Get Your Captains License Using VA Education Benefits

ATTN. VETERANS: If you need a merchant mariners credential, a.k.a "Captains License," we can help. Explorer's Guide Maritime Academy is offering Military Veterans (eligible for VA education benefits) an opportunity to get your USCG Captains license with training at ALL WISCONSIN locations - our main locations in Appleton, and Sturgeon Bay, WI, as well as other Wisconsin locations we use for classes - New Richmond (Twin Cities area), Genoa, etc. These classes have been approved for Montgomery GI Bill ^TM and Post 911 benefits for classroom courses.

Enrollment for a classroom course in Wisconsin is simple:

First Step is to apply for benefits using www.vets.gov  "You can apply using the “Ready to Apply? Select Correct Form” area.  This will open a claim token with VA, and they will send entitlement information, in response.  This would be the most official way to determine if they have entitlement.  The vet may call the VA Education Benefits hotline (888-442-4551), or send an inquiry to the “Submit a Question” portal on the GI Bill^TM website (link), but this may not provide the information they are seeking."

Hi Gary, Your students should visit Vets.gov to apply for benefits.  If they have questions about their benefits, or what they may be eligible for, please direct them to the VA Education Benefits hotline 888-442-4551, and a benefits counselor can assist them. V/R,Jennifer L. VA Education Liaison Representative

We just need a copy of the currently printed eBenefits page as proof of eligibility in lieu of a Certificate of Eligibility.  We need this document to certify your enrollment for payment.

Second, call Brenda at Explorer's Guide Maritime Academy (920-733-5500) to enroll in the USCG Captains License class. Tell Brenda you are using your VA education benefits. A $100 deposit is required to hold your classroom seat which will be refunded.  

Third, attend the class at any of our Wisconsin classrooms and earn your USCG License.

 Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, the Wisconsin state approving agency for Veterans benefits.

*At this time, online classes are not approved for VA Education Beneifts  funding. We are working on alternatives so you can use your benefits to get a merchant maritime education.

The following are VA Education Benefits Approving Agency Certificate Programs:

• OUPV Near Coastal (Classroom)

• OUPV Upgrade to Masters Inland/Great Lakes (Classroom)

• OUPV Upgrade to Masters Near Coastal (Classroom)

 • Master Increase in Scope to Near Coastal (Classroom)

 • Able Body Seaman (Classroom)

• Mate less than 200 Ton Program (Classroom)

 *Approved certificate programs are available in class at our Wisconsin campuses.