Mariners Learning System
Mariners Learning System is a USCG-approved online education company founded in 2002 that delivers captain's licensing courses, recreational boating certifications, and FCC commercial radio exams directly to consumer mariners via self-paced eLearning and online proctored exams.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersPennington, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Mariners Learning System does
Mariners Learning System is a privately held, founder-owned US online education company founded in 2002 by Captain Robert Figular and headquartered in Pennington, New Jersey. The company delivers USCG-approved captain's licensing courses (OUPV/Six-Pack at $695 and 25/50/100-Ton Master at $895), license endorsements ($150 each), recreational boating certifications ($125-$375), FCC commercial radio operator exam preparation, and a post-license business course for working captains. All courses are sold via direct-to-consumer e-commerce at marinerslearningsystem.com with bundled MM-SEAS application support included for captain's license buyers. The platform is a self-paced eLearning environment that combines iVideo training series, downloadable eBooks, audio lectures, and an MLS Mobile app with offline content access; final exams are delivered as online proctored assessments, eliminating USCG Regional Exam Center visits. The company is an FCC-approved COLEM for administering Elements 1, 3, 7, 7R, 8, and 9, and reports 200,000+ students trained with a claimed 98.7% pass rate. Distribution is organic-search-driven through SEO-optimized licensing guides and a course finder quiz, complemented by an affiliate partner program; there are no physical retail locations, third-party resellers, or marketplace channels. The firm operates with 1-10 employees, is bootstrapped without disclosed external funding, and generates revenue primarily through one-time course purchases plus ancillary study guides, chart-plotting tools, and branded merchandise.
Mariners Learning System firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mariners Learning System
- Legal name
- Mariners Learning System
- Website
- https://marinerslearningsystem.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Mariners Learning System is a USCG-approved online education company founded in 2002 that delivers captain's licensing courses, recreational boating certifications, and FCC commercial radio exams directly to consumer mariners via self-paced eLearning and online proctored exams.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mariners Learning System industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Licensing Education
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Merchant Marine & Deck Operations (EDAOANAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE), Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF)
Keywords
Where Mariners Learning System is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pennington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Mariners Learning System business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Professional Captain's License Courses: One-time purchase model for USCG-approved captain's licensing courses (OUPV/Six-Pack, 25/50/100-Ton Master). Includes 12-month course access, online exam, and White Glove Service support. Price points range from $375-$895.
- License Endorsements: Add-on courses for captain's licenses including Towing ($150) and Sailing ($150) endorsements. One-time purchase model.
- Recreational Boating Courses: Non-license recreational courses for boaters including Crew ($125), Skipper ($245), Master Skipper Power ($345), Master Skipper Sail ($345), and Master Skipper Power & Sail ($375). One-time purchase with 12-month access.
- FCC License Exams and Courses: FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit course and exam bundle ($150), individual element exams ($85 each), and package deals for commercial radio operator licenses ($150-$300).
- Study Guides and Learning Tools: Physical and digital study guides sold as supplementary materials. Captain's license study guide sets ($150), recreational course guides ($75-$180), FCC study guides ($24.95), and chart plotting tools ($100).
- Business Courses for Captains: 'A Captain's Guide to Running Your Business' course ($249) teaches licensed captains how to operate professionally and profitably. Includes 12-month access and proctored exam.
- Course Extensions and Renewals: Course extension for continued access ($125) and deck license renewal courses ($250).
- Rewards Program and Affiliate Referrals: Rewards club offering 1 point per $1 spent. Affiliate program allowing partners to earn commission referring future captains.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | OUPV/Six-Pack Captain's License - Online Course and Exam |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain's License |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | OUPV Upgrade to Master Captain's License |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | License Endorsements (Towing and Sailing) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Deck License Renewal |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Mariners Crew Course |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Mariners Skipper Course |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Mariners Master Skipper of Power |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Mariners Master Skipper of Sail |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Mariners Master Skipper of Power and Sail |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | FCC MROP Marine Radio Operator Permit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | FCC MROP Online Exam Only |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | A Captain's Guide to Running Your Business |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Captain's License Study Guide Sets |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Mariners Learning System product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mariners Learning System operates a USCG-approved online e-learning platform that delivers Coast Guard Captain's Licensing courses (OUPV/Six-Pack and 25/50/100-Ton Master), license endorsements (Towing, Sailing, Deck Renewal), recreational boating certifications (Crew through Master Skipper levels), and FCC commercial radio operator exam preparation. Courses are entirely online and self-paced with 24/7 support, integrated USCG application support via MM-SEAS, and 100% online proctored final exams that eliminate the need to visit USCG Regional Exam Centers.
