Captain’s License – OUPV

Welcome, future captain! The “Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels” (OUPV), commonly known as the “6-pack” or “Charterboat Captain’s License,” allows you to operate vessels with up to six passengers. The term “uninspected” means the boat’s design and equipment are less regulated, providing more freedom in operation.

Depending on your intended sailing area, your OUPV license can be tailored for the Great Lakes, inland waters (like bays and rivers), or near coastal routes up to 100 miles offshore. This license covers vessels up to 100 feet or 100 Gross Tons. Additionally, the OUPV can be a stepping stone to a Master license.

If you plan to have passengers onboard for paid activities—fishing trips, scenic tours, diving adventures, or transportation—you’ll need a captain’s license. This requirement also applies if you are delivering boats for certain companies.

Boating Experience: Gain experience on a registered vessel, whether paid or unpaid. You’ll need to document 360 days on a vessel’s crew, with at least 90 days within the past 3 years and a minimum of 90 days at sea, off the coast.

Pass the USCG Exam: Sea School’s course and exam satisfy the U.S. Coast Guard testing requirements. The exam covers topics like deck general and marlinspike seamanship, and our USCG-approved maritime school prepares you directly for this exam.

Submit Your Application: After completing your coursework, submit an application to the Coast Guard. This includes your medical exam, drug screening proof, and sea service forms.

The U.S. Coast Guard designates this license as Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV). The “6-PACK” License refers to the 6 passenger limitation. OUPV licenses come in three versions: Inland, Great Lakes, and Near Coastal.

• Near Coastal: Travel up to 100 miles offshore of the U.S., its territories, Great Lakes, and inland waters.
• Inland Waters: Includes lakes, bays, rivers, sounds, etc., within the U.S.
• Vessel Limit: Applicable for vessels under 100 Gross Registered Tons.

The course covers practical boating aspects, including Rules of the Road, Radio Operation, Survival Techniques, Distress Signaling, Boating Terminology, Boat Equipment, Use of Flares, Use of Life Jackets, Techniques of Seamanship, Anchoring, Aids to Navigation, Boat Registration, Navigation, Knot Tying, Firefighting, and more.

After completing the course, students take Sea School’s exam, based on the course material.

Timing: The OUPV course is 54 hours, spread out over 6 days. At most locations, the course runs in two three-day stints, Friday through Sunday on back-to-back weekends. At our Bayou La Batre (residential) location, the course is offered over six straight days.

Testing: Offered at most Sea School locations weekly, except at our Bayou La Batre facility where exams are taken the day following the course for OUPV. For offsite classes, tests are typically offered the weekend following the class. Online proctored testing is also available; contact jdale@travelingexamteam.com to schedule a proctored test over Zoom after completing the course.

Materials: Upon registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a list of required materials. Sea School provides all textbooks and charts. Students need to bring:

• Notebook, pencil, eraser, calculator, and plotting tools (Parallel Ruler, Dividers, TSD Wheel).

Exam Time Frame: You have one year from the first day of class to pass all exams and submit your application to the Coast Guard for your captain’s license.

License Application: No need to complete any USCG license application prior to class. Sea School provides instructions, sample forms, and licensing assistance for a fee at seaschool.com/paperwork.

Pricing: As pricing varies by location, click on the specific class above to see the cost. At our residential facility in Bayou La Batre, the single price includes bunk-style lodging and three meals a day. Test fees are not included in the course tuition.

The USCG Master’s License allows you to operate larger vessels, such as dinner cruises, ferries, dive boats, and party boats with seven or more passengers.

The OUPV “6-pack” captain’s license is not recognized in international waters and is only valid in U.S. waters. For international operations, you’ll need a Master’s 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 course to enhance their maritime knowledge and boating skills.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need more information!