Licensing, Training, and Certification Information

What are the different types of licenses that I may qualify for?

OUPV INLAND (6 Pack) = Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel

The vessel may carry up to 6 paying passengers plus crew
The license is good up to 100 Gross Tons
The vessel must be operated within the boundary lines established by the U.S. Coast Guard
No time is required outside the boundary line established by the US Coast Guard to obtain the license
Operators must be a minimum of 18 years of age
U.S. citizenship is not required for operating a vessel of less than 5 Net Tons (about 26ft). Citizenship is required for operation of a documented vessel-for-hire over 5 net tons
TWIC Card

OUPV NEAR COASTAL (6 Pack) = Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel

The vessel may carry up to 6 paying passengers plus crew
The license is good up to 100 Gross Tons
Some insurance companies will require a licensed captain on board for deliveries or relocations
The vessel may be operated inland and up to 100 miles offshore
If traveling to international ports or operating in international waters under the authority of your license, STCW training may be required (see definition of STCW)
Operators must be a minimum of 18 years of age
U.S. citizenship is not required for operating a vessel of less than 5 Net Tons (about 26ft). Citizenship is required for operation of a documented vessel-for-hire over 5 net tons.
TWIC Card

MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TONS)

The vessel may carry more than 6 passengers up to the maximum number of passengers as stipulated by the vessel’s certificate of inspection
The tonnage rating is assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard based on experience (see Tonnage Ratings below)
Some insurance companies will require a licensed captain on board for deliveries or relocations
The vessel must be operated within the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard
No offshore time is required to obtain the license
Operators must be a minimum of 19 years of age
U.S. citizenship is required to hold a Master’s License
TWIC Card

MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TON) / OUPV ENDORSEMENT

Under the authority of the Master Inland License, the inspected vessel may carry more than 6 passengers up to the maximum number of passengers as stipulated by the vessel’s certificate of inspection
The tonnage rating is assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard based on your operation of equivalent size vessels within the most recent 3 years (see Tonnage Ratings)
The vessel must be operated within the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard
Operators must be a minimum of 19 years of age
U.S. citizenship is required to hold a Master’s License
OUPV NEAR COASTAL ENDORSEMENT – In addition to the provisions of the Master Inland License, an uninspected vessel may also be operated up to 100 miles offshore under the authority of the OUPV endorsement
The UPV vessel may carry up to 6 paying passengers plus crew
The OUPV portion of the Masters license is good up to 100 Gross Tons
Some insurance companies will require a licensed Captain on board for deliveries or relocations
If traveling to international ports or operating in international waters under the authority of your license, STCW training may be required (see definition of STCW)
TWIC Card

MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TON) / MATE NEAR COASTAL ENDORSEMENT

This license holds the same authority as the Master Inland/OUPV, additionally allowing the operator to act as a mate on Inspected Vessels up to 200 miles offshore and allowing the holder to operate uninspected vessels up to 200 miles offshore.

MASTER NEAR COASTAL (25, 50 OR 100 TON)

The inspected vessel may carry more than 6 passengers up to the maximum number of passengers as stipulated by the vessel’s certificate of inspection
The tonnage rating is assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard based on experience (see Tonnage Ratings)
Some insurance companies will require a licensed captain on board for deliveries or relocations
Inspected and uninspected vessels may be operated inland and up to 200 miles offshore
If traveling to international ports or operating in international waters under the authority of your license, STCW training may be required (see definition of STCW listed)
Operators must be a minimum of 19 years of age
U.S. citizenship is required to hold a Master’s License
TWIC Card

How much on the water time must I have to qualify for the different types of licenses?

