What Is the USCG Sailing Endorsement, and Do You Need It?

The Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement is a credential issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) that authorizes a licensed Master to operate inspected sailing vessels carrying seven or more paying passengers. It attaches to an existing 25/50/100-Ton Master captain’s license and requires documented sea service on sailing vessels plus a USCG-approved exam.

The Master’s allows operation of uninspected power and sail and inspected power vessels. To operate inspected sailing vessels, you need the Sail Endorsement.

Here’s what the endorsement covers, who needs it, and how to get it.

What the Sailing Endorsement Allows

The Sailing Endorsement authorizes the holder to operate inspected sail or auxiliary sailing vessels within the scope and limitations of their existing Master license. Inspected sailing vessels carry a Certificate of Inspection (COI) aboard that specifies the maximum number of paying passengers and which Master’s license level is required for that vessel.

The Sailing Endorsement gives Master-licensed captains the authority to carry seven or more paying passengers on inspected sailing vessels. This opens up sailing charter operations, tall ship excursions, sailing school vessels, and other commercial sailing work that an OUPV or a standard Master license alone can’t cover.

The endorsement inherits the geographic scope of your existing license. If your Master captain’s license is for near coastal waters, the Sailing Endorsement applies to near coastal waters as well. See how USCG captain’s licenses are structured for more on route endorsements.

Does the OUPV/Six-Pack license cover sailing vessels?

Yes, but only uninspected sailing vessels with up to six paying passengers. The OUPV already authorizes both power and sail on uninspected vessels. You don’t need a Sailing Endorsement on top of the OUPV. The endorsement only applies to the Master license level, where inspected sailing vessels come into play.

Who Needs the Sailing Endorsement

Not every captain who sails needs this endorsement. It depends on three factors: the type of license you hold, the type of vessel you operate, and how many paying passengers you carry.

If you hold a Master license and plan to operate inspected sailing vessels commercially, you need the Sailing Endorsement. This applies to sailing charter operators, tall ship crew, and anyone operating an inspected passenger vessel under sail.

What happens if I operate an inspected sailing vessel without the endorsement?

Operating an inspected sailing vessel without the proper endorsement can result in penalties, including fines and possible suspension or revocation of your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Your vessel insurance likely won’t cover you either.

Sea Service Requirements

The Sailing Endorsement requires documented time on sailing or auxiliary sailing vessels. The specific amount depends on the license level the endorsement attaches to.

The required sailing experience can be cumulative, not necessarily consecutive, as long as the total days meet the requirement for the endorsement you’re seeking. Document your sailing time on Coast Guard form CG-719S, the same form used for your captain’s license sea service.

These days are specific to sailing vessels. Time on power-only boats doesn’t count toward the Sailing Endorsement, even if it counted toward your Master license. If you’re still building sailing time, keep a detailed log of every day on the water under sail. See how much sea time you need for a captain’s license for guidance.

Does time on recreational sailboats count toward the endorsement?

Yes. Sea service on recreational sailing vessels counts as long as it’s properly documented. The Coast Guard doesn’t require the vessel to be commercially operated for the service to count toward endorsement requirements.

The Sailing Endorsement vs. ASA Courses

The Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement and American Sailing Association (ASA) courses are two different credentials with different purposes. This distinction matters because some captains assume an ASA certification satisfies the USCG requirement.

The Sailing Endorsement is a professional, federal qualification. ASA courses are recreational education. One doesn’t substitute for the other. If you’ve completed ASA courses, that experience helps, but you still need to pass the USCG-approved exam and document the required sea service to earn the endorsement.

MLS offers the Sailing Endorsement online course and exam for $150. The course covers sailing vessel seamanship, sailing rules of the road, anatomy of a sailboat, and sailing terms. Most students complete it in two to three hours. There’s no separate exam fee.

Can I get the Sailing Endorsement online?

Yes. MLS offers a USCG-approved online course and exam for the Sailing Endorsement. You’ll have one year of access to the course material, and you can test from home. The course is designed as a four-hour program, though most students complete it faster.

How to Add the Sailing Endorsement to Your License

Once you pass the MLS exam, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. Submit that certificate along with your documented sailing sea service, the appropriate application forms, and any required fees to the National Maritime Center (NMC) to have the endorsement added to your existing MMC.

The Sailing Endorsement is valid for the same duration as your primary license, which is typically five years. When you renew your captain’s license, the Sailing Endorsement renews with it.

How long does it take to get the endorsement added to my license?

Processing times at the NMC vary. Once your application packet is complete and submitted, expect a timeline similar to your original license application. Plan ahead if you have a sailing charter season to meet.

Frequently Asked Questions About the USCG Sailing Endorsement

Can I add the Sailing Endorsement to an OUPV license?

No. The Sailing Endorsement can only be added to a Master-level license. The OUPV/Six-Pack already covers uninspected sailing vessels, so no additional endorsement is needed at that level.

Do I need a separate TWIC card for the Sailing Endorsement?

No. Your existing TWIC card (if applicable) covers all endorsements on your MMC. The Sailing Endorsement doesn’t require a separate security credential.

Can I add both a Towing Endorsement and a Sailing Endorsement?

Yes. Both endorsements can be added to a Master license independently. MLS offers both the Sailing Endorsement and the Towing Endorsement as separate courses. See the different types of captain’s licenses for a full breakdown of endorsement options.

Expand What Your Master License Can Do

The Sailing Endorsement adds inspected sailing vessels to your Master license, removing the power-only limitation. If you’re qualified and the sailing industry interests you, adding this endorsement opens the door to commercial sailing work that a standard Master license can’t cover.

If you have questions about the Sailing Endorsement or any other part of the licensing process, the team at Mariners Learning System is here to help.

Sources

• 46 CFR Part 11, Subpart D: National Endorsement Requirements, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
• NMC Application Checklists and Endorsement Requirements, National Maritime Center
• The American Sailing Association, ASA

Disclaimer

Regulations change. This article reflects USCG guidance as of the date above. For the most current requirements, contact the National Maritime Center or a Mariners Learning System licensing specialist. Reviewed for accuracy against current USCG guidance by the Mariners Learning System team.