In-Person
Zoom Course
Self-Paced

Launch Tender Operator Course for Limited Master/OUPV License

Enroll today in Sea School’s two and a half day U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Launch Tender Operator Course and equip yourself with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely and effectively operate launch tenders.

Course Details
Course Duration: 20 Hours
Course Schedule: 3 Consecutive Days
USCG-Approved Certificate
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Course Overview
01

Throughout Sea School’s two and a half day Launch Tender - Limited Master course

Limited OUPV versus Limited Master

  • The Limited Master will allow you to run both Inspected AND Uninspected vessels for launch pruposes.
  • Limited OUPV is for Uninspected launches only.

Locations

Bayou La Batre, AL

Location

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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
In-Person
schedule
Course Schedule: 3 Consecutive Days
certification
USCG-Approved Certificate
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
In-Person
schedule
Course Schedule: 3 Consecutive Days
certification
USCG-Approved Certificate
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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key metrics

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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Chicago Dry Dock Logo
Central Marine Logistics Logo
Crescent Towing logo
Dawn service logo
Central boat rentals logo
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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.

Boat & Motors
  • Terminology
  • Boat Design/Hull Types
  • Type of Watercraft
  • Engine Types
Boat & Motors
  • Terminology
  • Boat Design/Hull Types
  • Type of Watercraft
  • Engine Types
Legal Requirements
  • Registration of Boats
Legal Requirements
  • Registration of Boats
Magnetic Compass
Magnetic Compass
Characteristics of Weather Systems
Characteristics of Weather Systems
Equipment
  • PPE - PFDs
  • Visual Distress Signals (VSDs)
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Sound Signaling Devices
  • Ground Tackle
  • Additional Safety Equipment
Equipment
  • PPE - PFDs
  • Visual Distress Signals (VSDs)
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Sound Signaling Devices
  • Ground Tackle
  • Additional Safety Equipment
Vessel Power Plant
  • Small Engine Operations & Maintenance
  • Fueling Practices
  • Ventilation of Fuel Tanks
  • Types of Power Plants
Vessel Power Plant
  • Small Engine Operations & Maintenance
  • Fueling Practices
  • Ventilation of Fuel Tanks
  • Types of Power Plants
Safe Passenger Loading
  • Vessel Capacity
  • Safe Loading
  • Safe Boarding
  • Safe Powering
Safe Passenger Loading
  • Vessel Capacity
  • Safe Loading
  • Safe Boarding
  • Safe Powering
Getting Underway and Maneuvering
  • Float Plans
  • Boat Handling and Hazards
Getting Underway and Maneuvering
  • Float Plans
  • Boat Handling and Hazards
Pollution Prevention Regulations
  • Oil and Oily Substance Pollution
  • Garage Plan
  • MSD Regulations
Pollution Prevention Regulations
  • Oil and Oily Substance Pollution
  • Garage Plan
  • MSD Regulations
Navigation Rules
  • General
  • Steering & Sailing Rules
  • Lights & Shapes
  • Sound & Lights
  • Annex IV - Distress Signals
  • Annex V - Pilot Rules
Navigation Rules
  • General
  • Steering & Sailing Rules
  • Lights & Shapes
  • Sound & Lights
  • Annex IV - Distress Signals
  • Annex V - Pilot Rules
Safe Boat Operations
  • Safe Speed and Speed Restrictions
  • Reckless Operations
  • Boating While Intoxicated
  • Law Enforcement
  • Radiotelephone Procedures
Safe Boat Operations
  • Safe Speed and Speed Restrictions
  • Reckless Operations
  • Boating While Intoxicated
  • Law Enforcement
  • Radiotelephone Procedures
Marlinspike Seamanship
  • Marlinspike
Marlinspike Seamanship
  • Marlinspike
Navigation
  • Introduction to Nautical Charts
  • Aids to Navigation
  • Terrestrial Observations
  • Publications and Recording
Navigation
  • Introduction to Nautical Charts
  • Aids to Navigation
  • Terrestrial Observations
  • Publications and Recording
Emergency Procedures
  • Rescuing Survivors from Ship/Aircraft in Distress
Emergency Procedures
  • Rescuing Survivors from Ship/Aircraft in Distress
our team

The Instructors Behind the Course

view all Instructors
view all Instructors
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

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

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.

