yacht captain training

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CAPTAIN'S LICENSE

We recommend that you get the best license you qualify for!

WHY GET A CAPTAIN'S LICENSE ?

• Why get a Captain's License?
• What License Should I Get?
• USCG Operator's License (6-PK)
• USCG Master Inland / Mate Near Coastal License
• USCG Master Near Coastal License
• USCG Qualifications and Application Requirements
• USCG Captain's License Classes

To work as a paid captain or mate

To use your boat for charter

To learn or refresh your skills in navigation, chart plotting, rules of the road, safety & regulations, buoyage systems, basic weather, basic stability, and much more!

To earn a credential that shows your experience and may even reduce insurance costs

To improve your resume if you want to get a job on a bigger boat

WHAT LICENSE SHOULD I GET?

We recommend that you get the best license you qualify for! There are a couple of options depending on your citizenship status and boating experience. The two main captain's licenses issued by the USCG are the Operator (6 pack) and the Master. There is no requirement to start with a 6 pack ® you can go straight to Master! There are several basic differences, the Operator (6 pack) license is for uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons, up to 100 miles offshore, and the Master is for inspected (vessels carrying 7 or more passengers) or uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons, up to 200 miles offshore or on inland waters. Your boating experience may limit the tonnage to 25, 50 or 100 gross tons. Inland licenses are also available if you are operating primarily on inland waters. If you do not have enough sea time to get your Master Near Coastal (offshore), you should consider the Master Inland, Mate Near Coastal, and Operator (6pk) Combo. Another option worth considering is the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster Program, which is valid on foreign flagged yachts up to 200gt.

Uninspected vessels

At least 360 days of boating experience including 90 days offshore. 90 within past 3 years. If you do not have coastwise experience, you can get an inland license. Non U.S. Citizens may be restricted to undocumented vessels with a 5 net ton limit.

USCG MASTER INLAND / MATE NEAR COASTAL

Inspected or Uninspected vessels up to 100gt on Inland Waters:

At least 360 days of boating experience including 90 within the past 3 years. If you have 180 days of offshore experience, you can also get Mate Near Coastal (200 miles) license. If you only have 90 days of offshore time, you can also get OUPV near coastal. If you do not have any nearcoastal sea service, apply for a Master Inland. If all sea time is under 5gt you will get 25gt, If 90 days is over 5gt, you will get 50gt license, If 180 are over 34gt, you will get 100gt license.

USCG MASTER NEAR COASTAL

Inspected or Uninspected vessels up to 100gt on up to 200 miles offshore:

At least 720 days of boating experience including 360 days offshore and 90 within past 3 years. If all sea time is under 5gt you will get 25gt license. If 180 days is over 5gt, you will get 50gt license. If 360 is over 34gt, you will get 100gt license.

USCG QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to completing your certified course, the Coast Guard requires the following items before they can issue your license. The application package does not need to be completed before taking your training program. You have up to 1 year after finishing the course to submit your paperwork to the USCG, but the sooner you submit it, the sooner your license will be processed. The USCG Application forms listed below can be sent to you upon request.

• Application for license (with Oath done at MPT)
• Documentation of sea time experience - letters or sea service forms signed by the vessel's owner or captain or sea service forms signed by you for your own boat(s) or DD2-14 and Transcript of Service for your military sea service (if applicable).
• Proof of vessel ownership - if you are submitting forms for your own boat(s)
• Physical Exam (within 1 year, on USCG Forms) There are certain medical conditions and/or prescription drugs that may disqualify you for a license or require a waiver. Ask for info if applicable.
• Drug Screen (within 6 months, on USCG Forms or proof of random drug test program or consortium)
• Proof of Permanent Residency for six-pack OUPV
• T.W.I.C. Card; The USCG Conducts a criminal background check and National Driver's Registry Report on all applicants. Certain offenses within recent years can disqualify you for a license. Please ask if you need more information.
• Course Certificate from MPT's Certified Course within the last year
• First Aid & CPR Certificate from MPT or other USCG Approved course within the last year
• Take Oath in person at MPT
• License Processing Fees (evaluation/ issuance paid to USCG)

USCG CAPTAIN'S LICENSE CLASSES

MPT's Captains License classes are USCG Approved, NO TEST AT THE USCG.

