"I thoroughly enjoyed (am enjoying) the courses. The staff and Capt Bob were always very helpful with any questions."
"Definitely learned enough to pass the exam but learned even more! Comfortable with weather, fire, buoy systems and lights, tides, rules of the road, operating in fog, plotting, gps, etc. Amazing that I have been operating a large vessel all these years with limited knowledge. With this education I feel much more rounded and confident."
"The books are very thorough but multiple words in every section are words you have never heard of unless you have worked on a tonnage boat prior to enrolling"
"Captains box arrived, I am learning the information in 3 ways; watch it, read it, & quizzes! I love it! "
"I had a lot of questions before purchasing and they answered them all. "
"Easy to purchase, use, take courses, sign up for tests, and great customer service!"
"Horrid customer service followed by overpriced basic information. Would never recommend "
"Very informative and easy to follow"
"these people are great to work with and do not mind going the extra mile to help you solve a problem"
"This program gives you all the information you need to be know before your test but somewhat fails in preparing you. For instance, the questions on the quizzes and module tests do not randomize or regenerate new questions after your attempts. They should be random so you know you that the information you learned is sticking. Thankfully there are other websites that you can go to( some you have to buy a subscription for) take a practice tests that randomly generate questions that the coast guard uses on the actual test. Customer service is okay, email response is same day, calling came be difficult because their headquarters is on east coast time. So if you are like me and live on the west coast or mountain time good luck getting a hold of them by phone, and if u work a 9-5 your SOL in getting a hold of them by phone. All in all i would purchase again if i had but thankfully the books are mine to keep. "
“Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts about our program. We would just like to address a couple of your observations... While it is true that there are sites including the U.S. Coast Guard that provide access to 16,000+ questions relating to the licensing process and testing - The manner in which we educate our students is based on a methodology where we teach a broad subject and through the use of online quizzes and module exams drill down to the information one would expect to see on their final proctored exam. An important element in this process is that we wrote both the course and final exam. By controlling the educational process our drill down methodology allows us to better prepare a student for success come test time. By choosing Mariners Learning System you will not be testing with the Coast Guard since our courses and programs run under their approval.
We offer our students 24/7 access to our online instructors. In the rare event that an online instructor cannot answer your question, toll free telephone support will be provided. If this call needs to be made outside our normal business hours we are happy to offer this support at a time that works for you when requested. Please let us know if you have any outstanding questions which you need to speak directly with an instructor about and we will set up a time for you that works.
Thanks for the opportunity to help you earn your Captain's License. ”
"I was skeptical of this (and any online learning course for that matter), but once I got logged in and received my 'captain in a box' I was extremely happy with what I got. I'm not through the course yet but thus far has been very engaging and as good as an in-person class! "
"Received quick and I enjoy "
"So far
Well see how the entire course goes to get a true experience"
"I used their FCC commercial license (GROL) online testing service. I was highly satisfied and would recommend them over other COLEMs out there. Their customer service was great when I called and had some questions prior to ordering. I also exchanged a few emails and they were very responsive, even answering after hours on the weekend. The signup process is straightforward and quick, and the online test proctoring service was convenient. I was surprised to find that the 3rd party proctoring service was capable of pretty much on demand testing with about a half hour notice. I didn't have to drive to a testing center, and best of all you are able to take your Element 1 test first, then come back weeks or months later and take Element 3! No need to cram both into one testing session or pay twice to do it separately. Once I passed both elements, I was instantly presented with my Proof of Passing Certificate. Mariners also electronically filed my forms on my behalf with the FCC and I had my PG number in less than 5 days. Very impressive all the way around. I had a co-worker who obtained his GROL before me. He had a horrendous experience with the COLEM he used (Lasergrade aka PSI) and it took almost a month to get everything properly filed with the FCC. And the testing fee was about the same. I am so glad I found Mariners as the process could not have gone smoother. Thank you Mariners Learning System!"
"Excellent class, excellent coverage of material with good test results. Will take additional classes in the future. Thanks Captain Stehlin. "
A rep from Mariners Learning System, MLSOfficialReplies2, has responded:
“We’re so sorry to hear about your experience. We aim to offer customer satisfaction for all of our customers and will do whatever it takes to take care of you. Our Customer Support Manager will be contacting you today. Thank you for the opportunity to make this right.”