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Whether you want to run charters, carry more paying passengers, upgrade your existing license, or add towing or sailing privileges, this quiz helps point you toward the right path.
The captain’s license you need depends on how many passengers you plan to carry, the type of vessel you operate, and whether you are running inspected or uninspected vessels.
Best for: Small charters, fishing guides, and captains carrying up to six paying passengers. This is the most common starting point for new captains operating uninspected vessels.
Best for: Captains operating inspected vessels or carrying more than six paying passengers. The 25, 50, or 100 Ton level depends on your sea time and the size of vessels you have experience operating.
Best for: Current OUPV captains ready to increase their license authority. Upgrade to a Master License to operate inspected vessels and carry more than six paying passengers.
Best for: Captains who want to offer commercial towing or assistance services.
Add towing privileges to your license so you can assist vessels with mechanical issues, fuel shortages, or other on-the-water needs.
Best for: Master captains who want to operate inspected sailing vessels. Add sailing privileges to your Master License so you can operate qualifying inspected sail vessels.
Best for: Captains who need to renew their license but may not have enough sea time. Complete the renewal process using an approved course to maintain your credentials without additional sea time requirements.
Still not sure which Coast Guard captain's license fits your situation? Use this quick comparison to find the right path based on your role and responsibilities.
| License | Best For | Choose This If You… | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OUPV/Six-Pack | Small passenger operations such as fishing charters, dive charters, and sightseeing tours | Want to carry up to six paying passengers on an uninspected vessel | Original |
| 25/50 or 100-Ton Master's | Larger passenger operations such as ferries, dinner cruises, water taxis, and tour boats | Need to operate inspected vessels that carry more than six paying passengers | Original |
| OUPV Upgrade to Master | Current OUPV captains ready to expand their license authority | Want to upgrade from OUPV to Master and operate inspected vessels | Upgrade |
| Assistance Towing Endorsement | Licensed captains who want to provide commercial assistance towing | Want to assist disabled vessels, breakdowns, fuel issues, soft groundings, or other on-the-water needs | Add-On |
| Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement | Master captains who want to operate inspected sailing vessels | Want to add sail privileges to their Master License | Add-On |
| Deck License Renewal | Captains who need to renew but do not have enough recent sea time | Want to renew their license using an approved renewal course | Renewal |
You will need a USCG captain’s license if you operate a vessel commercially or carry passengers for hire.
You typically need a captain’s license if you:
You typically do not need a USCG captain’s license if you operate a boat only for personal or recreational use.
You may not need a captain’s license if you:
Requirements can vary based on the vessel, passengers, waters, and type of operation, so it’s always important to confirm your specific situation.
From sea time to final application, Mariners Learning System provides Coast Guard-approved training and testing to help you move toward your captain’s license with confidence.
The license you need depends on how many passengers you plan to carry, the type of vessel you operate, and whether you are operating commercially.
You typically need a captain’s license if you are operating a vessel for hire or carrying paying passengers.
No. A captain’s license is not required for personal or recreational boating where no compensation is involved.
An OUPV license allows you to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels, while a Master license allows you to operate inspected vessels and carry more than six passengers.
Requirements typically include documented sea time, completing a Coast Guard-approved course and passing an exam, passing a physical and drug test, passing a background check, obtaining CPR and First Aid training, and submitting an application with supporting documents.
Yes. You can upgrade your license by meeting additional requirements and completing the necessary training and exams.
Yes. Documented sea time is required and varies depending on the license type and level. At minimum, you will need 360 days of experience since the age of 16, with 90 of those days within the last 7 years for recency.
Yes. Mariners Learning System is Coast Guard-approved for online courses, allowing you to complete training at your own pace. Best part? You can also test online from the comfort of your own home - no need to come in-person.
The timeline depends on your sea time, course completion, and application processing, but many applicants complete the process within a few months.
Yes. Captain’s licenses must be renewed every 5 years, and renewal requirements may include sea time or an approved renewal course.
Once you know which captain’s license path is right for you, the next step is to choose a Coast Guard-approved course and begin your training.
Explore Captain’s License Courses