Product overview
Mariners Learning System is an eLearning platform offering USCG Captain's Licensing courses and recreational boating certifications. The portfolio consists of two primary product lines: (1) USCG Captain's Licensing - including OUPV/Six-Pack Captain's License ($695), 25/50/100-Ton Master Captain's License ($895), license upgrades, and endorsements (Towing, Sailing, Deck Renewal); and (2) Recreational Boating Courses under the Mariners Master 'Skipper' Programs - including Crew ($125), Skipper ($245), Master Skipper of Power ($345), Master Skipper of Sail ($345), and Master Skipper of Power and Sail ($375). Supporting products include FCC licensing courses (Marine Radio Operator Permit at $150), Captain's Business Courses ($249), printed study guides, chart plotting tools, and branded gear. The platform provides fully online, self-paced courses with 24/7 support, online proctored exams, and MM-SEAS integration for USCG application support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- OUPV/Six-Pack Captain's License - Online Course and Exam USCG-approved online course and proctored exam for the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) license, also known as the Six-Pack license, allowing operators to carry up to six paying passengers on vessels up to 100 gross tons. Priced at $695 with 12-month course access, online final exam, and MM-SEAS Expert Access.
- 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain's License - Online Course and Exam USCG-approved online course and proctored exam for the Master Captain's License at 25, 50, or 100 gross tons, enabling operators to work as captains on inspected vessels carrying more than six passengers. Priced at $895.
- Assistance Towing Endorsement - Online Course and Exam USCG-approved online course for the Assistance Towing endorsement, adding towing capabilities to an existing captain's license. Priced at $150.
- Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement - Online Course and Exam USCG-approved online course for the Auxiliary Sailing endorsement, adding sailing vessel operation capabilities to an existing captain's license. Priced at $150.
- Deck License Renewal - Online Course and Exam Online course and exam for renewing an existing USCG deck license. Priced at $250.
- OUPV/Six-Pack Upgrade to 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain's License Upgrade course for existing OUPV/Six-Pack license holders to advance to the Master Captain's license level. Priced at $375.
- Mariners Crew - Course and Certification Entry-level recreational boating course covering maritime rules, steering, seamanship, deck operations, and emergency response for aspiring crew members. Priced at $125.
- Mariners Skipper - Course and Certification Intermediate recreational course advancing from crew member to safe and knowledgeable skipper, covering navigation, rules of the road, seamanship, and weather analysis. Priced at $245.
- Mariners Master Skipper of Power - Course and Certification Advanced recreational powerboating course covering water survival skills, first-aid, vessel recovery, and advanced marine communications for expert powerboat operation. Priced at $345.
- Mariners Master Skipper of Sail - Course and Certification Advanced recreational sailing course covering sailing rules, sailboat mechanics, and advanced piloting techniques for experienced sailors seeking master-level certification. Priced at $345.
- Mariners Master Skipper of Power and Sail - Course and Certification Comprehensive recreational course covering both powerboat and sailboat operation, teaching seamless transitions between sailing and powerboating for total maritime proficiency. Priced at $375.
- FCC MROP – Marine Radio Operator Permit – Element 1 Online Course and Exam FCC-approved online course and exam for the Marine Radio Operator Permit, required to operate radiotelephone stations on certain vessels and at coastal stations. License is valid for the holder's lifetime. Priced at $150.
- FCC GROL – General Radiotelephone Operator License – Elements 1 and 3 Online Exams FCC-approved exam package for the General Radiotelephone Operator License, required to repair, maintain, and operate high-power radiotelephone transmitters in aviation, maritime, and international radio services.
- FCC GMDSS Radio Operator's License – Elements 1 and 7 Online Exams FCC-approved exam for the GMDSS Radio Operator's License, required to operate and make basic adjustments to Global Maritime Distress and Safety System radio installations.
- FCC GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License – Elements 1, 3, and 9 Online Exam FCC-approved exam for the GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License, qualifying holders to perform at-sea maintenance and repairs on GMDSS equipment.
- FCC Ship Radar Endorsement – Element 8 Online Exam FCC-approved exam for the Ship Radar Endorsement, required to repair, maintain, and adjust ship radar equipment.
- A Captain's Guide to Running Your Business - Course and Certification Business course for licensed captains covering licensing opportunities, compliance requirements, pricing strategies, customer management, and risk control for building a sustainable maritime business. Priced at $249.