This course is available at two levels. The first level is 8 days in length for daytime students or 2 weeks of evenings and Saturdays for Night Students. This first level is USCG Approved for candidates applying for their Six-Pack - Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) License.

The second level affords the student three additional days of classes and is USCG Approved for Master and Mate Licenses. The USCG does not require you to get a Six-Pack License before you get your Masters, so if you qualify, you can take the full 11 days and get your Master or Mates license! Most students do qualify for a Master or Mate license. Please refer to the Qualifications section of this manual for more information or just ask one of the MPT student services representatives in the admissions office. The Masters level earns you the respect you have earned with years of boating experience as well as giving you the ability to serve on either inspected (7 or more passengers) or uninspected vessels as you choose. Another benefit is with the near coastal (offshore) route, with 6 pack you can go up to 100 miles offshore and with the Master you can go up to 200 miles offshore!

Subjects include : Navigation Tidal calculations International and inland rules of the road Coastal pilotage Meteorology Anchoring and mooring Marlinespike Docking and undocking Buoyage systems Safety Voyage and passage planning General ship knowledge regulations Stability and vessel construction Seamanship Written Exams:

This course is USCG Approved. No Tests at the Coast Guard. You will take written final exams administered at MPT at the end of the program. They include a selection of the topics covered in the course. We work with everyone until they pass! Do not worry. Class participation and study will get you through the exams. One of the bonuses of attending MPT's captains license classes is that we give every student the certification to operate a commercial assistance towing vessel - for free! The USCG authorizes Masters with this certification to operate assistance towing vessels of any size within their tonnage and Six-Packers to operate assistance towing vessels of up to 26 feet.

MPT has always been known for going the extra mile, and this course is no exception. MPT has incredible USCG Licensed instructors with a passion for teaching, a love for boating and a desire to see you succeed!

1915 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, +1-954-525-1014 | +1-888-839-5025 (Toll Free)

Site map | privacy notice | cookie policy | accessibility notice, 1915 south andrews avenue, fort lauderdale, fl 33316 +1-954-525-1014 +1-888-839-5025 (toll free).

FCC LICENSE ONLINE

Follow our step-by-step process to get your FCC License

Get your Captains License Online

Follow the four step process to get your fcc license.

We help people get their Captains License and FCC License Our process is convenient, reliable, and proven. If you would like to talk with a captain’s licensing specialist or schedule an exam please call (866) 293-9308. We are here to help.

Get your Captain’s License

Follow our four-step process to get your captain’s license online: Enroll, Learn, Test, and Apply.

Get your FCC License

Mix and match FCC Elements to get the FCC License you want. Buy them all at once or one at a time.

This course like the others I have taken over the years was exceptionally delivered. Great job and keep up the good work creating superb material to educate mariners!

Jeremy W. , Assistance Towing

I couldn’t be more happy!

I was overwhelmed to study for these exams. This course through the help of captain John helped me study and feel very prepared for all the exams. I couldn’t be more happy with the prep this course gave me in achieving my goals.

Christopher G. , Instructor Led Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Course

Online learning was beyond helpful!

Staff was responsive and helpful. Will definitely recommend and use in the future. The options for Online learning and testing is beyond helpful as the cost of travel and trying to find a class convening date that works with my schedule was not possible otherwise.

Mark S. , Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 Course

Captain John’s knowledge is priceless!

I am very pleased with the course structure and how the material was broken down into a reasonable work load. I am especially happy with the organization of the course material. I was very impressed when Captain Neil Smith reached out to me in the beginning of the course when I had a minor issue getting started. He told me US captains was there for me and to call him on his cell if I needed anything. Any additional material ordered through the on-line website was sent in an expeditious manor. I also want to thank Captain John Stypolkoski for his excellent on-line class instruction. He helped simplify the information and made it easier to understand. His knowledge and experience that he was so willing to share was priceless.

