Course Description

Coast Guard Licensing

The following is a general guide.  More complete information can be found in 46 CFR 1-40 or www.uscg.mil/stcw

Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV)

• With an OUPV or Six-Pack license, an individual may operate uninspected vessels carrying 6 paying passengers or less plus crew.
• Inland OUPV are limited to all waters inside the boundary lines.
• Near Coastal OUPV are limited to all waters not more than 100 miles offshore.

Master 100 Ton

A license as a Master not more than 100 Gross Tons allows a person to operate inspected or uninspected vessels less than 100 Tons.  Depending on previous sea experience, individuals may be issued a 25, 50 or 100 Ton license.

• Inland Masters are limited to all waters inside the boundary lines (excluding the Great Lakes).
• Near Coastal Masters may operate on all waters not more than 200 miles offshore.
• Ocean Masters may operate on all waters.

Gross Tonnage

Gross tons are not a measurement of weight. Gross tons are an indication of the internal volume of a vessel as calculated by specific formulas.  For inspected vessels, the tonnage will be on the Certificate of Inspection (COI). The tonnage for undocumented vessels can be estimated with the following formula:

Power Vessel: (Length x Beam x Draft x .67 )  ÷ 100 

Sail, Auxiliary Sail and Towing Assistance Endorsements may be added anytime.

Sea Service Requirements

• OUPV require 360 eight-hour days aboard vessels.
• Near Coastal OUPV require 90 eight hour days in Near Coastal waters and 270 eight-hour days on Inland waters.
• Inland Master require 360 eight-hour days aboard vessels.
• Near Coastal Masters need 360 eight-hour days in Near Coastal waters plus 360 eight-hour days on Inland waters.

All licenses require 90 days sea service within the past three years on the waters for which you are applying.

If you worked in a watch standing capacity totaling twelve hours a day it counts as a day and a half. 

Documentation of Sea Service

Time aboard vessels can be documented by any of the following:

• Signature of owner on small vessel sea service form.  If the vessel owner is the license applicant, proof of ownership must be included.
• Letter of service from the vessel owner
• Certificate of discharge
• Transcript of military sea service

Age and Citizenship Requirements

The minimum age for OUPV applicants is 18.  U.S. citizenship is not required, but acceptable evidence of nationality and lawful admittance to the U.S. is required.

The minimum age of applicants for a Master license is 19.  Proof of U.S. citizenship by one of the following:

• Original birth certificate or certified copy
• U.S. Passport
• Merchant Mariners Document
• Baptismal certificate or parish record recorded within the first year of birth

Other Requirements of Master and OUPV

(Not included with the course)

• Fingerprint card from the USCG
• Character references from individuals attesting to your suitability for a license.
• Physical exam within the last year.  Uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/400. 
• First Aid & CPR certificate from USCG-approved course within the last year.
• Chemical test for dangerous drugs within the past 6 months or a letter stating that you are subject to a random testing program and have not failed or refused a test within the past 12 months.
• National Driver Register and consent form.

For more information, phone 228-4568

USCG application for US Merchant Mariner License: www.uscg.mil/stcw/

Ketchikan USCG Marine Safety Office: 907.225.4496

Juneau USCG Regional Exam Center: 907.463.2458

Nationwide Exam Centers Contact Information: Click Here