License Requirements

The USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/Six-pack Captain's License) allows the holder to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (about 75-90 feet long). These are usually smaller vessels that normally engage in charter fishing, SCUBA diving, or tour cruises. As such, these vessels are limited to six paying passengers plus crew-hence the term "Six-Pack." The OUPV License is issued in three forms: OUPV Inland License, OUPV Great Lakes & Inland and OUPV Near Coastal

OUPV Inland License: The OUPV Inland license is restricted to operation shoreward of the boundary line, excluding the Great Lakes. This license is valid on uninspected vessels to 100 gross tons.

• This license requires at least 360 days of documented experience in the operation of vessels, with 90 of the 360 days occurring in the last three years. Experience gained prior to 15 years of age may not be counted.
• The OUPV Inland License can be upgraded to an OUPV Near Coastal License once 90 days experience seaward of the boundary line has been achieved.

OUPV Great Lakes & Inland: 360 total with at least 90 days service on the Great Lakes.

OUPV Near Coastal: This license is valid on vessels up to 100 gross tons and out to 100 nautical miles.

The OUPV Near Coastal License also requires at least 360 days of documented experience in the operation of vessels, 90 of which must be gained seaward of the boundary line. Ninety of the 360 days must be in the last three years. Experience gained prior to the age of 15 will not be counted.

Note: Sea Service experience can be counted on your own vessel. A Sea Service Form and proof of ownership are required. Experience on other people's vessels can also be counted. In this instance, to verify experience claimed and vessel details, a completed Sea Service Form with the owner's signature must accompany the application.

Additional Requirements Include:

• Age 18 or over for Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV)
• Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) – Available online
• Physical and eye exam – Available through a Captains License Class’s affiliated doctor.
• Drug Test – Available through Captains License Class’ affiliation with Lab Corp & Quest Labs.
• CPR/First Aid training – Available through Captains License Class’s affiliated instructor.
• Completion of the Mariners School™ USCG-approved OUPV/Six-Pack classroom course

No testing at the USCG Regional Exam Center is necessary. All testing is done at our facilities.

Upon successful completion of the Mariners School classroom OUPV course, the student studies the materials and takes a proctored exam in the classroom. Once the student passes our multiple choice exam, he or she will receive a Mariners School™ certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Simply submit, within one year, the original certificate along with your application package and applicable fees to the USCG Regional Exam Center. Upon their approval of your package, the United States Coast Guard will send out the original License.