Coast Guard Approved OUPV (6-Pack) Captain's License Course
Looking to captain a vessel and take paying customers onto the water? Explore Sea School's online, self-paced OUPV course and master the course material at your own speed.
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US Coast Guard Approved
Leading E-Learning Software
Trusted by 10,000+ Students
Live Instructor Support Available
Top Rated Online Course
How It Works
See the Course in Action
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
How We Stack Up
More Value. Lower Price.
See why Sea School is the smartest choice for your captain's license.
Feature
Sea School
Others
USCG Approved Course
100% Online & Self-Paced
Many competitors require in-person attendance or fixed schedules.
Free Retake If Needed
We're committed to helping you pass.
All Materials Included
Books, charts, plotting tools shipped free — no extra purchases.
Expert Instructor Support
Real humans available to help — not just a ticket system.
Limited
In-Person Class Transfers
Transfer to an in-person class and apply your credit, space permitting.
Downloadable Study Guides
Handy guides to help you study or take with you on the water.
Competitive Price
Complete course for $550 — significantly less than competitors.
$550
$695+
Simple Process
How It Works
Getting your maritime certification has never been easier. Start learning today and advance your career.
01
Enroll in OUPV Online
Sign up online. Access the course immediately while your books, charts, and plotting tools are shipped.
02
Complete Training
Learn at your own pace with interactive modules and progress tracking.
03
Remote Proctored Exam
For USCG-required tests, complete your exam online with a live remote proctor.
04
Get Certified
Pass the exam and receive your certificate instantly.
Who Is This Course For?
What Our Clients Say
Outstanding staff and comfortable classroom.
One of the best instructors I had with perfect English language. I learned a lot more than I expected.
Ricardo G.
It’s a great setting with awesome staff.
The instructor is outstanding and the course is informative.
Dean D.
Great instructor, strongly recommend!
Jarrad A.
Best instructors I’ve had.
Instructor was a great teacher, and made the class fun and enjoyable.
Gavin A.
Excellent instructor.
Very adept at answering questions and ensures requirements are met. Great sea stories and experience.
James C.
Nice and very sweet office staff, I enjoyed meeting everyone.
Always an awesome time being at Sea School!
David A.
Highly recommend it.
The staff, classroom, instructors and the course is very professional.
Richard G.
Course is very informative.
Very experienced instructor, easy to talk to. Overall great experience and enjoyable.
Joseph D.
Office staff is always great.
Superb instructor and course has good material.
Kenneth G.
I loved the instructor, he is amazing.
The proctor was excellent too.
Kathleen H.
Good course and good classroom.
Loved the instructor and his knowledge.
Abigail L.
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.
The course is very informative.
The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable with plenty of examples and stories.
Haley D.
Instructor was amazing and very insightful to boating knowledge.
Learned a lot of information in this course.
Griffin K.
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.
Good customer service from the staff.
Professional and knowledgeable instructor. Classroom is clean and adequate.
Arturo B.
Very good instructor.
Excellent communications from the staff.
James H.
Everything was top notch.
I found the instructor to be very knowledgeable in this course.
Donald D.
Great staff and clean classroom.
Instructor is great and also the course.
Mark D.
The course is very enjoyable.
The instructor is very nice to everyone and is knowledgeable. Clean and cool classroom and friendly staff.
Joseph G.
Office staff were very nice.
Instructor did a good job teaching and I love this course.
Mainor C.
Very good course.
Top notch instructor and very experienced instructor.
James D.
Comfortable classroom, well set up to exhibit course very well.
Very knowledgeable, helpful and courteous instructor and staff.
Gerorge B.
Instructor is friendly and very knowledgeable.
Excellent sea stories related to the subject.
Mark L.
Always helpful and accommodating staff.
Highly recommend it. Instructor is uniquely skilled at teaching. Kudos!
Patrick H.
John is very knowledgeable and informative!
Cody C.
Nice office staff.
Clean Classroom. Awesome instructor. Great course. Great food.
Cameron G.
Classroom was a great environment!
Instructor was extremely knowledgeable.
Anthony G.
John is the best teacher I’ve personally had at Sea School.
Knowledgeable and didn’t beat around the bush.
Trenton F.
Great office staff and classroom.
Lots of respect for the instructor. Taught very well!
