Master 100 Gross Ton USCG Approved License
Upgrade your OUPV license and take seven or more (7+) paying customers onto the water! Enroll in one of Sea School’s three (3) day courses and start your journey today.
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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.
The Master / Mate 100GT License Course
It covers vessel handling, seamanship, and meteorology, while also providing a more detailed overview of maritime regulations and laws. Graduates of this course can apply for a Master 25, 50, or 100 GRT license, depending on their sea time.
Master / Mate 25-100 GRT Course Completion and Certification Requirements
Any applicant who has successfully completed your Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 Tons (SEASCH-530) course within one year of application will satisfy the examination requirements of
- 46 CFR 11.201(j)(1) for original issuance of the following endorsements:
- Upgrade from OUPV to Master of vessels of less than 100 GRT upon Near Coastal, or Great Lakes and Inland, or Inland waters, PROVIDED the applicant holds an OUPV endorsement or has met the examination requirements for OUPV within one year of application; AND
- Increase in scope from OUPV upon Great Lakes and Inland, or Inland waters to OUPV upon Near Coastal waters; OR
- Increase the scope of a credential of Master of vessels of less than 100 GRT upon Great Lakes and Inland, or Inland waters to Near Coastal waters.
- Upgrade from OUPV to Master of vessels of less than 100 GRT upon Near Coastal, or Great Lakes and Inland, or Inland waters, PROVIDED the applicant holds an OUPV endorsement or has met the examination requirements for OUPV within one year of application; AND
This course does not satisfy the Rules of the Road: International and Inland examination requirement to remove a geographic COLREGS limitation from a deck officer endorsement.
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.
Master 100GT Captain's License: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Education & Testing Requirements
Course Completion Certificate:
- Completion of Sea School’s approved Master/Mate 100GT course and exam.
- Alternatively, the exam may be taken at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) (note: not all provide testing).
- Prep courses are strongly recommended.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- Must be 19 years old.
- Students 18 years old may take the course if their 19th birthday falls within one year of completion
Boating Experience (Sea Time):
- Master Inland: Same as OUPV. 360 days overall
- Master NC: 720 days overall, at least 360 in NC waters
Tonnage Requirements by License Level:
If NC license:
- 100GT=180 days >51 gt or 360 >
- 36GT50GT= 180 > 26gt, or 360 > 17gt
- All others will get 25gt
If INLAND:
- 100GT= 90 days > 51GT or 180>34GT
- 50GT= 90 > 26GT or 180 > 17GT
- All others get 25GT
Medical & Drug Testing Requirements
Medical Exam (Valid medical certificate or CG719K):
- Required for licensing.
- Offered at most Sea School locations.
Drug Test / Consortium Membership:
- Required for all applicants.
- Sea School offers access to APCA, a USCG-approved consortium.
- Sign up at: apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727.
Safety & Security Certifications
CPR / First Aid Certification:
- If you have OUPV already and are upgrading to Master, you do not need this.
- Must be USCG-approved and less than one year old.
- Offered at Sea School locations.
- Not all CPR courses are USCG-approved—students should verify at the USCG-approved course list.
- Other recommended providers are: Emergency University, American Heart Association and the Red Cross
TWIC Card (Security Clearance):
- Required for U.S. government security clearance.
- If you have an existing OUPV and TWIC is expired, you check the eligibility box on the CG719B application
Citizenship:
- Must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a Master License.
- Non-citizens may be eligible only for an OUPV license.
Application & Licensing Process
Fees:
- Mariner fees must be paid as part of the application process.
Official Documentation:
- Students are encouraged to check the official USCG Checklist NMC for up-to-date requirements and forms.
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.
