished the OUPV course with Capt Bill Kaupas and I can't say enough good things about it! Phenomenal instructor with so much knowledge and he made the class fun. Worth every penny to do the class in person.
Simeon Palmer
The class was enjoyable and informative
Dawn Rothenhoefer
Fantastic experience! I recently received my Master MMC. All of the instructors are very knowledgeable. Capt. Bill is an exceptional instructor! The school really does help navigate the USCG paperwork. Vic reviewed my application and when there was a question he handled it immediately. Have recommended Sea School to many and will continue to do so. Thank you!
Jamie raulerson
Paid Bob 35 extra dollars to review application and it came back incomplete . He was quite rude when i asked to take a picture with him. I lost money on this application so I'm gonna have to re apply and spend more money. Poor communication.
Courses
- STCW Basic Safety Training (New Entrants)
- Basic Training (BT)
- Basic Training (BT)
- Basic Training (BT)
- Basic Training (BT)
- Basic Training (BT)
- BST or BT
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- STCW Refresher
- Basic Training Refresher
- Basic Training Refresher
- Firefighting
- Basic & Advanced Firefighting (Combo) (BAFC)
- Medical
- Medical Care Provider (MCP)
- Security
- Security Awareness (SA)
- Designated Security Duties (DSD)
- Deck, Bridge, Dynamic Positioning, Navigation
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (EC)