Nicholas H.
I enjoyed John’s teaching.
Very to the point and sharp.
Cade B.
Very helpful office staff.
Great learning environment. Very knowledgeable and great instructor. Tremendous course! Delicious food!
Noah A.
Staff are professional and extremely helpful.
Instructor is extremely knowledgeable and made the painful course easy for us.
Charles G.
The very best staff.
Will return for any future class needs. Instructor is a great man with a wealth of knowledge.
Gabriel C.
Thank you.
Great job from everyone involved.
Jacob C.
Everyone was nice and very good to help with every problem that I had.
Aaron H.
Classroom is clean.
They provided everything we needed to learn the course. Instructor’s a great guy, super knowledgeable with great stories.
Jacob H.
Friendly office staff.
Instructors were very helpful.
Walter C.
Knowledgeable good instructors.
Instructors were good, reassuring and informative.
Kyle K.
Best staff I have ever met.
Classroom was nice and the course was very meaningful. Instructor is very intelligent.
Leland K.
Classroom is comfortable.
Instructor and staff were awesome and amazing.
Patrick C.
Excellent knowledge from the instructor.
She will make you learn.
Dustin B.
Instructor did not cut corners in teaching this class.
Very clear and straight to the point. Awesome teacher.
Garrison G.
Office staff is easy to deal with.
Friendly and helpful instructor.
Peter F.
Instructor was awesome.
I look forward to another class.
Dimecio D.
Office staff is a ten.
Informative course and clean classroom.
Sara H.
Amazing office staff.
Fun classroom. Awesome instructor. Fun course. Great food.
Hal E.
Great sea stories.
Excellent instruction.
Christopher M.
Instructor is very knowledgeable and passionate about teaching.
Thank you for all the help and for putting up with me.
Phillip C.
Instructor is very helpful and very good at teaching and knowing how to get you to understand.
Jarrett F.
Helpful and friendly staff.
Instructor did a good job and also an eye opening course.
Robert F.
Instructor is informative and the course is very detailed.
Helpful staff and clean classroom.
Carlos K.
Friendly and professional staff.
Instructor is knowledgeable and very willing to assist. I have enjoyed this experience and will be back for upgrades.
Darien H.
Excellent class.
All information was covered and a great instructor.
Jim C.
Pat is a great instructor!
John C.
Accommodations were perfect.
The cleaning staff do an amazing job.
Robert D.
Awesome office staff.
Awesome classroom. Awesome instructor. Awesome course. Awesome food. Awesome accommodations.
Ryan A.
Great office staff!
Instructor is a funny guy. Knows his stuff!
Austin C.
Thank you! I appreciate everything.
Trevan B.
Everything was excellent.
Dylan B.
Nice & helpful office staff.
Very helpful instructor. Excellent accommodations.
Alfonso L.
Well done!
David C.
Very good experience.
George J.
Office staff went above & beyond.
Instructor has relevant and real life experiences or storeis told.
Jacob H.
Amazing!!!
Drake B.
Office staff was great.
Pat did an excellent job and I loved his stories. As always, eggs were fantastic.
John C.
Food is delicious and prepared on time!
Pat is the best instructor to walk the earth and sail the 7 seas, he deserves a red porsche for a company vehicle.
David R.
Awesome office staff.
Nice and cool classroom. Awesome food!
Ryan A.
Instructor was helpful & stayed until our questions got answered.
Timothy H.
I enjoyed just about everything.
Instructor was super knowledgeable and I really enjoyed hearing all his sea stories.
John G.
Super sweet office staff.
Instructor stories keep you entertained and he knows his stuff! Chef is great. More cookies!
Austin C.
Excellent office staff. Awesome instructor!
Demetrios D.
Amazing across the board!
Shone H.
Great food!
Great stories and very knowledgeable instructor.
Ben C.
People are great!
Awesome classroom. Instructor really inspired me. Food was great.
Justin M.
Learned a lot - thanks guys!!!
Everyone from the Sea School personnel are very nice and knowledgeable. Classroom was very neat and clean.
Allen C.
Enjoyed having Capt. John as my instructor. Meals provided were good and enough!
David D.
Excellent instruction from experience.
Jeremy H.
Office staff was friendly and accommodating.