OUPV INLAND (6 Pack) = Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel: A minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present is required. 90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years on a power or sail vessel over 16 feet in length.
OUPV NEAR COASTAL (6 Pack) = Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel: (These requirements are the same as those for the Master Inland/OUPV Near Coastal Endorsement License) A minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present is required. 90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years on a power or sail vessel over 16 feet in length. Also, 90 of those 360 days must be on waters outside the boundary lines established by the U.S. Coast Guard.
MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TONS): A minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present is required. 90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years on a power or sail vessel over 16 feet in length.
MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TON) / OUPV ENDORSEMENT: (These requirements are the same as those of the OUPV Near Coastal License) A minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present is required. 90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years on a power or sail vessel over 16 feet in length. Also, 90 of those 360 days must be on waters outside the boundary lines established by the U.S. Coast Guard.
MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TON) / MATE NEAR COASTAL ENDORSEMENT: A minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present is required. 90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years on a power or sail vessel over 16 feet in length. Also, 180 of those 360 days must be on waters outside the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard.
MASTER NEAR COASTAL (25, 50 OR 100 TON): A minimum of 720 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present is required. 90 of those 720 days must be within the most recent 3 years on a similar size vessel to the license you are applying for. Also, 360 days of those 720 days must be on waters outside the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard.
TWIC Card

How do I prove my time on the water to meet the US Coast Guard requirements?

Most recreational boaters do not maintain log books, so the Sea Service forms which are included in the USCG application package must be filled in using the honor system. This form consists of twelve boxes, one for each month of the year. Starting with the most recent year, you fill in the number of days you can best recall being on the water and then go backward in time to the age of 16 years old, or until the sea time requirements have been met. If you are claiming time on your own boat, then this time is then supported by proof of ownership of the vessel. If you are claiming time on someone else’s boat, then they must sign your sea service form.

Proof of ownership may include such documents as: registration papers, documentation papers, insurance papers, or bills of sale. Pictures are not considered acceptable.

To claim your time, the vessels should be greater than sixteen (16) feet in length.

How much time on the water is required to obtain a Captain's License?

There are different licenses which may be obtained. The time requirements for these different licenses will vary. Time is based on the number of days on the water. In New England, the U.S. Coast Guard recognizes four (4) hours or more of time underway in one twenty-four (24) hour period as one day.

OUPV INLAND (6 Pack) = Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel within the US Coast Guard boundary lines

A minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present
90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years
Time on the water must be on vessels greater than 16 feet in length
No time is required outside the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard
No U.S. citizenship is required
TWIC Card

OUPV NEAR COASTAL (6 Pack) = Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel for both Inland waters and up to 100 miles offshore

A minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present
90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years
The operator must have at least 90 days of on-the-water experience outside the boundary lines established by the U.S. Coast Guard
Time on the water must be on vessels greater than 16 feet in length
No U.S. citizenship is required
TWIC Card

MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 TON) for Inspected and Uninspected vessels operating on Inland waters inside the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard

A minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present
90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years
Time on the water must be on vessels greater than 16 feet in length
No time is required outside the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard
U.S. citizenship is required
TWIC Card

MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 TON) / OUPV ENDORSEMENT for Inspected vessels operating on Inland waters inside the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard and for Uninspected vessels carrying up to 6 paying passengers plus crew operating on Inland waters or up to 100 miles offshore

The minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present
90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years
Time on the water must be on vessels greater than 16 feet in length
The operator must have at least 90 days of on-the-water experience outside the boundary lines established by the US Coast
U.S. citizenship is required
TWIC Card

MASTER INLAND (25, 50 OR 100 TON) / MATE NEAR COASTAL for Inspected vessels operating on Inland waters inside the boundary lines established by the US Coast Guard and, for Uninspected vessels carrying up to 6 paying passengers plus crew operating on Inland waters or up to 200 miles offshore PLUS Mate on inspected vessels operating up to 200 miles offshore

The minimum of 360 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present
90 of those 360 days must be within the most recent 3 years
Time on the water must be on vessels greater than 16 feet in length
The operator must have at least 180 days of on-the-water experience outside the boundary lines established by the U.S. Coast
U.S. citizenship is required
TWIC Card

MASTER NEAR COASTAL (25, 50 OR 100 TON) for Inspected vessels operating on Inland waters and waters up to 200 miles offshore and for Uninspected vessels carrying up to 6 paying passengers plus crew operating on Inland waters or up to 200 miles

The minimum of 720 days on-the-water experience from age 16 to present
90 of those 720 days must be within the most recent 3 years on a vessel of similar size for the license which you are applying for
Time on the water must be on vessels greater than 16 feet in length
The operator must have at least 360 days of on-the-water experience outside the boundary lines established by the U.S. Coast
U.S. citizenship is required
TWIC Card

How do I know if I will obtain a Master 25, 50, or 100 gross ton license?