- Shipboard Terminology & Principles of Ship Construction
- Trim, Stability & Buoyancy
- Effects of Icing and Downflooding
- Shipboard Terminology & Principles of Ship Construction
- Trim, Stability & Buoyancy
- Effects of Icing and Downflooding
- Purchases, Block & Tackle
- Purchases, Block & Tackle
- Ocean Current Systems
- Principles of Magnetic Compass
- Magnetic Compass Error/Correction
- Ocean Current Systems
- Principles of Magnetic Compass
- Magnetic Compass Error/Correction
- Dragging of & Clearing of Fouled Anchors
- Maneuver for Launching Lifeboats/Rafts in Heavy Weather
- Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats/Rafts
- Dragging of & Clearing of Fouled Anchors
- Maneuver for Launching Lifeboats/Rafts in Heavy Weather
- Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats/Rafts
- Rescuing Survivors from Ship/Aircraft in Distress
- Rescuing Survivors from Ship/Aircraft in Distress
- Organization of Fire Drills
- Firefighting Systems
- Firefighting Equipment & Regulations for T-Boats
- Sea Survival
- Organization of Fire Drills
- Firefighting Systems
- Firefighting Equipment & Regulations for T-Boats
- Sea Survival
- Lifesaving Appliance Regulations for T-Boats
- Lifesaving Appliance Operations for T-Boats
- Lifesaving Appliance Regulations for T-Boats
- Lifesaving Appliance Operations for T-Boats
- Vessel Alteration/Repair Hot Work
- Vessel Alteration/Repair Hot Work
- Load Lines
- Rules & Regulations for Inspected T-Boats
- Shipment & Discharge, Manning
- Load Lines
- Rules & Regulations for Inspected T-Boats
- Shipment & Discharge, Manning
- MARPOL 73/78
- Other International Instruments - Ship/Passenger/Crew/Cargo Safety
- MARPOL 73/78
- Other International Instruments - Ship/Passenger/Crew/Cargo Safety
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
Thank you so much! You were great!
Matthew F.
Instructor was very knowledgeable and was willing to help.
Winston G.
Office staff was very helpful with everything.
Instructor did an awesome job teaching.
Steven F.
Excellent course.
Outstanding office staff. Instructor did a good job.
Brian H.
Helpful office staff.
Well informed course. Awesome instructor and food.
Greg B.
Amazing!
Pat is a wealth of knowledge.
Edward G.
Very helpful and knowledgeable office staff.
Clean & well laid out classroom. Instructor was very knowledgeable with great way of explaining everything.
Patrick G.
John made that class fun, learned a lot!
Dexter J.
Very organized office staff, clean and neat classroom.
The instructor does a great job and is a great instructor.
Ryan H.
Very clean classroom!
The office staff is most helpful and wonderful to have in your corner. The instructor was very knowledgeable of the material.
Jordan H.
What We Provide:
- All books and charts are included in the course price
What Students Need to Bring:
We recommend students bring:
- Non-programmable calculator
- Pencil
- Highlighter
- Notebook
Advance your Maritime Career
A Master Captain’s License opens the door to many career opportunities. Many of our mariners pursue careers in the following*:
Charter Boat Captain
Ferry Operator
Water Taxi Driver
Tour Boat Captain
Dinner Cruise Captain
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Master License course
A Master’s License is a USCG approved license that allows license holders to operate inspected vessels with seven or more paying passengers. The Master's License is available in 25, 50, and 100-ton versions. Eligibility is based on sea service time and vessel size.
An inspected vessel is a vessel built in accordance with USCG Commercial Vessel inspection standards. A Certificate of Inspection (CG-841) is given to a vessel once it has been inspected and approved by the US Coast Guard. This certificate is required for vessels that carry more than six paying passengers and includes details such as: the vessel's equipment, approved route, minimum manning requirements, passenger capacity, owner and operator information, and the certificate's period of validity.
- A certificate of completion of Sea School’s approved course and exam.
- Alternatively, a student could take the exam at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC). Not all USCG locations provide testing, so students must schedule at an REC. Prep courses like ours are strongly recommended.
- 19 years of age
- Students who are 18 years old may take the class, provided that their 19th birthday falls within one year of completing the course. This is a common question from parents who want to take the class with their children.
