Essential Steps to Qualify for a Master’s Captain’s License

by Bob Figular June 20, 2024

Master's Captain’s License: Essential Steps to Qualification

What are the requirements to upgrade an OUPV to Master's captain's license?

Although the necessary boating experience required for each version of the Master's license varies, the bare minimum requirements are the same:

At least 19 years old when submitting your application packet
U.S. citizen
Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card)
- It can be expired when submitting for the Upgrade
Additional boating experience (if necessary)
Complete a USCG Upgrade License Application Package

Finally, you must complete our Coast Guard-approved OUPV/Six-Pack Upgrade to 25/50 or 100-Ton Master course.

📞 We recommend contacting the National Maritime Center (NMC) at (888) 427-5662 to confirm if you need to update your drug test and physical forms.

What are the sea requirements for the Masters Inland/OUPV Inland?

A minimum of 360 days would be required to become Master's Inland/OUPV Inland licensed. Ninety (90) of those days must be done in the last three years. The Coast Guard calls that recency.

Here is a table to give some guidance on the sea time requirements:

Category	Requirement	46 CFR Reference
Recency	90 days in the past 3 years on vessels of any tonnage. Experience gained in the engine department may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirements.	11.201 11.410
Master Less Than 100	Inland - 360 days of service on any waters.	11.457
Master Less Than 100	Great Lakes - 360 total days of service in the deck department. OF WHICH: 90 days of service on Great Lakes.	11.455
Tonnage Calculations	100 GRT - 90 days (25%) of service on vessels of 51 GRT or above, OR 180 days (50%) of service on vessels of 34 GRT or above.	11.422
	50 GRT - 90 days (25%) of service on 26 GRT or above vessels, OR 180 days (50%) of service on vessels 17 GRT or above.	11.422
	25 GRT - 271 days (75%) or more for endorsement on vessels 5 GRT or less, OR 90 days (25%) of service on vessels 1-25 GRT OR 180 days (50%) of service on vessels 1-16 GRT.	11.422
	(If the mariner does not meet the tonnage calculation for 50 GRT or more, he or she is eligible for 25 GRT)
Sail or Auxiliary Sail Endorsement (Optional)	180 days on sail or auxiliary sail vessels, and complete the CG Auxiliary Sail exam module or approved Auxiliary Sail course	11.455

What are the sea requirements for the Masters Inland/OUPV Near Coastal?

The sea service requirements for the Master's Inland/OUPV Near Coastal are at least 360 days of underway experience since age 16, with 90 of those days outside the boundary lines. Ninety (90) of the total 360 days must be done in the last three years for recency. Recency can be completed on any body of water - whether rivers, lakes, bays or the ocean - because the Coast Guard's primary concern is ensuring you have recent experience on the water.

What are the sea requirements for the Masters Near Coastal?

A Master's Near Coastal License would require a minimum of 720 days of underway experience since age 16, with 360 of those 720 days outside the boundary lines. Ninety (90) of the total 720 days must be done in the last three years for recency. Recency can be completed on any body of water - whether rivers, lakes, bays or the ocean - because the Coast Guard's primary concern is ensuring you have recent experience on the water.