Gerard M. , Master 100 + Instructor Led Experience

Glad to have US Captain’s Training!

Glad to have DMS and US Captain’s Training to help me get thru the process of applying for Masters license & Sailing Aux.

Glen B. , Master Captain’s License + Auxiliary Sail

Professional, responsive & timely. I’m grateful. Thank you.

Rick E. , Upgrade Master 100 to Master/Mate 200

Excellent guidance and directions!

I received excellent guidance and directions through the entire process.

Don C. , AB Course

The course is well organized!

The course was pretty organized, I was able to take my time to do it and I did learn a lot and what a love the most is the great opportunity that you guys are given to me and other students to make our dreams to be a Captain come true.

Rigoberto H. , Master 100 Captain’s License Course

Very Responsive Personnel

Great course. Very responsive personnel. I liked it a lot.

Gordon D. , OUPV Captain’s license Course

An amazing teacher!

I was signed up for the online course and needed assistance. I called US Captains Training and a very nice lady said “I know exactly who you need to talk to” and it was Captain John S. I reached out to John and that’s all she wrote. John’s personality and his knowledge and the overall willingness to let me join his class was all I needed to hear. Very knowledgeable, an amazing teacher and a standout guy. Thank you Sir Captain Sir 🙂

Christopher E. , Master 100 Captains License Instructor Led Course

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Get Your Captain's License with Guidance at Every Step

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Rely on our decades of expertise to guide your adventure!

Why Mariners?

Academic excellence, flexible learning, pass guarantee, veteran owned, it all started with a catamaran.

We are Mariners Learning System, an online education provider who meets the United States Coast Guard written requirement for obtaining a Captain’s License. It all began with a 2.5 year sailing trip around the world, after which founder Robert Figular sought to create a different kind of educational program than what is typically offered— one that would effectively equip and prepare future captains while providing superior service at a reasonable price.

Why Trust Our Courses?

Whether you’re looking to learn new boating skills, improve safety, or become a member of a boating crew, earning your USCG Captain’s License from our expert curriculum will provide you with the knowledge, confidence, and certification you need to pursue many new opportunities.

Are you pursuing a career, juggling a family, or simply too busy boating? We know life can get hectic. Completing our courses can be done at your own pace and in your own time. Our online system saves your progress so you can pick it back up anytime and on any device.

Our highly trained team of boating experts are ready to guide your adventure every step of the way. We wrote, optimized, and tested the courses, so you can rest assured you're receiving the best education possible. Our Customer and Technical Support teams are ready to respond to your questions 24/7!

After decades of writing and building curriculum and helping over 200,000+ boaters complete a course and pass their test, we know what works. Our course materials are cutting edge, dynamic, engaging, and where applicable, US Coast Guard Approved.

200,000+ Students Can’t Be Wrong!

Over the last two decades, our courses continue to evolve and improve. Along with our expert, 24/7 technical support team and a 98.7% pass rate, we guarantee you’ll be happy with your Mariners experience.

"I tested tonight and had great success. Thank you all for your guidance through this experience. The staff at Mariners couldn't be more professional, patient, and prompt. I'm looking forward to applying what I've learned on the water. Thank you, Mariners Learning System."

Captain's Licenses

Earn your US Coast Guard Approved Captain’s License at home or on the go! Mariners provides flexible and convenient training so you can learn on your schedule, not ours. Take your final licensing exam online and on-demand. Start with our OUPV/Six-Pack License for up to 6 passengers, or if captaining a large vessel, check out our 25/50 or 100-Ton Masters.

FCC Commercial Radio Operator Licenses

Obtaining an FCC commercial operator license is essential to operate, repair, and maintain ship and aircraft radio communication stations effectively. As an approved COLEM, Mariners Learning System provides online element exam testing and support, guiding individuals through the licensing process with expertise and efficiency.

Our package deals streamline the process by offering online exams, allowing you to conveniently obtain the correct license needed for your role.

