Infographic: Getting Your 25/50/100 Ton Master Captain's License

If you want to be the captain of an inspected commercial watercraft carrying more than six passengers, you must get a 25-ton, 50-ton, or 100-ton boat captain's license. This U.S. Coast Guard license, also known as the Master Captain’s License, allows you to perform the duties of an OUPV captain and operate inspected vessels.

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Common Questions About USCG Licenses for Inspected Vessels

1 WHAT IS AN INSPECTED VESSEL?

Inspected vessels are approved to carry seven or more paying passengers and have been built in accordance with rigid USCG standards. Each boat has a unique Certificate of Inspection (COI) aboard that dictates how many paying passengers that vessel can carry and which Master's captain's license is required.

Ferry boats, harbor tour boats, sailing schooners, water taxis, and whale-watching boats are all examples of inspected vessels.

2 WHAT IS A USCG MASTER BOAT CAPTAIN LICENSE?

A Master license is issued for the operation of inspected vessels on Inland, Near Coastal, and Great Lakes waterways. It comes in three versions: 25, 50, or a 100-ton license. Both the amount of sea service time and the size of vessels you have been on will influence the license you are eligible to receive.

3 WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A 25/50 OR 100 MASTER CAPTAIN'S LICENSE?

• You must be at least 19 years old
• U.S. citizenship is required
• Have a minimum of 360 days of boating experience since 16 years old, with ninety of those days must have occurred in the last three years
• Pass a physical and drug test
• Hold a valid Adult CPR and First Aid card
• Obtain a TWIC card
• Complete a Coast Guard-approved 25/50 or 100-ton captain's license course

The necessary boating experience required for the 25-ton, 50-ton, and 100-ton USCG license requirements vary. 

Once the student passes our multiple-choice exam, they will receive a Mariners Learning System certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Simply submit, within one year, the original certificate along with the application package and applicable fees to the USCG Regional Exam Center. Upon their approval of your package, they will mail the license.

NEXT STEPS FOR GETTING YOUR LICENSE 

• Watch this video: USCG Captain's License Application Requirements
• Sign up for our Free Trial
• Purchase the 25/50 or 100-Ton Master Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam