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Captain's License Guide
Follow a clear step-by-step process to meet sea time requirements, complete training, pass your exams, and submit your Coast Guard application.
To get a captain’s license, you must meet sea time requirements, complete a Coast Guard-approved course or pass required exams, and submit your application to the Coast Guard for approval.
Most applicants follow a structured process that includes documenting their experience, completing training, passing exams, and submitting the required paperwork.
This process includes sea time documentation, training, testing, and Coast Guard application submission.
Start by confirming your documented experience and reviewing the sea time requirements for the license you want.
Choose whether an OUPV/Six-Pack captain’s license or a Master license fits your vessel, passenger capacity, route, and business goals.
Complete Coast Guard-approved training that prepares you for the license path you selected.
With Mariners, eligible students can complete approved testing through an online captain’s license exam instead of traveling to a traditional testing center.
After training and exams, follow the captain’s license application process to prepare forms, medical documents, CPR/First Aid proof, and required records.
Coast Guard review times can vary, so review the captain’s license timeline before planning paid operations.
For a detailed walkthrough of each step, review the full licensing overview and requirements.
The OUPV/Six-Pack captain’s license is typically the starting point for operators carrying up to six passengers on uninspected vessels.
View OUPV Path
A Master captain’s license is designed for operators who need to carry more passengers or operate inspected vessels.
View Master Path
Missing, partially completed, or incorrectly completed forms, including CG-719B or CG-719S, can delay application processing and require resubmission.
Approved training prepares you for the required exams, and Mariners complete the online captain’s license exam through an approved process.
The licensing process includes Coast Guard application forms, medical documentation, drug-testing records, and supporting paperwork reviewed by the National Maritime Center before license issuance.
Exact requirements vary by license type, but these are the core steps most applicants must complete.
Mariners Learning System allows students to complete captain's license training from home, onboard, or while traveling using self-paced online coursework, digital study tools, and mobile-friendly access across devices.
MLS integrates secure online proctored testing directly into the training experience, allowing students to complete required Coast Guard-approved examinations remotely without traveling to a classroom or testing center.
Mariners Learning System provides assistance throughout the licensing process, helping students organize sea service documentation, application paperwork, medical forms, and Coast Guard submission requirements.
Incomplete sea service documentation is one of the most common reasons captain’s license applications are delayed, including missing vessel details, inaccurate dates, or insufficient qualifying boating experience.
Applying for the wrong license route, endorsement, or tonnage category can limit passenger operations, delay approval, or require additional training and application revisions later in the process.
Missing medical documentation, drug testing results, CPR certification, or supporting application paperwork can delay National Maritime Center review and slow the Coast Guard approval process.
Waiting too long to complete sea service documentation, medical requirements, examinations, or application paperwork can delay captain’s license approval and extend the overall licensing timeline.
Trying to manage Coast Guard licensing requirements without a clear training and application plan can create unnecessary confusion, missed steps, and avoidable delays during the approval process.
Many application errors are caused by overlooked documentation requirements, incomplete instructions, or misunderstanding Coast Guard licensing procedures that could have been avoided.
Training can often be completed in a few weeks, depending on your schedule. The full process depends on how quickly you complete your application.
Any time spent operating a vessel can count, including recreational boating, as long as it is properly documented and meets the requirements.
No. With a Coast Guard-approved course, you can complete your exams online.
Most applicants begin with an OUPV (Six-Pack) license and upgrade to a Master license as their needs grow.
You will need sea time documentation, a medical exam, drug test, and supporting application forms.
Yes. Many captains start with an OUPV and upgrade to a Master license as their operations expand.
Yes. Current CPR and First Aid certification is required as part of your application.
You will complete your application and submit the required documentation to the Coast Guard for approval.
Exact requirements and steps may vary depending on the license you pursue and current Coast Guard regulations.