Coast Guard Approved OUPV (6-Pack) Captain's License Distance Learning Course
Looking to captain a vessel and take paying customers onto the water? Explore Sea School's instructor-led Distance Learning offerings (via Zoom) to find the best dates to complete our 54-hour OUPV License course.
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Learn the practical aspects of boating, navigation, survival, firefighting, knot-tying and more.
Upon completion of the course and examination, students will be able to captain up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons and 100 miles offshore. This includes small tour boats, fishing charters, SCUBA diving boats, and other similar vessels. For commercial activities with seven or more passengers on inspected vessels, a Master's License is required.
We ship books and chart before the class has started but students must provide their own tools.
Locations
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Train from Anywhere with Sea School Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace
Train on your schedule with Sea School’s self-paced online courses. Designed for flexibility and convenience, our online programs allow you to complete key certifications and knowledge-based training from anywhere, at any time.
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Upcoming Zoom Trainings
Join our courses from anywhere with our convenient Zoom sessions. Choose the dates that work best for your schedule and start your journey toward earning your next license or endorsement - without ever leaving home.
This Course Has Other Options for Learning
The Right Course for Every Seafarer

What Our Clients Say
Mariners
Recreational Boaters
Captains
Boaters
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.
















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.
- Primary Areas of Navigation (Piloting, Dead Reckoning, Celestial Navigation, Radio Navigation)
- Magnetic Compass Use and Information
- Understanding Nautical Charts
- Interpreting Publications (Light List, US Coast Pilot, International Code of Signals, etc.)
- Aids to Navigation
- Electronic Navigation & Radar Operation
- Weather
- Tides & Current
- Primary Areas of Navigation (Piloting, Dead Reckoning, Celestial Navigation, Radio Navigation)
- Magnetic Compass Use and Information
- Understanding Nautical Charts
- Interpreting Publications (Light List, US Coast Pilot, International Code of Signals, etc.)
- Aids to Navigation
- Electronic Navigation & Radar Operation
- Weather
- Tides & Current
Chart Navigation
- Plotting & Finding Position
- Measuring Distance & Direction
- Plotting a DR track
- The Nautical Slide Rules
- Bearings & Ranges
- Plotting Practice
Chart Navigation
- Plotting & Finding Position
- Measuring Distance & Direction
- Plotting a DR track
- The Nautical Slide Rules
- Bearings & Ranges
- Plotting Practice
- Marlinspike Seamanship
- Boat Handling Basics
- Anchoring
- Heavy Weather Boat Handling
- Power Plant
- Classes & Chemistry of Fire
- Basic Firefighting & Prevention
- Passenger & Crew Safety in Emergencies
- Certification & Documentation of Vessels
- Rules & Regulations for Uninspected Passenger Vessels
- Pollution Prevention
- Radio Communications
- Signals
- Marlinspike Seamanship
- Boat Handling Basics
- Anchoring
- Heavy Weather Boat Handling
- Power Plant
- Classes & Chemistry of Fire
- Basic Firefighting & Prevention
- Passenger & Crew Safety in Emergencies
- Certification & Documentation of Vessels
- Rules & Regulations for Uninspected Passenger Vessels
- Pollution Prevention
- Radio Communications
- Signals
- Navigation Rules - International
- Navigation Rules - Inland
- Navigation Rules - Review
- Navigation Rules - International
- Navigation Rules - Inland
- Navigation Rules - Review

Team Trainings
Sea School provides comprehensive team training solutions designed to meet your organization's unique requirements. Our certified instructors are available for on-site training at your location, or your team can utilize our dedicated training facilities. Please contact us for further details regarding our corporate training opportunities.

Online Trainings
Looking to obtain your next license at your own pace? Sea School offers a selection of immersive online courses designed to provide you with convenient access to our high-quality course material. Explore our online options and contact us with any questions you may have.
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).

Course Comparison
OUPV License Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Education & Testing Requirements
- Must complete Sea School’s approved course and exam.
- Option to take the exam at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) (not all locations offer testing).
- Prep courses are strongly recommended.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- Must be 18 years old.
- 17-year-olds may take the class if they turn 18 within one year of course completion.
Boating Experience (Sea Time):
- Total Required: 360 days of boating experience.
- Recent Experience: 90 days within the last 3 years.
- 1 Day Defined: 4 consecutive hours underway in a 24-hour period.
- Near Coastal: Time past the jetty (line of demarcation).
- Inland: Time inside the jetty.
- Grace Period: Students without 360 days have one year from class completion to log their time.
Medical & Drug Testing Requirements
Minimum Age
- A USCG-approved physical is required.
- Sea School offers in-house physicals at most brick-and-mortar locations.
- Form CG-719K
Drug Test / Consortium Membership:
- Required for licensing.
- Sea School offers drug testing through its in-house consortium, APCA.
- Sign up at: apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727.
Safety & Security Certifications
CPR / First Aid Certification:
- Certification Age: Must be less than one year old.
- USCG Approval: Certification must be USCG-approved.
- You can take the CPR/First Aid Training: Sea School Courses at All Locations
- Other recommended providers are: Emergency University, American Heart Association and the Red Cross
TWIC Card (Security Clearance):
- Required for U.S. government security clearance.
Application & Licensing Process
Students have one year from the first day of class to:
- Pass all exams
- Complete sea time requirements
- Fulfill all required steps
- Submit their application to the U.S. Coast Guard
It’s Time to Start Your Maritime Career!
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.

