Coast Guard Approved OUPV (6-Pack) Captain's License Distance Learning Course

An OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) license is a U.S. Coast Guard certified license. An OUPV license allows mariners to operate an uninspected passenger vessel (UPV) for up to six passengers, at least one of whom is for hire. The OUPV license is commonly referred to as the "6-PACK" or “Captain’s License.”

• The word "uninspected" is a technical term meaning that the equipment required, and the design of the boat, are not formally inspected by the USCG
• "6-PACK" refers to the 6 passenger limitation on the license
• All OUPV licenses are for vessels less than 100 Gross Registered Tons

There are two primary categories of Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) licenses: Near Coastal and Inland. While the course material for both licenses is largely the same, the sea time requirements differ.

• OUPV Near Coastal: Allows operation of vessels up to 100 GT on ocean or near coastal waters (up to 100 nautical miles offshore). To obtain an OUPV Near Coastal License, at least 90 days of Sea Time must occur on near coastal waters.
• OUPV Inland: Restricts operation to inland waters only, such as lakes (excluding the Great Lakes), rivers, bays and within boundary lines as definied within 46 CFR part 7.

1. 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 the ones offered at Sea School are highly recommended.

2. 18 years of age

• Students who are 17 years old may take OUPV classes, provided their 18th birthday falls within one year of completing the course.

3. 360 days of underway boating experience (90 of these days in the last 3 years)

• 1 day of sea time/boating experience is equivalent to a minimum of 4 consecutive hours underway in a 24 hour period. Near Coastal is considered underway time past the jetty (or line of demarcation). Anything inside that line is considered Inland.

4. A physical that satisfies the Form CG-719K

5. Pass a drug test

• In order for OUPV license holders to captain vessels for paying passengers, they must be members of a drug testing consortium. 
• While only one passed drug test is required for OUPV license holders NOT seeking employment, membership to a drug testing consortium is highly recommended.

6. USCG-approved CPR/First Aid certificate that is less than one year old

7. TWIC card (U.S. government security clearance)

For a student to formally receive their Merchant Mariner Credential, they must submit their MMC application to the USCG for review. The application (often referred to as "paperwork") process is lengthy and dense.

The OUPV license is valid for 5 years.

Submit a complete application packet to the NMC/USCG that includes:

• CG-719B Application For Merchant Mariner Credential
• Sea Service Form CG-719 S with at least 360 days in the last 5 years OR License Renewal Course Completion Certificate
• Valid Medical Certificate or Application for Medical Certificate (CG-719K)
• Compliant drug test within the last six months OR letter of compliance from Drug Consortium
• USCG Fees $95

Sea Service Requirements (only if MMC is not expired beyond 6 years):

Please note only 1 of the below is required to renew your OUPV 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.

Testing for OUPV can take place in a number of different places.

• Regional Exam Centers across the country
• Offered weekly at all Sea School locations upon completion of the course
• Online proctored testing is also available

Non-citizens can apply for a USCG captain’s license if they are legal residents authorized to work in the U.S. The 25/50/100-Ton Masters license, however, is reserved for U.S. citizens. Non-eligible individuals can still join the Sea School course to enhance their maritime knowledge and boating skills.

When individuals encounter the term "100 GT" or "100 Gross Registered Tons," they typically misinterpret it as a weight-based measurement. On the contrary, gross tonnage (within the maritime context) refers to the total enclosed space or internal capacity of a vessel, calculated in terms of 100 cubic feet per gross ton. A 100-ton vessel can measure 65 feet or more in length, contingent upon its design and commercial application.