Navigating the path to your maritime career begins with understanding the various U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) captain's licenses available.
Whether you're aiming to command uninspected vessels carrying up to six passengers or seeking to operate larger, inspected vessels, there is a specific license that aligns with your maritime aspirations. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, ensuring a clear and confident journey toward achieving your captain's credentials.
Check out our comprehensive overview below of the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) and Master's licenses.
OUPV (6-pack) Captain’s License
The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License allows you to take up to six passengers for hire on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons/100 miles offshore. The license will allow you the opportunity to earn money on the water while doing something you love. Please note that Non U.S. Citizens may be restricted to undocumented vessels with a 5 net ton limit.
Requirements
To obtain an OUPV license, you need to show 360 days’ experience on Inland or Near Coastal waters – this experience can be on your own boat or someone else’s. Of the 360 total days:
- 90 days must be within the last 3 years
- 90 days must be on Great Lakes only if you want to obtain a Great Lakes Routing on your license
- 90 days must be on Near Coastal waters to obtain a Near Coastal Routing
The following is a checklist of everything you need to apply for your OUPV License. The Nautical School will provide all your application forms upon enrollment, FREE of charge.
- Coast Guard Application Form (CG-719B)
- Sea Service Form (CG-719S)
- Physical Examination Report (CG-719K)
- Drug Test Report (5 Substance SAMSHA – CG-719-P)
- Social Security Card
- Proof of Citizenship
- First Aid/CPR Certification
- User Fees
- Training Certificate
Registration
Register on our website and we’ll pay your OUPV test fee (an $80 savings). You may also register by calling us at 1.631.226.7300.
OUPV - ALL OUPV (6-pack) Licenses are for Vessels up to 100 GT INLAND
Inland
For uninspected vessels on inland waters carrying 6 or fewer passengers.
- Requires 360 days experience on a boat.
- No offshore time needed.
- Minimum age is 18.
- Citizenship not required.
Near Coastal
For uninspected vessels on inland and up to 100 miles offshore carring 6 or fewer passengers
- Requires 360 days experience on a boat.
- Minimum 90 days in offshore waters.
- Minimum age is 18.
- Citizenship not required.
Masters Upgrade License
The USCG Master's License is the highest level license that you can earn. This license allows you to operate inspected vessels - carrying 7 passengers or more – (like dinner boats, water taxis, ferries, dive boats, party boats, etc.) as well as uninspected (6-pack) vessels. Depending on your experience, it will be issued as a 25, 50, or 100-ton license. The USCG does not require that you get a Six-Pack License before you get your Masters. You only need 360 days of sea service on any boat (recreational or commercial) since the age of 16, complete the OUPV (6-pack) and master courses, and you can skip the Six-Pack and be issued your Masters license!
Simply go to Online.Nauticalschool.com and complete each narrated module - which include instructional videos and progress quizzes - then schedule an easy proctored 50-question examination at The Nautical School.
Since you already hold an OUPV, sea time already in your file is counted. Sea time before and after your “time on file” is also counted.
If the PHYSICAL that is in your file is more than 36 months old (at the time you apply), you’ll need to have it updated. If the DRUG TEST that is in your USCG file is more than 6 months old (at the time you apply) you’ll need to have it updated.
MASTER INLAND
360 Days Total
MASTER NEAR COASTAL
720 Days Total with at least 360 in NC Waters
Requirements
In addition to the requirements of the OUPV License, the Masters License also requires:
- 720 total days for a Near Coastal route, with at least 360 of these on Near Coastal waters.
- A minimum of 180 days on sailing vessels for a sailing endorsement.
Course: Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 GRT
MASTER - Master Licenses are Issued in 25, 50 or 100 GT Increments
Inland
For inspected and uninspected vessels on inland waters.
- Requires 360 days experience on a boat.
- No offshore time needed.
- Minimum age is 19.
- Citizenship required.
With OUPV Endorsement
Lets you operate a 6-pack vessel to 100 miles offshore. Requires 90 days experience offshore.
With MATE Endorsement
Lets you operate a 6-pack vessel to 200 miles offshore. Requires 180 days experience offshore.
Near Coastal
For inspected and uninspected vessels both inland and offshore out to 200 miles.
- Requires 720 days experience on a boat.
- Minimum 360 days in offshore waters.
- Minimum age is 19.
- Citizenship required.