In-Person
Zoom Course
Self-Paced

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.

Course Details
Online - Self Paced
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Course Overview
01

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.

Upon enrolling in Sea School's Online OUPV course, you will receive all necessary books, charts, and plotting tools for the course.

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Location

There are currently no offsite locations for this course. Please see our main locations!

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Course Data

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.

course type
Online, Self-Paced
schedule
Online - Self Paced
certification
Course Data

Call us today to get scheduled for our Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels bundle

Throughout this sixteen (16) day course, mariners will go through trainings for OUPV, Master 100 Ton upgrade, Master 200 Ton upgrade, Inland to Western Rivers and the Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels upgrade.

course type
Online, Self-Paced
schedule
Online - Self Paced
certification
All classes

Upcoming Zoom Trainings

Join our Captain’s License OUPV course from anywhere with our convenient Zoom sessions. Choose the dates that work best for your schedule and start your journey toward earning your license - without ever leaving home.

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This Course Has Other Options for Learning

who is it for?

The Right Course for Every Seafarer

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Mariners

Mariners looking to take the first step in their maritime career
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Recreational Boaters

Looking to expand their safety and navigational knowledge
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Captains

Looking to take out up to six paying passengers
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Boaters

Looking to save on insurance premiums
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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.

7500
+
Fully educated students per year
30
+
Different courses to choose from
45
+
Years of proven experience
Trusted by Companies Nationwide
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COURSE CURRICULUM

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.

Navigation General
  • 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
Navigation General
  • 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
Plotting
Chart Navigation
  • Plotting & Finding Position
  • Measuring Distance & Direction
  • Plotting a DR track
  • The Nautical Slide Rules
  • Bearings & Ranges
  • Plotting Practice

Plotting
Chart Navigation
  • Plotting & Finding Position
  • Measuring Distance & Direction
  • Plotting a DR track
  • The Nautical Slide Rules
  • Bearings & Ranges
  • Plotting Practice

Deck General
  • 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
Deck General
  • 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
Rules of the Road
  • Navigation Rules - International
  • Navigation Rules - Inland
  • Navigation Rules - Review
Rules of the Road
  • Navigation Rules - International
  • Navigation Rules - Inland
  • Navigation Rules - Review
our team

The Instructors Behind the Course

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Our Process
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Captain:

A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career

01

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).

02

Enroll & Prepare

Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.

03

Get Certified

After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

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Career opportunities

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:

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01

Charter Boat Captain

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01

Fishing Guide

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01

Tour Boat Captain

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01

Water Taxi Driver

Testimonials

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.

Satellite

Very helpful office staff.

Nice classroom. The instructor did a great job and overall the class was fun!

Brian J.

Satellite

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.

Charleston, SC Location

Excellent!

Kept it interesting. Witty banter helpful. Good sailor perspective.

John K.

St. Petersburg, FL Location

Great content.

Professionally delivered.

Jon M.

Jacksonville, FL Location

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.

Bayou La Batre, AL Location

One of the best teachers I’ve ever encountered!

Kaleb D.

Bayou La Batre, AL Location

Office staff was very helpful in every interaction.

Captain James is an excellent instructor, very personable and approachable.

Kristopher L.

Jacksonville, FL Location

Amazing learning experience!

Great set up! My instructor was very knowledgeable.

Luc B.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL Location

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.

Zoom Course

Excellent course.

You guys are lucky to have Don.

Shepherd B.

Jacksonville, FL Location

Cpt. John Vitella is an outstanding instructor.

Yevgeniy E.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL Location
Course comparison

Course Comparison

features
OUPV (6-Pack) License
Master License
Passenger Limit
Up to 6 passengers
More than 6 passengers
Vessel Type
Uninspected vessels only
Inspected & Uninspected vessels
Area of Operation
U.S. Waters
U.S. & International Waters
Sea Service Requirement
360 days (90 in last 3 years)
720+ days (varies by tonnage)
Required for
Fishing guides, small boat charters
Ferries, tour boats, larger charters
Course requirements

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.

Check All Drug Testing Requirements on Our Website!

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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
frequently asked questions

All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the OUPV course

What is an OUPV License?

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
What are the types of OUPV licenses?

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.
What are the requirements for an OUPV license?

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)

I’ve finished my MMC requirements. What’s next?

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.

How long is my OUPV license valid for?

The OUPV license is valid for 5 years.

How do I renew my OUPV license?

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)

What is the highest level Captain’s License?

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.

What is the difference between an OUPV and a Master's license?

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.
Where can I take the OUPV exam?

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
Is a Non-Citizen Eligible for an OUPV License?

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.

How big of a boat is 100 gross tons?

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.

I need help with my online OUPV course, who can assist me?

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.

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.

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