The New Hawsepipe

Visual communications is now required for each level upgrade, including 3rd mate to 2nd mate and chief mate to master.  This is usually only for ocean licenses, but beware!!  The Coast Guard has stopped offering the flashing light in the R.E.C.’s so marinrs will have to take it at an approved school.  The list of schools that offer it is on the C.G. Website at http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/training/flash.pdf 

This is usually a self study course with software.  The only tricky parts are de-coding from Pub 102, 70% is passing.  The regualtions from the CFR Website is part of 46CFR 10.401(h) Ocean and Near Coastal Licenses

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2007/octqtr/pdf/46cfr10.401.pdf

Good Luck!!!!