The USCG "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels" License allows the holder to Captain uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (about 75-90 feet long). Most pleasure vessels are in the uninspected vessel category due to the materials and method of construction. As such, these vessels are limited to 6 paying passengers plus crew - hence the term "6-pak". The OUPV License is issued in two forms:

• OUPV Inland License - Requires at least 360 days experience in the operation of vessels. 90 of the 360 days must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained prior to the age of 16 will not be counted.

• This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons.

• The OUPV license is valid for Inland waters, Great Lakes and Offshore up to 100 miles depending on the operators documented experience.  A "Great Lakes Endorsement" can be issued if the operator can document 90 days of sea service on the Great Lakes. This license is good on uninspected vessels to 100 gross tons.

• This license can be upgraded to a OUPV Near Coastal once you have achieved 90 days experience outside the Boundary Lines.

• OUPV Near Coastal - This license also requires at least 360 days experience in the operation of vessels, 90 of which must be gained outside the Boundary Lines.

• 90 of the 360 days must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained prior to the age of 16 will not be counted. This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons and out to 100 nautical miles*. NOTE: Experience can be counted on your own vessel. A letter and proof of ownership is required. Experience on other persons' vessels can also be counted however,  a letter from the owner or a sea service form signed by the applicant and the owner of the vessel that sea service is claimed.​ ​        

• *Depending on applicants documented experience and the Coast Guard's acceptance of experience that is submitted.

Requirements

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• Age 18 or over

• 360 days underway experience self reported Click here. 

• 90 of those days in the last 3 years

• You Must be able to Pass a Mariner's Physical, drug test and eye exam.  Click here for Coast Guard Physical Guidelines.

• If you have Chronic Medical Conditions, your condition will be evaluated by the NMC at to your fitness for becoming an OUPV or Master.

• Valid Approved CPR/First Aid card to Valid CPR/First Aid card (American Red Cross, Heart Assoc. or USCG Approved course)

• Completion of the USCG exam OR

• Completion of a USCG approved course like The Capt. School class

• Current or Expired Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card ).  

The Masters 100 Ton Upgrade provides an opportunity to those with a valid OUPV License to raise their grade to a Masters license. This license allows you to operate both inspected vessels and un-inspected vessels. It is required by the USCG for any inspected vessel certified to carry more than 6 passengers for hire.
The 100-Ton Masters License is for vessels with a gross tonnage up to 100 tons. The licenses are issued according to the tonnage of the vessels on which you have gained your sea service. It is issued in these increments:  25 ton, 50 ton and 100 ton. The minimum issued credential when successfully completing the course is 25 tons 

 

Prerequisites for Master Captain's License
Master / Inland or Near Coastal of Inspected Passenger Vessels Up to 100 Gross Ton

You must meet all of the prerequisites in this paragraph to receive a Master Inland Near Coastal License for Inspected Passenger Vessels of up to 100 Gross Tons:

• Must be 18 Years old

• Must be able to document 360 days of experience on a vessel

• Must have 90 of the 360 days within last 3 years

• Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential(TWIC Card)

• Minimum age: 18 years old

• Must Pass a Mariner's Physical Examination

• If you have Chronic Medical Conditions, your condition will be evaluated by the NMC at to your fitness for becoming an OUPV or Master.

• Pass a Drug Test unless enrolled in a USCG - approved random drug testing program for the last 180 days, and with no failure or refusal to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.

• CPR/First Aid training

• Completion of Our Course with USCG passing all tests as required. 

• Complete a USCG Original License Application Package

 

 

If you plan on operating an Inspected sailing vessel you must have a sailing endorsement which is a separate class, the required seat time for this is 360 days of sail or sail auxiliary time (these may be part of the 360 days and may be prior to license issuance.

Prerequisites and Standards Common to All Classes of U.S. Coast Guard Licenses / Credentials

• All mariners must have an expired or apply for a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) before submitting an application packet to the U. S. Coast Guard. The TWIC information is available at their website.
   

• When calculating qualifying sea time, you must have been underway on the water for a minimum of four (4) hours to count as one (1) sea day. (Only one day's credit is allowed per date.)
   

• A U.S. Coast Guard approved CPR and First Aid course is required. (Adult CPR, basic First Aid). The First Aid must have been within the last 12 months and the CPR must be current.

• You must have passed a routine physical within the past 12 months. Vision must be at least 20/200, correctable to 20/40 in each eye. Color sense must be satisfactory (Waivers are available in some cases)
   

• Drug screening is required. Your drug test must have been done within the last 6 months
   

• DUIs, drug, and felony convictions are reviewed by the U. S. Coast Guard on a case by case basis.  
   

• Military time and foreign time is evaluated for eligibility by the U. S. Coast Guard (NMC). This time is evaluated on a case by case basis

 

Course Cost Masters 25-50-100 Ton with Towing assistance Endorsement
$550.00

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