The U.S. Coast Guard will assign the tonnage rating for your license based on your experience on different size vessels. They only consider the most recent 3 years for tonnage.

OUPV (6 Pack) = OPERATOR OF UNINSPECTED PASSENGER VESSEL: All OUPV licenses are assigned at the 100 gross ton rating
MASTER INLAND / OUPV OR MASTER INLAND / MATE NEAR COASTAL (360 days total):
If all your time is on a vessel less than 5 GT, you’ll get a 25 GT
If you have 90 days over 5 GT, you’ll get a 50 GT
If you have 90 days over 50 GT, you’ll get a 100 GT
If you have 180 days over 34 GT, you’ll get a 100 GT
MASTER NEAR COASTAL (720 days total):
If all your time is on a vessel less than 5 GT, you’ll get a 25 GT
If you have 180 days over 5 GT, you’ll get a 50 GT
If you have 180 days over 50 GT, you’ll get a 100 GT
If you have 360 days over 34 GT, you’ll get a 100 GT
Reminder: 90 of your days in the most recent 3 years must be on a vessel of equivalent size to the license you are applying for.

How do I increase the tonnage rating on my Master's license?

Once you have obtained an original license, you must accumulate additional time on larger vessels to increase your tonnage rating. Time acquired prior to the issuance of your original license does not count toward the increases listed below.

If you hold a 25 GT, you’ll need 180 days over 5 GT to go to 50 GT
If you hold a 50 GT, you’ll need 180 days over 25 GT to go to 100 GT
If you hold a 25 or 50 GT, you’ll need 90 days over 50 GT to go to 100 GT
To get a 100GT as your initial license, you must have 90 days on an over 50GT or 180 days on an over 34GT in the most recent 3 years.

How do I increase from my OUPV (6 Pack) license to a Master's license?

Once you meet the time requirements for the Master’s license, you may choose to take a U.S. Coast Guard-approved program for the Master Upgrade. This consists of a minimum of 24 hours of instruction for Deck General topics which include (but are not limited to) large vessel handling, life saving, fire fighting, seamanship, use of the Code of Federal Regulations, and stability.

If you prefer, you may study on your own and then make an appointment at a local U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center to take the Deck General Upgrade test, which is 70 questions. You must pass this test with a 70% or better.

If the date of issuance of your OUPV license is greater than 1 year at the time you decide to upgrade, then you will be required to take the Rules of the Road test again.

What is the difference between an OUPV (6 Pack) license and a Master's license?

The OUPV license is issued to operators for the use of uninspected passenger vessels such as most recreational vessels. The vessel may carry up to 6 passengers for hire plus crew regardless of the size of the vessel. This license is valid for the operation of both power and sail vessels up to 100 Gross Tons. The area of operation (Inland vs. Offshore up to 100 miles) will depend on the amount of time you have on inland waters vs. time operating outside the boundary lines established by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Master’s license is issued to operators for the use of inspected vessels which may carry in excess of 6 passengers for hire and may have multiple crew members. Inspected vessels (such as whale watch boats, water taxis, ferries, party fishing boats, etc.) must hold a valid “certificate of inspection” issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. This “certificate of inspection” is not to be confused with the “vessel safety examination” conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Power Squadron. This license is valid for the operation of power vessels up to 100 Gross Tons. To operate a sailing vessel, you will be required to obtain a “sail endorsement” on your Master’s license. The area of operation (Inland vs. Offshore up to 200 miles) will depend on the amount of time you have on inland waters vs. time operating outside the boundary lines established by the U.S. Coast Guard.

What is required to obtain a towing endorsement on my OUPV or Master's license?

First, let us clarify that the towing endorsement is valid for use in “commercial assistance towing” such as Sea Tow and Tow Boat/Us. This endorsement will not qualify you for operation of large commercial tug boats.

If you already hold an OUPV (6 Pack) or Master’s license, you may take a minimum 4 hour U.S. Coast Guard-approved course for the towing endorsement. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you can submit your certificate to the Coast Guard for the endorsement on your license. No practical experience is required as most employers will provide hands-on training. If the date of issuance of your OUPV or Master’s license is greater than 1 year at the time you decide to add this endorsement, then you may be required to take the Rules of the Road test again.

