Call the Dept. of fish and game, ask for Licencing dept. They will give you the name of a broker in Seattle who sells the transferable licences for current holders, last I checked they were going for over a 1000.00 each rod and I dont think you can get just one. They usally have 4 rod licences at minimum. You will also be required to get you Coast gaurd "6 pack" licence unless you want more people on your boat than 6, which I believe if im not mistaken could be a Master licence. I just recieved the phamplet from the Coast gaurd and hopfully will be taking my test by the first of the year, You are also required to record your hours spent behind the Helm before the testing to see if you qualify. The Coast gaurd can give you more details on that.
Anyway I hope this gets you going in the right direction as you can probably figure out Im going to be ready just in case things turn around in the next few years because licences could skyrocket.

See ya on the water

Bob D