Want to Test Us Out?

Sign up for a free trial of one of our USCG Captain's License courses.

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Become a master.

Looking to conquer expert level? Get your 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License, now.

Sign up for our definitive free guide to becoming a Licensed Captain. Or take the quiz to find the right course for you.

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USCG Approved Courses & Instructors

HELPING MARINERS THROUGH THE MAZE

The Captain School has a proven method of instruction and has graduated over 9,000 students to date from our program allowing mariners to apply for a Captain’s Licence or what is now referenced as the USCG Merchant Mariner’s Credential.

Explore The Captain School

Areas of interest, current classes, enroll today, renewal information, links & forms, our locations, training centers, stay in touch with us, contact the captain school.

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(877) 435-3187 (239) 549-0271

Principal Office

1639 Cape Coral Pkwy E. Cape Coral, FL 33904

Discover Safer Boating, Experienced Captains, Comprehensive Courses With At The Helm Training

We make boating safe, one lesson at a time.

Nationally-Accredited Curriculum & Partners

USCG Licensed Captains

At The Helm Training has over 50 licensed Master Captains as part of our team.

Our Services

Exemplary boating training & delivery solutions, 40 years of experience.

Leveraging a wealth of four decades on the water, we combine time-honored maritime wisdom with modern safety practices that sets the foundation for a proven training curriculum.

Nationally Accredited

Our curriculum is accredited by renowned organizations such as the BoatUS, National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). 

Hands-On Training

We believe the best way to learn boat safety is on the water - whether in your boat or ours, where we give you the practical skills needed for safe, confident navigation.

Delivery & Relocation

Utilize our expert delivery service from anywhere across the U.S., Bahamas, or Caribbean , ensuring your vessel arrives securely to its destination.

Owner/Operator Training

Receive professional, hands-on training with our f ully-immersive course to operate your vessel safely and confidently.

On-Water Boat Handling Course

Receive professional, hands-on training - whether on your boat or ours - to operate your boat safely and confidently. This course is ideal for boats 18-40ft.

USCG Captains' License

Become a Licensed Captain with a simple, effective eLearning System backed by Mariners Learning System. No in-person testing with the Coast Guard is required! Just choose the course that interests you, and take the exam to earn your license online on your own time.

Why Choose At The Helm Training?

When you choose At The Helm Training, you're choosing a training program that's been tested, vetted, and deemed among the best in the country. You'll not only gain the skills needed to confidently navigate the water, but you'll also be grounded in the best practices that these leading institutions advocate for.

We bring together theoretical knowledge, practical skills, safety protocols, and real-world experience into a single, powerful training package that empowers you to operate your boat with confidence and skill.

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YACHT TRAINING

We believe professional training of the captain and crew, including the owner himself if preferred, contributes greatly to the condition and readiness of the boat, and ultimately pleasure of cruising and your overall boating experience. This started from sending our own management and service team for these training in UK ourselves, as well as always updating our boat maintenance procedures and knowledge to the latest international level of excellence, as often monitored and approved by many visiting specialist yachts managers and other key personnel with whom we have forged close relationship over the last 15 years as part of the Yachts family.

The knowledge and unparalleled level of experience, especially with Princess Yachts , can be gladly shared with your own captain or crew, or indeed yourself. We have also worked with the Power and Motor Yacht Academy based in the UK, offering various level of courses to the approved RYA (Royal Yachting Association) standard, exclusively to our valued customers. With the growing confidence and competence, it has been a pleasure in seeing many of our customers taking their enjoyment in their Yacht further each time as many can then happily choose to progress through to the bigger yachts or exploring more distant destinations, safely, confidently, and proudly!

For the ultimate experience we could also offer exclusive training sessions aboard a choice of luxurious Yachts , please contact us for more details.

