Course and Credential Disclaimer
This document defines the educational scope, certificate standing, and licensing boundaries of all training coursework and credentials issued by the American Institute of Seamanship (AIOS).
1. Educational and Academic Scope
The American Institute of Seamanship is an independent educational institution. All certificates, ranks, credentials, or badges awarded by the institute represent academic study, historical maritime scholarship, and traditional crew competence aboard traditional sailing vessels. AIOS certificates are intended to document personal competency, vessel crew capability, and character development under sail.
2. Coast Guard and Commercial Licensing Boundaries
Crucial Notice: Completion of AIOS training coursework, examinations, or practical shipboard check-offs does not grant, qualify, or constitute any of the following:
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Licensing: AIOS certificates do not grant commercial deck or engineering officer licenses, or Captain's licenses.
- Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC): AIOS training does not constitute an MMC or grant cargo/passenger carrying endorsements.
- STCW Qualifications: Courses do not satisfy Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) basic safety, firefighting, or watchstanding qualifications.
AIOS does not represent its programs as government-approved training courses unless a specific module has been formally certified by the National Maritime Center (NMC) and is explicitly documented as such.
3. Recreational Boating Safety Credentials
AIOS courses are designed for traditional sail operations and square-rigged vessels. Completion of AIOS courses does not satisfy state-mandated recreational boating safety card requirements or NASBLA-approved safe boating certificate requirements. Trainees seeking recreational boat operator permits should consult their respective state boating authorities.
4. Status of Future Program Alignments
AIOS is actively working toward curriculum alignments with recognized maritime standards. Any future partnerships, credential approvals, or regulatory courses will be updated here and on specific course enrollment forms only when formal, written approval from the authorizing government or regulatory body is finalized.
Contact Information: If you have questions regarding the academic standing of AIOS certificates or require enrollment verification for vessel crews, please submit an inquiry through our General Contact form.