Choosing the Right USCG Captain's License for Your Goals

by Bob Figular May 02, 2024

Understanding the Basics of a Captain's License

What are the types of captain’s licenses?

The two primary USCG captain’s licenses are the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV), commonly called the Six-Pack license, and the Master's license.

The Six-Pack license allows the holder to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons. This license is ideal for individuals who plan to operate charter fishing boats, scuba diving vessels, or tour cruises, typically on recreational vessels.

The Master's license, available in 25, 50, or 100-ton versions, enables the holder to perform the OUPV duties, along with operating inspected vessels up to 25, 50, or 100 GRT (based on the Master's you were issued). These inspected vessels can include including ferry boats, whale-watching vessels, and water taxis, expanding opportunities for commercial operations.

What endorsements can I add to my captain’s license?

There are two main endorsements available:

Assistance Towing Endorsement: This endorsement allows holders of the OUPV or Master's license to engage in commercial towing operations, specifically assisting vessels in distress for a fee. It authorizes the captain to commercially assist vessels that are aground, disabled, out of fuel, or experiencing other malfunctions.
Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement: For holders of the Master license, this endorsement permits the operation of inspected sailing vessels carrying seven or more passengers commercially.

Whether you’re a sailor chasing the wind, a power boater in search of the next big fish, or a cruiser looking for the perfect sunset, earning your captain’s license will open the door to new opportunities.

Which captain’s license should I get?

We recommend seeking the highest-level license for which you qualify. The choice depends on your boating experience and career goals. If you're unsure which license suits you, consider your intended use of the license and whether you aim to operate commercially or recreationally.

Should I get an OUPV/Six-Pack or Masters license?

If you want to enhance your boating skills for recreational purposes, the OUPV/Six-Pack license is ideal. However, if you plan to use your license professionally, we recommend skipping the OUPV and opting directly for a Master license.

Which captain’s license should I obtain if I want to do ___?

OUPV/Six-Pack

Fishing charter
Sailing charter
Scuba diving boats
Tour cruises
Lower insurance rate
Take 6 or less paying passengers out on an uninspected vessel
Operate uninspected vessels of up to 100 gross tons
Education and safety alone: do not plan on using it professionally

25/50/100 Ton Masters

Ferry boats
Harbor tour boats
Sailing schooners
Dive boat
Whale-watching boat
Water taxis
Take 7 or more paying passengers out on an inspected vessel
Operate uninspected and inspected vessels

📖 To learn more, see our one-minute guide to finding out which license is best for you.

Which captain’s license should I get as a recreational boater?

Most recreational boaters choose to get the OUPV captain’s license, also known as the Six-Pack. This license is not required for recreational boaters, but many boaters with no intention of operating a commercial vessel go for their OUPV captain’s license because they want to brush up on safety and navigational skills. Plus, people like the pride of knowing they’ve achieved the designation.

We also have certification programs specifically built for recreational boaters!

Do I need a captain’s license to be a fishing guide?

If you want to be the captain of a fishing boat with paying passengers, you need a USCG captain’s license. For a fishing guide taking up to six passengers, the OUPV/Six-Pack license is sufficient. However, if you plan to operate an inspected vessel, such as those carrying more than six passengers, a Master's license is required. The Master's license allows you to operate larger, inspected vessels and carry more passengers commercially.

What are the license requirements to become a Sea Tow captain?

To become a Sea Tow captain, the minimum licensing requirement is an OUPV/Six-Pack license with a Towing Endorsement. However, many Sea Tow franchises prefer or require a Master's level license with a Towing Endorsement. If the Sea Tow franchise is operating a vessel that is 26 feet or longer, a Master's level license with a Towing Endorsement is typically required.

To increase job opportunities and flexibility, we recommend pursuing the Master's license along with the Towing Endorsement, if you qualify.

Which captain’s license is needed to drive a tugboat?

We only offer courses that will help you get a captain’s license to have paying passengers aboard. The Assistance Towing Endorsement is added onto the captain’s license to assist disabled passenger vessels, for example - malfunctioning equipment or running out of fuel.

We recommend calling the National Maritime Center at (888) 427 - 5662. They may be able to give you more information on what you will need and where to go for a tugboat license.

How do I become a tour boat captain?

You can work as the captain of a commercial tour boat if you acquire a USCG-approved captain’s license. For small tours with up to six paying passengers, the OUPV/Six-Pack license is enough. For tours with more than seven or more passengers on inspected vessels, you will need a Master captain’s license.

Networking and word of mouth are often the best ways to secure a job as a tour boat captain. To get started, consider working as a mate on a tour boat or in the marine industry. This will help you gain valuable local knowledge, familiarize yourself with ports and marinas, and build connections that can assist in landing a captain's position.

What kind of license do I need for a sailboat?

To operate an uninspected sailboat with up to six paying passengers, the OUPV/Six-Pack license is sufficient, as it covers both power and sail vessels. However, if you plan to operate an inspected sailboat with seven or more paying passengers, you will need a Master level captain's license with a Sailing Endorsement.

What is the difference between a sailboat captain’s license vs. ASA and US Sailing courses?

The American Sailing Association (ASA) and US Sailing offer sailing certification programs that focus on recreational sailing skills, typically for non-commercial use. These programs are separate from the US Coast Guard (USCG) Sailing Endorsement, which is an official endorsement added to a captain's license.

The USCG Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement qualifies you to operate commercially inspected sailing vessels with paying passengers. While ASA and US Sailing courses provide valuable knowledge for recreational sailors, they do not prepare you for the USCG endorsement or the requirements for a USCG captain’s license.

My goal is to run a cruise ship; do I need the OUPV/Six-Pack or 25/50/or 100 Ton Master's captain's license?

The average cruise ship tonnage is typically much larger than what the 100 Ton Master's captain's license would allow you to operate. A cruise ship can range from 20,000 to over 200,000 gross tons, depending on the specific ship. For vessels of this size, you would likely need a Master's license with a higher tonnage classification, along with additional certifications and training for large commercial vessels.

We do not offer licenses for vessels this large. It’s important to consult the U.S. Coast Guard and maritime industry guidelines to ensure you meet all the necessary licensing and certification requirements for operating such large vessels.

How can I tell how many paying passengers I can have aboard and which license I’ll need?

To determine how many paying passengers you can have aboard and the appropriate license required, you'll need to consider whether the vessel is inspected or uninspected.

Inspected vessels: These vessels are required to have a Certificate of Inspection (COI). The COI will specify the number of passengers permitted and the level of the Master’s license required.
Uninspected vessels: These vessels do not have a COI and are typically used for smaller, recreational boats like houseboats. To operate an uninspected vessel commercially with up to six paying passengers, you will need an OUPV/Six-Pack license. This license limits you to six paying passengers.

Generally, inspected vessels, such as water taxis or duck boats, are designed for specific commercial purposes and will indicate both the maximum number of passengers and the required license level based on the COI.