Types of 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 Online and we’ll pay your OUPV test fee (an $80 savings). You may also register by calling us at 1.631.226.7300.
Masters Upgrade
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-questionexamination 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.
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.