STAR Center’s Great Lakes Pilotage Prep Program for 2026 is scheduled to start January 26.
The program is designed for credentialed USCG unlimited tonnage deck officers to gain the necessary experience and knowledge and obtain USCG Great Lakes Open Water First Class Pilotage (FCP) endorsements for the five Great Lakes Pilotage Regions. The endorsements will allow members to be employed with AMO contracted companies on the Lakes. The program is also available for those seeking to add pilotage for specific rivers on the Great Lakes.
Those enrolling should have the required round trips for the pilotage areas properly documented and have submitted (or be in the process of submitting) their applications to the USCG to be approved to sit for the pilotage exams.
To enroll in the program scheduled to start Monday, January 26, submit an online application.
Those enrolling need to request the GL Pilotage Prep Course starting on January 26, 2026 on the application form.
Any questions regarding this or other deck courses should be directed to Jeff Jones, Head, Deck Department, at 800-942-3220 Ext. 7721 or .
STAR Center’s course schedule is available on the STAR Center website. Enrollment questions or applications should be directed to Student Services at 1-800-942-3220 Ext. 201 or .