USCG OUPV (6-PAK) License Classes
Passport Marine wants to make sure that all students signing up for the OUPV class (6-pak) understand the USCG requirements for the license. They are briefly reviewed below.
The USCG has approved the Passport Marine OUPV , Masters & Masters Upgrade curriculum to substitute for the USCG exams.
What is the OUPV License?
The USCG "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels" License allows the holder to Captain uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (about 75-90 feet long). Most pleasure vessels are in the uninspected vessel category due to the materials and method of construction. As such, these vessels are limited to 6 paying passengers plus crew - hence the term "6-pak". The OUPV License is issued in two forms:
OUPV Inland License - Requires at least 360 days experience in the operation of vessels. 90 of the 360 days must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained prior to the age of 13 will not be counted. Half of the required service must be acquired since the age of 16.
This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons.
- This license is restricted to operation within the Boundary Lines ( as described in the USCG application package) excluding the Great Lakes. This license is good on uninspected vessels to 100 gross tons.
- This license can be upgraded to a OUPV Near Coastal once you have achieved 90 days experience outside the Boundary Lines.
OUPV Near Coastal - This license also requires at least 360 days experience in the operation of vessels, 90 of which must be gained outside the Boundary Lines.
90 of the 360 days must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained prior to the age of 13 will not be counted. Half of the required service must be acquired since the age of 16. This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons and out to 100 nautical miles. NOTE: Experience can be counted on your own vessel. A letter and proof of ownership are required. Experience on other persons' vessels can also be counted however, a letter from the owner must accompany the application verifying experience claimed and vessel details.
What are the USCG 6-Pak requirements?
The primary requirements are:
- Age 18 or over
- 360 days underway experience
- 90 of those days in the last 3 years
- Physical, drug test and eye exam
- Valid CPR/First Aid card
- Completion of the USCG exam OR
- Completion of a USCG approved course like the Passport Marine OUPV class
USCG approved Master 100 Gross Ton License classes
The USCG Masters License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that is certified (authorized) by the USCG to carry more than 6 paying passengers plus crew must have a Captain who holds a Masters license. Ferry boats, harbor tours boats, whale watch boats are examples of inspected vessels.
The USCG has approved the Passport Marine MASTER 100 GT curriculum to substitute for the USCG exam. Upon completion of our class and successfully passing our multiple choice exam, the student receives a certificate which, with the complete application, may be submitted for the Master level license. The tonnage rating will be determined by the USCG for 25 GT, 50 GT, or 100 GT depending upon the individual's experience on similar sized vessels.
What are the USCG Requirements for the Masters License?
There are 4 different Masters Licenses a mariner may qualify for such as the Master Inland or Master Near Coastal. Both the amount of sea service time and the size vessels you have been on will influence the license you are eligible for. Masters licenses are tonnage rated at 25 GT (gross tons), 50 GT, or 100 GT. The tonnage you are awarded is determined by the size vessels you've gained experience on in the last 3 years – it's called "recency experience." You are not required to advance through the different licenses one at a time. If you meet the USCG requirements for the master 100GT Near Coastal, you'll get that license as your first license. The 4 types of up to 100GT Masters licenses are listed below along with the requirements:
1. Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years. Completion of approved Course and Test.
2. Master Inland/OUPV: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 90 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test.
3. Master Inland/Mate N.C.: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 days of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 180 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test.
4. Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 360 of those 720 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test.
* For each license above, at least one half of the required service time must be acquired since the age of 16 years.
Additional requirements:
- Minimum Age – 19 years old
- Physical Exam, Drug Test, Eye Exam, Color Blind Test
- CPR/First Aid Card
- US Citizenship
- Character reference letters
- Completed USCG application package
- Certificate of Completion from an approved class....or take the USCG exam!
USCG approved Master 100 Gross Ton License UPGRADE classes
The Master 100 GT Upgrade provides an opportunity for the holder of an OUPV (6 pak) license to raise their grade to a Master level license. The Masters License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. The Masters License is required by the USCG for any inspected vessel certified to carry more than 6 paying passengers.
What are the USCG requirements for the Master 100 GT Upgrade?
There are 4 different Masters Licenses a mariner may qualify for such as the Master Inland or Master Near Coastal. Both the amount of sea service time and the size vessels you have been on will influence the license you are eligible for. Masters licenses are tonnage rated at 25 GT (gross tons), 50 GT, or 100 GT. The tonnage you are awarded is determined by the size vessels you've gained experience on in the last 3 years – it's called "recency experience." Time served in obtaining your OUPV License may be applied to the requirements for the Master Upgrade requirements.
- Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years. Completion of approved Course and Test.
- Master Inland/OUPV: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 90 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test.
- Master Inland/Mate N.C.: 360 days underway experience since age 13; 90 days of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 180 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test.
- Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 13; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 360 of those 720 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of approved Course and Test.
Additional requirements:
- Minimum age – 19 years old
- A physical exam if more than 3 years has elapsed since the last exam
- Drug test unless enrollment in a USCG required random drug program for at least 60 of the last 185 days, and did not fail or refuse to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs
- US Citizenship
