RCM Maritime Training School 7501 Southrail Road, North Charleston, SC 29420

"10/10+++ Experience with RCM Maritime Training School. Rainee (instructor) prepared us during this course (OUPV 6-Pack Captains License Course) for the USCG approved test. She used a variety of training tools to ensure we had the best experience, and that we left with an exceptional understanding of the material. I am more confident knowing I took the in-person learning experience vs trying to learn everything online. Thank you for the support! I will be taking more classes here in the near future."

"My primary purpose in writing this review is to save my fellow mariners substantial time and effort researching and deciding which sea school to attend. At 70 years old, I have been on the water for well over 55 years. Thinking that I knew a lot about boats and boating, I felt it did not matter which school I attended— “they are all the same.” I started researching the web and making follow-up phone calls to get more bang for my buck. What I discovered was that “there IS a difference!” I selected RCM Maritime Training School in Charleston, SC, to get my captain’s license based primarily on my research and by a few phone calls to past RCM students—at random, finding that all were successful. In a serious and detailed conversation with the RCM Office Manager, I asked all the hard questions. Contrary to calls to other schools, I got no “fluff” or “puffing.” Instead, she was forthcoming with the facts and gave complete answers. Short answer: I made the right choice. Upon arriving in Charleston from Boone, North Carolina, I found far more than an adequate facility. I found a significantly superior learning environment. Being a college instructor, I have seen both extremes—this was one of the best. The course materials were exceeded only by the quality of the instructors. Both of mine had substantial credentials and were excellent teachers—a combination that is hard to come by. I learned much more than I thought I knew about the subjects and received training on how to take the exams. I found the exams difficult, but I found myself well-prepared. I PASSED! But the assistance did not stop with the receipt of a diploma. The Office Manager went out of her way to help me compile information and prepare my Coast Guard application. She arranged for my TWIC card interview and physical examination. She reviewed my application, suggested edits, and reviewed it again. I could not have asked for more. All this being said, I recommend that you need to look no further than RCM. This team works for you."

"I unfortunately did not have a great experience with this company. I registered for their VPDSD course and also their Basic Training Course. They never sent any confirmation of registration or instructions on how to attend the course or what to have with you. I had to call them to find out the course was virtual and they send the Zoom link 30 mins before the course is supposed to start. The day before the VPDSD course they called asking to reschedule. I told them I was not able to since I had requested time off from work to attend. They ended up finding an instructor and i was able to take the course. It seemed informative and well structured and I did enjoy the instructor who is the owner of RCM. The next week was my scheduled Basic Training course, the morning it was supposed to start I waited for my Zoom link and never received it. I ended up calling them at 8:56, 4 mins before my course was supposed to start and was told they did not have any instructors available for it and asked if I could reschedule. I had again requested time off of work to attend this course so I was not able to reschedule. The lady had said she would try to find another instructor but I never heard back from her. I hate to leave a bad review but this school doesnt quite seem to have the enrollment process and schedule figured out. It all seems very last minute and figuring it out on the fly. I would not plan on anything being super concrete until you’re actively in the class."

"Called to schedule a course and was told I'd receive a call back, after waiting the whole day and trying to call back multiple times I was ignored. I cant say anything to the training itself, but I know I was ignored, I hope they do not ignore the students in their courses who pay to be there."

"If you attend this course, pay attention, take notes, be engaged in the class, review the provided materials and practice chart plotting with provided materials prior to testing you should be able to pass the exam. The exam wasn't easy but I felt prepared after completing the course. As an added benefit RCM Maritime Training School provided us after hours, online, live, interactive assistance with retired Chief Petty Officer Steve Johnson who can help with any questions or cover any aspect of the class training you would like to go over again. CPO Johnson is a lifetime mariner and his knowledge of seamanship and course requirements are second to none. There wasn't a single question I had that he couldn't answer in a manner that i could understand. The facilities are nice and comfortable and everything you need knowledge wise to study for the exam is provided. They even provide free snacks and drinks. On a final note, I was more than twice the age of the nearest attendee. If I can successfully pass the proctored exam at my age then you should be able to as well."