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Professional Yacht Crew Training Fort Lauderdale

Mca officer of the watch, certificates of competency - 500 - 3000 gt training - oow yachts less than 3000 gross tons seven (7) different modules are required for a certificate of competency, mca master modules, certificates of competency - 500 - 3000 gt certificates of competency (coc's) are required in order to command vessels up to 500 gt or 3000 gross tons., mca compliance - oow, officer of the watch - yachts up to 3000 gt accreditation is widely recognized by all major yacht regulatory bureaus, insurance companies, as well as charter & management agencies., +300 google & facebook reviews 5 stars rating - the favorite among crew, stcw 10 training, international convention of standards of training, certification & watch keeping for seafarers the qualification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships., your career choice stay the course, experienced & knowledgeable yacht training professional yacht training is the only accredited iyt megayacht training provider in florida, marshall islands master & mate, marshall islands 350 gt master & 500 gt mate for the marshall islands 350 gt master & 500 gt mate course you must possess a 200 gt master of yachts or greater., yacht crew training for successful careers in yachting, what is stcw training & stcw 10 basic safety.

The International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers defines the training necessary for all persons employed at sea. Starting out requires the completion of basic safety training courses which are compulsory requirements for all yacht crew.

STCW Refresher Program (STCW 10 Refresher / Revalidation)

Have You Satisfied the STCW Five Year Requirement – Providing Evidence You Have Maintained the Required Competence in Basic Training? STCW 10 Refresher / Revalidation entry requirements stipulated that you have previously been issued with a STCW certificate (STCW 95). This course is a requirement of the amended STCW 2010.

On-Line Tacht Crew Training Courses

Professional Yacht Training, Fort Lauderdale offers select on-line training courses through our training partner, VIRSEC. From MCA Approved STCW ISPS Maritime Security trainings to Hostile Environment Awareness & Antiterrorism trainings, VIRSEC’s fully online courses are user-friendly, affordable and easily accessible.

We provide the Fort Lauderdale yacht crew training courses you require for MCA compliance and which are widely accepted for the private and commercial operations of both power & sailing yachts up to 3000 gross tons. The accreditation is widely recognized by all major yacht regulatory bureaus, insurance companies, as well as charter & management agencies.

The mca officer of the watch certificate consists of seven different modules ( oow crew training courses ), these are required to be completed for the mca officer of the watch (yachts less than 3000 gt) certificate of competency and are preparation for the mca oral exam., fort lauderdale yacht crew training school, professional yacht training (pyt usa) offers international yacht training (iyt) for professional and recreational yacht crew. iyt worldwide master of yachts 200gt certificates are mca recognized and essential for working on board a yacht., since its founding in durban, south africa, in the year 2000, pyt has established an enviable reputation and we are delighted to now be able to bring our special approach to the us and offer selected courses in fort lauderdale., pyt reached a milestone in april 2013 when our subsidiary, pyt usa , was granted the license to offer iyt worldwide courses in fort lauderdale , florida thereby allowing us to bring our style of teaching to one of the main centers of the mega yacht industry., yachting careers | yacht jobs, start your yacht crew training in fort lauderdale, florida and work on a yacht, no surprises – no hidden costs.

Your costs are inclusive of exam fees and training boat time.

You receive a commercial-grade certification, not an “endorsed” leisure ticket.

Full MCA approval for 200 ton Masters Certificate.

Fort Lauderdale Training Facilities

Centrally located in the heart of the “yachting capital of the world”.

Within walking distance of crew houses and marinas.

Crew agencies are also just steps away.

Professional & Knowledgeable Staff

Experienced trainers give you the individual attention often lost in bigger classes.

We provide a wide experience of training for all levels of international yachting.

Committed to succeed & progress towards the fulfillment of your career ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Hurricane Season
• Yacht Management
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NEW BOATERS OR NEW BOAT

"ON YOUR VESSEL TRAINING"

Vessel Equipment Vessel Underway Operation Night & Restricted Visibility USCG Rules of the Road Signals & Aids to Navigation Undocking & Docking Vessel Safety Equipment Vessel Safety Drills

This is NOT Captain License Training - This Training is for Owners/Operators and their Mates.

Master Captain Jack Jones

Tel: 407-756-9798

e-mail: [email protected]

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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