If you have completed and passed a U.S. Coast Guard-approved OUPV or Master’s course, you may continue your education by attending an approved towing endorsement course prior to submitting your application to the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon completion, you may submit the certificate for both the OUPV or Master’s course and the Towing Endorsement course. This approach will save you the additional evaluation and license issuance fees with the Coast Guard.

If you prefer, you may study on your own and then make an appointment at a local U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center to take the Towing endorsement test. You must pass this test with a 70% or better. If the date of issuance of your OUPV or Master’s license is over 1 year ago at the time you decide to add this endorsement, then you may be required to take the Rules of the Road test again.

What is required to obtain a sail endorsement on my Master's license?

The sail endorsement can only be attached to a Master’s license for inspected sailing vessels. It requires that half the time be served on a sailboat since age 16.

If you already hold a Master’s license, you may take a minimum 4 hour U.S. Coast Guard-approved course for the sail endorsement. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you can submit your certificate to the Coast Guard for the endorsement on your license. If the date of issuance of your Master’s license is greater than 1 year at the time you decide to add this endorsement, then you may be required to take the Rules of the Road test again.

If you have completed and passed a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Master’s course, you may continue your education by attending an approved sail endorsement course prior to submitting your application to the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon completion, you may submit the certificate for both the Master’s course and the Sail Endorsement course. This approach will save you the additional evaluation and license issuance fees with the Coast Guard.

If you prefer, you may study on your own and then make an appointment at a local U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center to take the Sail endorsement test. You must pass this test with a 70% or better. If the date of issuance of your Master’s license is over a year ago at the time you decide to add this endorsement, then you may be required to take the Rules of the Road test again.

How do I renew my OUPV (6 Pack) or Master's license?

Your license is good for 5 years from the date of issuance. At any time within 12 months prior to the expiration date, you may renew your license. If you have maintained 360 days on the water during this 5 year period, you may submit a renewal application to the U.S. Coast Guard, including your sea service forms. The Coast Guard will automatically renew your license.

If the expiration date of your license exceeds 5 years, then you have one additional year (the “grace period”) to renew. You may not operate under the authority of your license during this “grace period”. You must then submit a copy of the original license to the U.S. Coast Guard along with the application to obtain a renewal license.

If you have not maintained 360 days on the water during the 5 year period from the date of issuance of your license, then you must either take an approved U.S. Coast Guard 24 hour renewal course or complete and return the US Coast Guard “take home” examination.

What if my OUPV or Master's license has expired?

If the expiration date of your license exceeds 5 years, then you have one additional year (the “grace period”) to renew. You may not operate under the authority of your license during this “grace period”. You must then submit the original license and sea service forms showing 360 days of active on the water time during the most 5 recent years to the U.S. Coast Guard along with the renewal application to obtain a renewal license.

If your license has lapsed beyond the “grace period”, then you will be required to start over. This means taking a U.S. Coast Guard- approved course or taking the examination at a US Coast Guard Regional Exam Center.

What size vessel will qualify me for a 25, 50, or 100 Gross Ton Master's license?

How can I determine the Gross Tonnage rating of my current and/or previous boats?

If you have owned, or presently own, a documented vessel, the gross tonnage rating should be shown on your documentation papers. You may also use the formulas below to determine the approximate gross ton of your vessel.

For power vessels: Length x Width x Depth ÷ 100, then multiplied by .67
For sailing vessels: Length x Width x Depth ÷ 100, then multiplied by .5

Note: the depth is measured from the inside depth of the keel to the main deck

How do I find a drug testing facility in my area?

The U.S. Coast Guard website lists the SAMSHA approved facilities. Any facility that you choose must be in direct contact with the US Coast Guard. DOT and other similar drug testing facilities or programs may not qualify.

Most random drug testing facilities will require that you join their program and will provide a collection site within your area.

Maritime Consortium
PO Box 25345
Alexandria, Va 22313-5345
1-800-775-6985
fax: 1-800-764-2350

What type of CPR class must I take?

What if I am color blind?

The color blindness test conducted by your physician or optometrist is a pass/fail examination. There are no intermediate levels of color blindness. If you are unable to pass this test, then the U.S. Coast Guard will impose a daytime restriction on your license.

