Should You Get a Captain’s License? Reasons for and Against

There’s a moment when many seasoned boaters wonder, Should I take my skills to the next level? Should I get a captain’s license?

Though a captain’s license qualifies mariners to operate vessels commercially, you might be surprised to learn that 80% of our students never intend to make money from boating. In that case, then, what are their reasons for getting a captain’s license? 

While commercial opportunities certainly are available, many aspiring captains harbor other motivations. Let’s talk about what those are, some good reasons you should get a captain’s license, and some good reasons to think twice.

Should You Get a Captain’s License? 5 Great Reasons We See

Below are some of the excellent reasons our students share for getting a captain’s license. If any of these apply to you, then this might be an excellent path for you. 

Safety and Knowledge

The number one reason most students take courses with Mariners Learning System is to expand their safety expertise on the water. This isn’t just academic knowledge — it can literally save lives.

Take it from my own experience: I was once delivering a 58-foot boat from Annapolis to Florida with a family on board. While I rested below deck, the inexperienced crew found themselves on a collision course with two massive tugboats pulling barges. With water temperatures at a deadly 42 degrees, we were moments from disaster.

What saved us? My immediate application of the boating Rules of the Road — specifically, the rules governing head-on situations and the responsibilities of give-way and stand-on vessels. All three captains turned hard to starboard at precisely the right moment, avoiding catastrophe by mere feet.

When you earn your captain’s license through Mariners, you gain the critical knowledge that makes the difference between life and death in emergency situations. While other schools focus primarily on commercial applications and test-passing, our comprehensive curriculum is filled with practical, experience-based knowledge that’s useful for both commercial and recreational boaters.

Personal Achievement

With all the time, experience, and learning it entails, earning a captain’s license is a significant milestone for many. It’s a recognition of their years on the water and evidence of their expertise. I’ve seen lifelong boaters pursue their license not because they need it, but because they take pride in their skills and want to mark their progress.

Plus, there’s just something special about being called “Captain.”

Professional Advancement

While not the primary motivation for most Mariners students, obtaining a captain’s license does open doors to commercial opportunities. Whether working on charter boats, captaining commercial fishing vessels, or becoming a boating instructor, your license creates professional possibilities.

The latter pursuit is particularly popular with Mariners students. Many use their credentials to train others, whether through established schools or by helping boat owners master their vessels.

Even if you don’t plan to use your license commercially today, having it could open future doors that would otherwise remain closed, especially when insurance requirements come into play.

When I decided to pursue a license personally, a friend advised me to go for the highest-level license I qualified for, even if I thought I didn’t need it. Three days after getting that Master’s license, I got the unexpected opportunity to make a boat delivery — and I could do it. By the end of that first year, I’d earned $110,000 moving boats, an opportunity I would have missed without the proper credentials.

Family Tradition

For some, boating runs in the family. They’ve grown up hearing tales of grandfathers who were sea captains or parents who spent their lives on the water. Pursuing a captain’s license is a way to honor and continue that legacy, keeping the tradition alive for the next generation.

Community Service

At Mariners, we’ve had a number of students pursue captain’s licenses out of a desire to serve their community. During floods and natural disasters, for instance, licensed captains can use their skills for search and rescue or disaster relief efforts when others can’t due to insurance restrictions. They’re able to give back to their communities and make a real difference.

Unexpected Reasons for Getting a Captain’s License

After graduating over 200,000 students at Mariners, I’ve encountered some truly creative and surprising reasons people decide to pursue a captain’s license.

Starting a Floating Bed and Breakfast

Some entrepreneurial souls earn their captain’s license to turn their boats into unique overnight stays. Guests get the experience of sleeping on the water, and captains get to share their passion while earning income in a creative way.

I personally used to offer four-day liveaboard cruises, offering people maritime experience at night or in higher-traffic commercial areas so they could learn and improve their skills with an experienced guide.

