River School

10-Day Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels on Western Rivers
2026-09-14 08:00 - 2026-09-23 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Home2 Suites, 7595 Lodging Lane, Olive Branch, MS, 38654, United States
This comprehensive 10-day Coast Guard-approved training program provides in-depth instruction across all subject areas required for the Steersman of Towing Vessels license on Western Rivers. Designed for aspiring maritime professionals, this course equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers in the towing industry.
The curriculum covers critical topics including vessel navigation, towing operations, rules of the road, vessel handling in various conditions, safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and regulatory compliance. Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical exercises, and real-world scenario training, students gain a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and competencies required for this vital maritime position.
Experienced instructors guide students through each module, ensuring mastery of both theoretical concepts and practical applications. The course emphasizes hands-on learning and prepares students for the challenges they will face operating towing vessels on Western Rivers.
Upon successful completion of this 10-day program, students will receive a certificate of completion that the Coast Guard will honor in lieu of required exams when applying for the Steersman of Towing Vessels license.
Class Dates: Sept 14th through 23rd, 2026
Tuition: $1750

Western Rivers to Inland Non-COLREGS Endorsement
2026-10-05 08:00 - 2026-12-12 17:00 | The River School, 6812 Crumpler Ste. 100, Olive Branch, MS, 38654, United States
Five-Day Coast Guard Approved Course Presented As A Classroom Course Intended To Provide The Student With A Solid Academic Foundation In Chart Navigation For Great Lakes And Inland Waters
Tuition: $750

10-Day Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels on Western Rivers
2026-10-19 08:00 - 2026-10-28 16:00 | Home2 Suites, 7595 Lodging Lane, Olive Branch, MS, 38654, United States
Comprehensive 10-day U.S. Coast Guard approved training course designed to prepare students for the Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels license on Western Rivers. This intensive program provides essential knowledge and hands-on skills required to operate towing vessels safely and professionally on inland waterways.
Course Overview:
This course provides in-depth instruction in all subject areas required by Coast Guard regulations for the new Steersman of Towing Vessels license. Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate of completion which the Coast Guard will honor in lieu of required exams. Our experienced instructors bring real-world expertise from decades of towboat operations on the nation’s river systems.
What You’ll Learn:
• Vessel navigation and piloting on Western Rivers
• Rules of the Road (Inland Navigation Rules)
• Vessel handling and maneuvering towing vessels
• Barge handling and tow configuration
• Lock and dam operations
• Bridge navigation and clearance calculations
• Weather interpretation for river operations
• Emergency procedures and safety protocols
• Radio communications and proper terminology
• Chart reading and river navigation
• Towing gear and equipment
• Federal regulations and compliance requirements

Course Components:
Navigation and Piloting:
Master the fundamentals of navigating Western Rivers, including reading river charts, understanding navigation aids, calculating distances and ETA, and planning safe passages through varying water conditions.
Rules of the Road:
Comprehensive coverage of Inland Navigation Rules, right-of-way situations, sound signals, lights and shapes, and special circumstances encountered in river and inland waterway operations.
Vessel Operations:
Hands-on instruction in towing vessel handling, including making up and breaking down tows, wire and cable operations, coupling and uncoupling barges, and safe deck operations.
Locks and Bridges:
Detailed training on lock approaches, locking procedures, communications with lock operators, bridge clearance calculations, and safe passage through restricted waterways.
Who Should Attend:
• Deckhands seeking to advance to steersman positions
• Entry-level personnel pursuing careers in towing operations
• Maritime professionals transitioning to inland towing
• Anyone seeking USCG Apprentice Mate (Steersman) credential
• Current crew members looking to upgrade their qualifications

Course Schedule:
• Duration: 10 consecutive days
• Daily sessions: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Combination of classroom instruction and practical exercises
• Final examination on last day
Prerequisites:
• Valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)
• Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or ability to obtain one
• Physical ability to perform deck operations
• At least 18 years of age
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English
What to Bring:
• Valid government-issued photo ID
• TWIC card
• Notebook and writing materials
• Calculator
Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course and final examination, students will receive:
• Certificate of Completion accepted by USCG in lieu of examination
• Documentation for MMC credential application
• Course materials and reference guides
• Eligibility to apply for Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels license
Career Opportunities:
This certification opens doors to rewarding careers in the maritime towing industry, including positions as:
• Steersman/Pilot on inland towing vessels
• Relief pilot
• Watch stander
• Progression to Mate and Master positions
Class Dates: October 19th through 28th, 2026
Tuition: $1,750
(Includes all course materials, examination fees, and certificate)
Call Now For Reservation: (662) 892-0130

River Radar Observer & Marine Basic Fire Fighting
2026-11-02 08:00 - 2026-11-06 16:00 | Home2 Suites, 7595 Lodging Lane, Olive Branch, MS, 38654, United States
This intensive, Coast Guard-approved course is specifically designed for mariners seeking comprehensive training in both river radar operation and marine fire safety. Over five days, participants will earn two crucial certifications: River Radar Observer and Marine Basic Fire Fighting.
The program begins with three days focused on radar operation for towing vessels on Western Rivers. Instruction combines expert-led lectures with immersive simulation using advanced Furuno radar systems. Students will gain hands-on experience managing ship motion, monitoring and tracking multiple contacts in complex river scenarios, and adapting to changing environmental conditions. The radar training meets all initial certification requirements for operators.
Following radar training, the course introduces two days of Marine Basic Fire Fighting, providing vital knowledge and skills to prevent, respond to, and control onboard fires. This segment emphasizes river-specific safety protocols, practical firefighting techniques, and emergency preparedness.
Upon completion, students will have mastered:
• Safe and effective operation of radar systems for towing vessels
• Interpretation and response to real-world river navigation challenges
• Advanced tracking and ship motion analysis
• Fire prevention, detection, and emergency response procedures
• Hands-on firefighting skills tailored to the marine environment
Class Dates: November 2nd through 6th, 2026
Tuition: $900
Call Now for Reservation: (662) 892-0130