- Captain's License Study Guides (Printed) Hard-copy printed study guides covering rules of the road, navigation, chart plotting, seamanship, and maritime law for USCG captain's license exam preparation. Sold as 4-book sets at $150 or individually.
- Recreational Boating Study Guides (Printed) Hard-copy printed study guides aligned with recreational boating programs (Crew, Skipper, Power, Sail) for supplemental review and skill development.
- Chart Plotting Tools Physical chart plotting tools including parallels and dividers required for the Chart Plotting module and final exam on captain's license courses.
Quantifiable outcome
- 98.7% pass rate across all courses
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Mariners Learning System
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Mariners Learning System technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature5 records
Mariners Learning System partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- MM-SEAScorePartnership powered by MM-SEAS provides live, expert USCG licensing advice and career mentorship. Mariners includes 2 years of MM-SEAS Expert Access (valued at $198) free with any captain's course. MM-SEAS offers interactive application tools and double-checks USCG applications for common mistakes, simplifying the licensing process for students.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Mariners Learning System competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies): Larger, established maritime training institution focused on professional mariners, offering USCG license prep, continuing education, and simulator-based training — broader but higher-cost alternative.
- Chapman School of Seamanship: Long-established maritime training school offering a broader curriculum of professional and recreational boating courses, including USCG licensing pathways — an incumbent with deeper program breadth.
- America's Boating Club (formerly U.S. Power Squadrons): National recreational boating education organization offering certified boating courses and safety instruction, overlapping with Mariners' recreational boater segment via community-based instruction.
Direct peers
- Sea School: Established provider of USCG-approved captain's licensing courses and recreational boating safety courses, with both online and in-person offerings directly competitive to Mariners' curriculum.
- Maritime Professional Training (MPT): Direct peer offering USCG-approved maritime license courses (OUPV, Master, Towing, Sail) with both online and in-person formats, serving the same aspiring and licensed captain segment.
- US Captain's Training: Direct online competitor offering USCG-approved captain's license courses (OUPV and Master) and proctored exams, targeting the same aspiring and working captains via an online delivery model.
- Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy: Regional maritime training provider offering USCG-approved captain's licensing courses and recreational boating education, with overlapping audience and curriculum to Mariners.
- Starpath School of Navigation: Online maritime training provider focused on navigation, weather, and seamanship education for recreational and professional mariners — comparable course catalog and digital delivery to Mariners.
- Boat Ed (Kalkomey Enterprises): Major online provider of state-approved boating safety and education courses; competes with Mariners for the recreational boating learner segment via a more state-mandated course focus.
- BoatUS Foundation: Major recreational boating safety and education provider offering online boating courses; directly competes with Mariners' recreational course line (Crew/Skipper/Master Skipper) for non-licensed boater training.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Mariners Learning System social profiles
Digital presenceMariners Learning System compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Mariners Learning System financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mariners Learning System leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Mariners Learning System funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mariners Learning System M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mariners Learning System
What does Mariners Learning System do?
Mariners Learning System operates a USCG-approved online e-learning platform that delivers Coast Guard Captain's Licensing courses (OUPV/Six-Pack and 25/50/100-Ton Master), license endorsements (Towing, Sailing, Deck Renewal), recreational boating certifications (Crew through Master Skipper levels), and FCC commercial radio operator exam preparation. Courses are entirely online and self-paced with 24/7 support, integrated USCG application support via MM-SEAS, and 100% online proctored final exams that eliminate the need to visit USCG Regional Exam Centers.
Is Mariners Learning System a public or private company?
Mariners Learning System is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Mariners Learning System founded?
Mariners Learning System was founded in 2002. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Mariners Learning System based?
Mariners Learning System is headquartered in Pennington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Mariners Learning System make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Professional Captain's License Courses are the primary driver. The others are license Endorsements, recreational Boating Courses, FCC License Exams and Courses, study Guides and Learning Tools, business Courses for Captains, course Extensions and Renewals and rewards Program and Affiliate Referrals.
Who are Mariners Learning System's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies), Chapman School of Seamanship and America's Boating Club (formerly U.S. Power Squadrons). Direct peers are Sea School, Maritime Professional Training (MPT), US Captain's Training, Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy, Starpath School of Navigation, Boat Ed (Kalkomey Enterprises) and BoatUS Foundation.
Does Mariners Learning System have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mariners Learning System.
What industry is Mariners Learning System in?
Mariners Learning System's product category is Maritime Licensing Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOANAA, Merchant Marine & Deck Operations, with a secondary code of EDAOANAE, Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations. Its NAICS code is 61162 and its SIC code is 8200.