Classroom was clean, in a good state, comfortable. Instructor was experienced, approachable, friendly, and helpful.
Jonathan A.
Great, knowledgeable instructor, good stories.
Food was wonderful and unexpected!
Charles G.
John is amazing at what he does and I greatly appreciate him being my instructor!
Devin H.
Very helpful office staff.
Classroom was clean and organized. Instructor was a good guy. Overall, the course was good and I learned a lot about ships.
Amar A.
Office staff were very nice & helpful!
The course had good information and was easy to understand. Good instructor. Helps any way he can.
Steven J.
Gave clear instructions and presented the material in a relatable manner.
Ian M.
All excellent! Thank you!
Ramon H.
Great, very friendly and helpful office staff.
Instructor was very engaged in the course. Overall, great course!
Grant D.
Welcoming staff! Great instructor.
Hayes E.
Great knowledge & brought real world knowledge to class.
Christopher D.
Thank you!
Instructor was great and didn’t mind me asking any of my questions. I was nervous, but he made me feel comfortable.
Jayme H.
Great office staff!
Awesome classroom. Awesome instructor. Very good course.
Jason E.
Great instructor!
Very knowledgeable.
Ryan M.
I highly recommend!
Pat did a fine job.
Michael G.
Very enlightening course.
Great folks! Awesome instructors.
Aaron H.
Amazing people.
Course is straightforward and very informative.
Brendon K.
Informative course and instructor is very good as his experience teaches us knowledge.
Kevin D.
Instructor made the class very understandable.
This is my third time attending this school and the staff are always helpful and nice.
Dave C.
Great staff and instructor worked hard to help me in every way possible.
Gorki H.
Great instructors take the time to actually teach and help you learn everything that's needed.
Elijah C.
Thank you!
Office staff went out of their way to help me out.
Jonathan B.
Everything was good and the instructor was excellent.
Jaequavius J.
Mariners
Recreational Boaters
Captains
Boaters
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
Advance your Maritime Career
An OUPV Captain’s License opens the door to many career opportunities. Eligibility for these careers depends on a mariner meeting ALL of the necessary United States Coast Guard requirements. Many of our graduates pursue careers in the following:
Charter Boat Captain
Fishing Guide
Tour Boat Captain
Water Taxi Driver
What Our Clients Say
Both instructors understood and explained the OUPV course perfectly.
This course should be taken by all mariners. It opens your eyes on the water.
Ajxan D.
Very helpful office staff.
Nice classroom. The instructor did a great job and overall the class was fun!
Brian J.
Great office staff.
Clean and well kept classroom. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable, I feel we went over more than we needed to.
Hayden K.
Excellent!
Kept it interesting. Witty banter helpful. Good sailor perspective.
John K.
Great content.
Professionally delivered.
Jon M.
Super helpful and supportive staff.
Great attitude and a pleasure to work with. Ms. Mann is a true gem! Her knowledge, experience, communication style is extremely suitable for this course and the Bayou La Batre student type.
Jonathan G.
One of the best teachers I’ve ever encountered!
Kaleb D.
Office staff was very helpful in every interaction.
Captain James is an excellent instructor, very personable and approachable.
Kristopher L.
Amazing learning experience!
Great set up! My instructor was very knowledgeable.
Luc B.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your excellent instruction in the OUPV rules course.
Your ability to break down the rules and explain them in a way that truly makes sense has been incredibly helpful. It’s clear that you genuinely want your students to succeed, and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into making sure we understand the material.
Paul M.
Excellent course.
You guys are lucky to have Don.
Shepherd B.
Cpt. John Vitella is an outstanding instructor.
Yevgeniy E.
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 - This is only true on vessels <100GT!
- Near Coastal: Time past boundary lines (lines of demarcation)
- Inland: Time inside boundary lines.
*Generally, the Boundary Line follows the high-tide waterline, extending across entrances to bays, inlets, harbors, rivers, and the ends of jetties or breakwaters
See 46 CFR part 7 for specifics
Medical & Drug Testing Requirements
Medical
- 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 eligibility, medical, drug testing, safety, and security requirements
- Submit their application to the U.S. Coast Guard
Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know
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.
If you need assistance with your course, we have instructor assistance available over the phone at no additional charge. Please call (800) 237-8663 and we will help get something setup for you.