Captain’s License Courses
Unlock your maritime potential with our comprehensive US Coast Guard captain’s license courses! Upgrade from OUPV to Master/Mate credentials, commanding vessels of increasing size and scope along the way. Our flexible renewal options makes it easy to keep you license up-to-date so you can stay out on the water. Take the next step in your maritime career with Sea School and open up your future on the high seas.
All Captain’s License Courses
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What you will learn
When taking one of Sea School’s many US Coast Guard captain’s licenses courses, mariners learn a wide range of material designed to improve their ability to navigate commercial vessels safely and effectively. Much of the material is license dependent but course themes include:
Why is it important to take US Coast Guard Captain’s License Courses?
To take paying passengers on the water, mariners are required to hold a US Coast Guard Captain’s License. Attending a USCG-approved training center like Sea School helps ensure you’re fully prepared.
It’s required for licensing
Completing an approved course is a key step toward getting your Captain’s License.
It builds real-world safety skills
Learn how to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the water.
It prepares you for professional success
Gain the confidence and knowledge needed to pass your exam and operate responsibly.
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the OUPC License course
It’s important to understand what the course involves, what’s required, and what you can expect after completion. From age and sea time requirements to testing options, paperwork, and career paths - this section covers everything you need to know to feel confident about enrolling.
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, and bays.
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:
- 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)
Sea Service Requirement: OUPV requires 360 days of sea time, 90 of which must be in the last 3 years. Master’s License requires 720+ days (varying by tonnage), 90 of which must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained in the engine department on vessels of appropriate tonnage may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirements
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.
A Master’s License is a USCG approved license that allows license holders to operate inspected vessels with seven or more paying passengers. The Master's License is available in 25, 50, and 100-ton versions. Eligibility is based on sea service time and vessel size.
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
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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