- 720 Days of experience on Inland or Near Coastal Waters with 360 of those days being on Near Coastal or Ocean waters
- If NC license:
- 100GT=180 days >51 gt or 360 >
- 36GT50GT= 180 > 26gt, or 360 > 17gt
- All others will get 25gt
- If INLAND:
- 100GT= 90 days > 51GT or 180>34GT
- 50GT= 90 > 26GT or 180 > 17GT
- All others get 25GT
- Physical that satisfies the Form CG-719K
- We offer physicals at most of our brick and mortar locations
- Consortium membership / drug test
- Sea School has its own USCG drug consortium, APCA. Interested students can sign up for a drug test/consortium membership at apcadrugtesting.com or by calling (727) 522-2727
- USCG-approved CPR/First Aid certificate that is less than one year old
- We offer classes at all of our brick and mortar locations and it’s encouraged to promote our own courses
- If a student can’t make our class, we usually recommend: Emergency University, American Heart Association, or The Red Cross
- The course needs to be USCG-approved; many CPR courses aren’t USCG approved. For further questions, consult the USCG website
- chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/courses/courses.pdf?ver=cUVU8wMoukUAjqtcDCToQQ%3d%3d×tamp=1717596524666
- We offer classes at all of our brick and mortar locations and it’s encouraged to promote our own courses
- TWIC card (U.S. government security clearance)
- Must have U.S. Citizenship
- While non-U.S. citizens can receive a OUPV license, mariners looking to obtain a Master License MUST BE U.S Citizens.
- Mariner fees must be paid
While the Sea School does our best to keep our website up to date with all USCG standards and regulations, mariners should always check official documentation can be found at Checklist NMC.
Mariners need 720 days of sea time before they are eligible to become a Master Captain. 90 of those 720 days of sea time must also be within the past 3 years.
This information is only correct for a Master Near Coastal license.
All USCG licenses are valid for 5 years.
- Application CG719B
- Copy of current TWIC, or check TWIC box on application if expired
- Copy of valid medical certificate, or submit updated CG719K medical form
- Current drug screen
- Pay mariner fees
Sea Service Requirements (only if MMC is not expired beyond 6 years):
Please note only 1 of the below is required to renew your Master license
- 360 days of service during the past 5 years from date of application
- Pass a comprehensive, open-book exercise
- Complete an approved refresher training course
- Provide evidence of employment as a qualified instructor or in a position closely related to the operation, construction, or repair of vessels (either deck or engineer as appropriate) for at least 3 yrs during the past 5 years from date of application
- Provide evidence of being a qualified instructor who has taught a CG approved course relevant to the endorsement being applied at least twice within past 5 years from date of application.
Submit your Application Packet to the Nearest Regional Exam Center (REC)
The USCG Master’s License is the highest level captain’s license and allows you to operate larger, inspected vessels, such as dinner cruises, ferries, dive boats, and party boats with seven or more passengers.
There are several differences between an OUPV and Master’s license listed below:
- Required Age: For OUPV the minimum age is 18 while the minimum age for Master is 19.
- Citizenship: OUPV can be permanent resident. Master MUST be US citizen.
- Passenger Limit: OUPV (6-Pack) license allows you to take up to 6 passengers for hire on your vessel. Master License allows you to take more than 6 passengers.
- Vessel Type: OUPV is for “uninspected” vessels only. Master License is for inspected and uninspected vessels.
- Area of Operation: OUPV is for U.S. Inland and Near Coastal Waters. Master’s License is for U.S. & International Waters (depending on your endorsement)
- Master's License sea time: Master Inland: 360 days total (same as OUPV). Master Near Coastal: 720 overall, at least 360 in near coastal waters.
The 25/50/100-Ton Masters license is reserved for U.S. citizens. Non-eligible individuals can still join the Sea School course to enhance their maritime knowledge and boating skills.
There are three different Master Licenses available: 25-ton, 50-ton, and 100-ton. Each license permits you to operate vessels up to the specified tonnage: 25 tons, 50 tons, and 100 tons, respectively. The Coast Guard determines your license eligibility based on your sea time. See below for general guidelines:
If NC license:
- 100GT=180 days >51 gt or 360 > 34GT
- 50GT=180 days >26GT, or 360 days > 17GT
- All others will get 25gt
If INLAND:
- 100GT= 90 days > 51GT or 180>34GT
- 50GT= 90 > 26GT or 180 > 17GT
- All others get 25GT
If you meet all the requirements for a Master’s License (MM100) you can apply for both OUPV and a Master/Mate License at the same time, presuming you complete both courses prior.
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.
