Launch Tender Operator Course for Limited Master/OUPV License
Enroll today in Sea School’s two and a half day U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Launch Tender Operator Course and equip yourself with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely and effectively operate launch tenders. IMPORTANT SCHEDULE NOTE - This class will run Friday (12/12) 5:00PM - 9:30PM, Saturday (12/13) 8:00AM - 6:00PM, Sunday (12/14) 8:00AM - 6:00PM
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Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Throughout Sea School’s two and a half day Launch Tender - Limited Master course
Limited OUPV versus Limited Master
- The Limited Master will allow you to run both Inspected AND Uninspected vessels for launch pruposes.
- Limited OUPV is for Uninspected launches only.
Launch Tender - Limited Master Completion and Certification Requirements
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Limited Master (SEASCH-254) course within one year of application will satisfy:
- The safe boating course requirements of 46 CFR 11.456(a)(2) and 11.467(f)(2); AND
- The examination requirements of 46 CFR 11.456(a)(3) for original issuance, renewal, or reissuance of an endorsement as Limited Master; OR
- The examination requirements of 46 CFR 11.467(f)(3) for original issuance, renewal, or reissuance of an endorsement as Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels.
Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Launch Tender - Limited Master Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age:
- Limited MASTER: age 18
- Limited OUPV: age 17 with notarized permission from parents
Citizenship Status:
- Can get Limited OUPV as a non-citizen
- Limited Master needs US citizenship
Sea Service Requirement
Limited Master:
- at least 120 days experience
- 90 days withing the past three years
- time is counted from age 16 to present (please out in line about the age 16 thing; must applying for this license are in HS or college)
Limited OUPV:
- at least 90 days experience
- 90 days withing the past three years
- time is counted from age 16 to present
Medical & Drug Testing Requirements
Medical Exam (Form CG-719K):
- A valid USCG physical is required
- Physicals available at most Sea School brick-and-mortar locations
Drug Test & Consortium Membership:
- Required for licensing
- Sea School provides access to APCA, a USCG-approved drug consortium
- Sign up at apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727
Course & Training Requirements
CPR / First Aid Certification:
- Must be USCG-approved and less than one year old
- Offered at Sea School locations
- Other recommended providers are: Emergency University, American Heart Association and the Red Cross
- Verify approval status using the USCG Course Approval List
- A letter from the launch club offering employment is necessary
Real-World Expertise
Excellence starts with a strong foundation. We believe in mastering fundamental skills, building confidence, and ensuring every mariner has the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in their career.
Flexible Learning Options
True leadership is demonstrated through action. We foster a hands-on approach, where mariners learn by doing and gain real-world experience that prepares them for the challenges of the industry.
Career Advancement
In the maritime world, challenges are inevitable - but so are solutions. We encourage proactive thinking, problem-solving, and the courage to take initiative.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
We never settle for mediocrity. Whether in training, leadership, or problem-solving, we strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
A Strong Community & Industry Network
Success in the maritime industry requires a strong work ethic. We embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, knowing that real growth comes from effort and persistence.
Confidence & Leadership Development
Ttrue professionals must be ready to adapt. We believe in staying agile, embracing change, and continuously expanding our skills to meet new challenges.
We’ve developed comprehensive, engaging, and practical curriculum to set you up for success on the water
While the curriculum represented on the Sea School website is a general layout of course information, it is not the exact order in which lessons are taught.
