So Joe was bragging how imprtant and capable his friends are in
another post. When I challenged his statments about USCG licensing he
pointed to a training company called:

HOUSTON MARINE TRAINING SERVICE

http://www.houstonmarine.com/mainfra...vedCourses.asp


To give you an idea of the quality of training I copied the
information for a course titled
Able Seaman. If you take the 5 day course you dont have to test for AB
at the CG.

The interesting thing is that in EVERY USCG Regional Exam Center in
the US EXCEPT appearenly those in TX and LA they will not accept an
orignal application for AB unless you have also completed a course
titled LIFEBOATMAN. It is a requirment for AB EXCEPT for the very
lowest grade AB........ and that is AB OSV (oilfield service vessel)
This AB "ticket" limits you to work ONLY on boats engaged in oil and
mineral work ie. GOM.

So whats the big deal? Just read the course description of Joe's
friends AB class...........
Dont take it from me.... This "school" is just another bubba school
for those who will never be able to work outside the oilpatch.



XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
USCG Approved Able Seaman Course
A team of professional licensed mariners teaches the Houston Marine 40-
hr Able Seaman course. The course is held for 5 consecutive days
{Monday - Friday} to make the most effective use of student time and
reduce travel expenses.

The Able Seaman course combines formal classroom training, hands - on
assessments of marlinspike seamanship and knot tying and computer
study for review of topic material. In addition, the course is
approved in lieu of the USCG AB rating endorsement examinations.
That's correct, successful completion of the course relieves you from
having to test at the REC for AB.

This course does not meet the requirements for
Lifeboatman. Those aspiring for an Unlimited AB ticket will still be
required to take and pass the 70 question Lifeboatman exam at the USCG
REC. We have exam prep study available for this test module that with
minimal study of oar commands coupled with material covered in the
course will have you ready to test in short time.

In addition, this course does not meet the
requirements for Practical Assessment for Lifeboatman or Survival
Craft. These assessments may be accomplished in accordance with IAW
NMC Policy Letter No. 8-01 dated 6 April 2001
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX



I added the because the original was in bold font.

I guess its not a big deal. But when Joe goes blowing his horn I think
its important for everyone to know its just more oilfield trash
bull****.

Bob