Running a Mobile Entertainment Venue

I’ve met magicians, musicians, and even stand-up comedians who got their captain’s license to transform their boats into floating stages. It’s an unforgettable experience for their guests and a unique way to stand out from the crowd.

Reasons You Shouldn’t Get a Captain’s License

A captain’s license isn’t right for everyone, so carefully consider whether any of the following describe you:

You Dislike Change and Challenge

Being a licensed captain isn’t a walk in the park. Whether it’s navigating tricky waters, dealing with unexpected weather changes, or handling mechanical issues, being captain means significant problem-solving on the fly. If you find a constant turnover of new problems and opportunities more exhausting than exhilarating, a captain’s license might not be for you.

You Dislike Being in Charge

When you’re captain, the buck stops with you. Every decision, every action — or inaction — falls squarely on your shoulders. If you’re more comfortable following than leading, you may not thrive in a captain’s role.

You Prefer Routine to Variety

The life of a captain is anything but routine. One day you’re navigating serene waters; the next you’re managing an emergency or dealing with unpredictable weather. If you excel with routine and predictability, you might want to consider a different path.

How to Get Your Captain’s License: A High-Level Overview

If you’ve decided you’ve got great reasons to get a captain’s license, here’s a quick breakdown of what’s involved:

Choose the Right License

Explore the different captain’s licenses and decide which option would be the best fit for you.

• OUPV / Six-Pack License: Appropriate for taking out up to six people on operations like charters, fishing trips, or ecotours on an uninspected passenger vessel.
• Master’s License: Ideal for larger tours on inspected vessels, like whale-watching tours or larger snorkel or dive operations.
• Rule of Thumb: Go for the highest-level license you qualify for. You never know when it’ll come in handy!

Meet the Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old for the OUPV / Six-Pack, and 19 for the Master’s.

Document Your Boating Experience

The Coast Guard requires a minimum of 360 days of boating experience (4 hours counts as a day), with 90 of those days in the last 3 years for recency. If you own your boat, you sign off on your own time. If you use others’ boats, they sign off for you.

Pass a Physical and Drug Test

A DOT-approved drug test and medical exam are required.

Get a TWIC Card

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), established by Congress and administered by the TSA and Coast Guard, ensures that individuals who pose a threat don’t gain unescorted access to secure maritime areas.

To obtain your TWIC card:

• Complete pre-enrollment online to save time.
• Provide biographic and biometric information, including fingerprints.
• Have a digital photograph taken.
• Pass a TSA security threat assessment.

The standard fee is $125.25, and the card is valid for five years. If you already have a comparable background check, you might qualify for a reduced fee of $93.

If you’re renewing your captain’s license, the TWIC card requirement may be waived. If your TWIC has expired since you received your license, you might not need to renew it for the license renewal process.

Obtain Adult CPR and Basic First Aid Certification

We recommend the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

Complete a USCG-Approved Course and Test

Preparing for the Coast Guard’s captain’s license exam can be a challenging endeavor. The test is known for its complexity and rigorous standards, ensuring only the most qualified earn their certification. That’s why Mariners offers an online-only, Coast Guard-approved captain’s license course — a straightforward yet comprehensive program designed to help you meet all requirements with confidence.

Instead of facing the Coast Guard’s exam directly, our course includes an alternative: a USCG-approved test. Every question on our exam is crafted to be clear, relevant, and necessary, helping you focus on what truly matters and setting you on the path to success.

Submit Your Application

After completing all requirements, submit your application package to the National Maritime Center and pay the application fee.

Is Getting a Captain’s License Right for You? Final Thoughts

A captain’s license is like a key. If an opportunity presents itself and you’ve got that key, you can choose to walk by the door or walk through it. Without the key, though, you don’t have the choice at all.

I’ve found that the more keys I have hanging from my belt, the “luckier” I keep getting. 

A captain’s license can be your ticket to new horizons. Whether fulfilling a lifelong dream or simply taking on a new challenge, it’s an investment in your future that pays dividends in both personal satisfaction and professional opportunities.