- Terminology
- Boat Design/Hull Types
- Type of Watercraft
- Engine Types
- Terminology
- Boat Design/Hull Types
- Type of Watercraft
- Engine Types
- Registration of Boats
- Registration of Boats
- PPE - PFDs
- Visual Distress Signals (VSDs)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Sound Signaling Devices
- Ground Tackle
- Additional Safety Equipment
- PPE - PFDs
- Visual Distress Signals (VSDs)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Sound Signaling Devices
- Ground Tackle
- Additional Safety Equipment
- Small Engine Operations & Maintenance
- Fueling Practices
- Ventilation of Fuel Tanks
- Types of Power Plants
- Small Engine Operations & Maintenance
- Fueling Practices
- Ventilation of Fuel Tanks
- Types of Power Plants
- Vessel Capacity
- Safe Loading
- Safe Boarding
- Safe Powering
- Vessel Capacity
- Safe Loading
- Safe Boarding
- Safe Powering
- Float Plans
- Boat Handling and Hazards
- Float Plans
- Boat Handling and Hazards
- Oil and Oily Substance Pollution
- Garage Plan
- MSD Regulations
- Oil and Oily Substance Pollution
- Garage Plan
- MSD Regulations
- General
- Steering & Sailing Rules
- Lights & Shapes
- Sound & Lights
- Annex IV - Distress Signals
- Annex V - Pilot Rules
- General
- Steering & Sailing Rules
- Lights & Shapes
- Sound & Lights
- Annex IV - Distress Signals
- Annex V - Pilot Rules
- Safe Speed and Speed Restrictions
- Reckless Operations
- Boating While Intoxicated
- Law Enforcement
- Radiotelephone Procedures
- Safe Speed and Speed Restrictions
- Reckless Operations
- Boating While Intoxicated
- Law Enforcement
- Radiotelephone Procedures
- Marlinspike
- Marlinspike
- Introduction to Nautical Charts
- Aids to Navigation
- Terrestrial Observations
- Publications and Recording
- Introduction to Nautical Charts
- Aids to Navigation
- Terrestrial Observations
- Publications and Recording
- Collision & Allision (Reporting Accidents)
- Passenger/Crew Safety in Emergencies
- Fire & Explosions
- Basic Firefighting & Principles (Extinguishers)
- Abandon Ship Procedures
- Man Overboard (MOB)
- Collision & Allision (Reporting Accidents)
- Passenger/Crew Safety in Emergencies
- Fire & Explosions
- Basic Firefighting & Principles (Extinguishers)
- Abandon Ship Procedures
- Man Overboard (MOB)
A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career
Choose Your Course
Pick the course that fits your experience level and sea time and select the available format that works for you (in-person, Zoom, or online).
Enroll & Prepare
Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.
Get Certified
After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
What Our Clients Say
I have no complaints and I am super satisfied with my class.
Very helpful for the rules of the water. Instructor is super knowledgeable and clearly cares about the art of seamanship.
James H.
Instructor was amazing and very insightful to boating knowledge.
Learned a lot of information in this course.
Griffin K.
The course is very informative.
The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable with plenty of examples and stories.
Haley D.
Instructor was so helpful in instructing the rules and safety of boats.
Simple class, easy to understand and loved the pictures so helpful.
Noa A.
Good course and good classroom.
Loved the instructor and his knowledge.
Abigail L.
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
- Students should plan to bring a pencil, highlighter, and notepad to the course for notetaking
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Limited Master/OUPV course
A Launch Tender - Limited Master is a U.S. Coast Guard license that authorized the holder to operate launch tenders and similar small vessels within specific limitations, primarily for carrying passengers within a limited area.
Minimum Age:
- Limited MASTER: age 18
- Limited OUPV: age 17 with notarized permission from parents
Citizenship Status:
- Can get Limited OUPV as a non-citizen
- Limited Master needs US citizenship
CPR / First Aid Certification:
- Must be USCG-approved and less than one year old
- Offered at Sea School locations
- Other recommended providers are: Emergency University, American Heart Association and the Red Cross
- Verify approval status using the USCG Course Approval List
- A letter from the launch club offering employment is necessary
Limited Master:
- at least 120 days experience
- 90 days withing the past three years
- time is counted from age 16 to present (please out in line about the age 16 thing; must applying for this license are in HS or college)
Limited OUPV:
- at least 90 days experience
- 90 days withing the past three years
- time is counted from age 16 to present
The Sea School offers Launch Tender Operator courses at our New England location. You can register here for a course that works best with your schedule. You can also find a list of approved courses on the NMC website under the “Approved Courses” tab. Upon completion of the course, mariners receive a Course Completion Certificate that they must submit alongside a USCG application for official certification. It is important to note that a Course Completion Certification is NOT a substitute for the official USCG credential.
Launch Tender Operator certificates are valid for 5 years and must be renewed when your MMC expires. Class certificate is good for 1 year.
Launch Tender Operator licenses come in two categories and vary by the present license and sea time of the mariner.
An OUPV (6-Pack) Limited Launch Tender License is for uninspected launches that carry no more than 6 paying passengers.
A Master Inland Limited Launch Tender License is for Coast Guard Inspected launches that can carry 7 or more paying passenger.
The “limited” stipulation refers to the physical distance that launches may go from the dock, or the geographical area within which the launch may be operated.
No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official certification, mariners must:
- Complete the necessary USCG application form and all other required documents and fees
- Submit the course certificate with (all the other stuff) to the USCG
The USCG then processes the application and issues the official certification.
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
