Towing Endorsements for Your USCG Captain’s License
A Towing Endorsement allows you to operate commercial assistance towing vessels (e.g., towing disabled boats). To add this endorsement to your USCG Captain’s License, you’ll need to meet a few requirements and submit the proper documentation to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Basic Requirements
To qualify for a Towing Endorsement, you must:
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Hold a Valid License
You must already have a USCG OUPV or Master Captain’s License. -
Complete a Towing Course or Exam
Choose one of the following options:-
Take the USCG-approved Assistance Towing Exam (covers procedures, safety, and regulations). Local Sarasota, Florida course may be available, contact us to find out.
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Complete a USCG-approved Assistance Towing Course (exempts you from the exam)
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No Additional Sea Time Required
You do not need to log extra sea service beyond what was required for your base license.
Additional Endorsements for Towing
(Master or Mate/Pilot of Towing)
If you're seeking a Master or Mate/Pilot of Towing endorsement, the requirements depend on your recent sea service.
If You’ve Been Actively Sailing (within the past 5 years):
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No course required
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Just provide proof of sea time — Windless can help submit and verify this with your renewal application
If You Haven’t Sailed Recently:
You’ll need to complete a Renewal TOAR (Towing Officer Assessment Record) for your specific route(s). This includes:
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Practical maneuvering and handling assessments (Part D of the TOAR)
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Conducted onboard a towing vessel, in a simulator, or a combination of both
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Signed off by a USCG-approved Designated Examiner
“Renewal TOAR” (Towing Officer Assessment Record)"
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You must re-do the maneuvering and handling tasks (from Part D of the TOAR) to prove you still have the necessary skills.
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These tasks are practical, not written — you’ll be assessed while operating a towing vessel (or a simulator).
How do you complete the Renewal TOAR?
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Route-specific: You must do the assessments for the specific towing route(s) listed on your MMC:
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Great Lakes/Inland → Do Great Lakes/Inland TOAR
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Western Rivers → Do Western Rivers TOAR
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Near Coastal/Oceans → Do that TOAR
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Location/method: You can do the assessments:
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Onboard a tug or towing vessel
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In a simulator
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Or a mix of both
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Who can sign it?
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Only a USCG-approved Designated Examiner (DE) can sign off the tasks.
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Important: The DE must be approved for the same route you’re renewing!
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Ask to see their approval letter and make sure it’s current. If not, your application will be rejected by the NMC (National Maritime Center).
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How Windless Can Help
Once you’ve met the training or exam requirements, Windless can handle the entire filing process for your Towing Endorsement. We’ll:
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Review your documentation for accuracy
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Ensure everything is properly completed and submitted
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Eliminate the hassle of dealing with the Coast Guard paperwork on your own
Whether you’re adding a basic Assistance Towing Endorsement or upgrading to a Towing Endorsement for Master or Mate/Pilot, Windless makes it simple and stress-free.