Charleston, SC

Instructor was amazing and very insightful to boating knowledge.

Learned a lot of information in this course.

Griffin K.

Charleston, SC

The course is very informative.

The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable with plenty of examples and stories.

Haley D.

Charleston, SC

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.

Charleston, SC

Good course and good classroom.

Loved the instructor and his knowledge.

Abigail L.

Charleston, SC
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

Launch Tender - Limited Master Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Age:

  • Limited MASTER: age 18
  • Limited OUPV: age 17 with notarized permission from parents

Citizenship Status:

  • Can get Limited OUPV as a non-citizen
  • Limited Master needs US citizenship

Sea Service Requirement

Limited Master:

  • at least 120 days experience
  • 90 days withing the past three years
  • time is counted from age 16 to present (please out in line about the age 16 thing; must applying for this license are in HS or college)

Limited OUPV:

  • at least 90 days experience
  • 90 days withing the past three years
  • time is counted from age 16 to present

Medical & Drug Testing Requirements

Medical Exam (Form CG-719K):

  • A valid USCG physical is required
  • Physicals available at most Sea School brick-and-mortar locations

Drug Test & Consortium Membership:

  • Required for licensing
  • Sea School provides access to APCA, a USCG-approved drug consortium
  • Sign up at apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727

Check All Drug Testing Requirements on Our Website!

View Website
View Website
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Course & Training Requirements

CPR / First Aid Certification:

  • Must be USCG-approved and less than one year old
  • Offered at Sea School locations
  • Other recommended providers are: Emergency University, American Heart Association and the Red Cross
  • Verify approval status using the USCG Course Approval List
  • A letter from the launch club offering employment is necessary

frequently asked questions

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

What is a Launch Tender - Limited Master License?

A Launch Tender - Limited Master is a U.S. Coast Guard license that authorized the holder to operate launch tenders and similar small vessels within specific limitations, primarily for carrying passengers within a limited area.

What are the requirements to get a Launch Tender - Limited Master license?

Minimum Age:

  • Limited MASTER: age 18
  • Limited OUPV: age 17 with notarized permission from parents

Citizenship Status:

  • Can get Limited OUPV as a non-citizen
  • Limited Master needs US citizenship

CPR / First Aid Certification:

  • Must be USCG-approved and less than one year old
  • Offered at Sea School locations
  • Other recommended providers are: Emergency University, American Heart Association and the Red Cross
  • Verify approval status using the USCG Course Approval List
  • A letter from the launch club offering employment is necessary
What is the sea service requirement for Launch Tender - Limited Master License?

Limited Master:

  • at least 120 days experience
  • 90 days withing the past three years
  • time is counted from age 16 to present (please out in line about the age 16 thing; must applying for this license are in HS or college)

Limited OUPV:

  • at least 90 days experience
  • 90 days withing the past three years
  • time is counted from age 16 to present
Where can I take Launch Tender - Limited Master License courses?

The Sea School offers Launch Tender Operator courses at our New England location. You can register here for a course that works best with your schedule. You can also find a list of approved courses on the NMC website under the “Approved Courses” tab. Upon completion of the course, mariners receive a Course Completion Certificate that they must submit alongside a USCG application for official certification. It is important to note that a Course Completion Certification is NOT a substitute for the official USCG credential.

How long are Launch Tender - Limited Master License certificates valid for?

Launch Tender Operator certificates are valid for 5 years and must be renewed when your MMC expires. Class certificate is good for 1 year.

Why is this license called Launch Tender - Limited Master?

Launch Tender Operator licenses come in two categories and vary by the present license and sea time of the mariner. 

An OUPV (6-Pack) Limited Launch Tender License is for uninspected launches that carry no more than 6 paying passengers.

A Master Inland Limited Launch Tender License is for Coast Guard Inspected launches that can carry 7 or more paying passenger.

The “limited” stipulation refers to the physical distance that launches may go from the dock, or the geographical area within which the launch may be operated.

Is the Course Completion Certificate I Receive after Passing the Test my Official Endorsement?

No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official certification, mariners must:

  • Complete the necessary USCG application form and all other required documents and fees
  • Submit the course certificate with (all the other stuff) to the USCG

The USCG then processes the application and issues the official certification.

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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