On the physical examination form, which is part of the application package, the U.S. Coast Guard lists 8 different color blindness examinations that are acceptable. The most common is the Ishihara test.

Once I complete a US Coast Guard approved course, how long is my certificate good for?

What if I sign up for a Captain's course and I am not able to attend all of the classroom sessions?

If I am not able to take the final examination on the date that it is scheduled for the course, what do I do?

The final examination is typically scheduled on a Sunday 2 weeks following course completion for the OUPV (6 pak) program, and 1 week following completion of the Master’s program. If you are unable to attend, then you may contact our office at 603-394-0412 or email captains@boatwise.com to arrange a testing date.

The other option you have is to attend an examination date scheduled for another one of our class dates and locations.

How do I register for the OUPV (6 Pack) or Master's program?

We prefer that you contact our office at 603-394-0412 or email captains@boatwise.com to verify that the scheduled class will in fact be held. We require a minimum of 8 students to hold these classes.

You may register via telephone by providing your name, address, phone number, date of birth, e-mail address, and the course date and location that you prefer. A $200 dollar deposit is required to hold your seat. You may place this deposit on any major credit card, or reserve your seat and mail a check to our office at PO Box 135 Kingston NH 03848. The check should be made payable to Boatwise LLC.

Upon receipt of your deposit, we will email you a confirmation letter and directions to the class location. The “balance due” portion of your tuition is due the first day of class.

If you are being sponsored through this program by an employer or grant, or by state or government funding, then we must make payment arrangements in advance and will be happy to invoice the appropriate organization.

What are the hours for the Captain's program?

The OUPV (6 pak) course is a 56 hour program, and the test date is typically scheduled on a Sunday 2 weeks following course completion. The Master’s course is an 80 hour program and the test is typically scheduled for the Sunday following course completion.

We offer several different formats for our course curriculum. Some classes are held on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesday evenings, and Thursday evenings. Other classes are held on Thursday evenings, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. We also offer compressed courses which begin on Monday and run through Sunday.

Classes that are held in the evenings begin promptly at 6:00 pm and finish at 10:00 pm. Daytime classes begin promptly at 8:30 am and finish at 5:30 pm. To see the actual class dates, please refer to our website schedule.

If I want to prepare in advance for the Captain's course, what should I do?

What subjects are covered in the Captain's course?

There are 5 primary subjects covered in the Boatwise Captain’s course: Rules of the Road, Navigation (level 1 and 2), Electronics, Navigation General, and Deck General.

Rules of the Road is taught on the first day of class, and then drills are conducted in each subsequent class session. The Rules, both Inland and International, include lights, dayshapes, maneuvering signals, fog signals, right of way situations, etc. The examination for this portion of the curriculum consists of 50 questions (closed book), and a 90% passing rate or greater is required.

Navigation (level 1 and 2) consists of 24 hours of lecture and hands-on chart plotting exercises. Our students will learn how to use latitude and longitude positioning; distance, time, and speed calculations; true north, magnetic north, and compass north headings; tide and current table calculations; compensating for current set and drift; and calculating running fixes. The examination for this portion of the curriculum consists of 10 questions (open book), and a passing rate of 70% or greater is required.

The Electronics portion of our curriculum includes 8 hours of training on GPS/Chartplotters and Radar operations. We offer a combination of theory and application for the operation of the various manufacturers’ equipment. Raymarine equipment is used as a teaching platform for this segment of the curriculum, but the discussion addresses the similarities and differences of other major manufacturers. This portion of the curriculum is included in the Navigation General portion of the examination.

Navigation General consists of 4 hours of instruction focused on the aids to navigation and the appropriate use of those aids. We identify the differences between the variety of buoys, day markers, and lighthouses, as well as the use of the reference books such as Light List, Coast Pilot, Bowditch, Chart No. 1, Catalogue of Nautical Charts, etc. The examination for this portion of the curriculum consists of 20 questions (open book), and a passing rate of 70% or greater is required.

The Deck General portion of our curriculum includes topics such as vessel handling; fire safety and prevention; Code of Federal Regulations; marlinspike; weather; stability; certificates and paperwork, and more. The OUPV (6 pak) examination for this portion of the curriculum consists of 50 questions, and a 70% or greater passing rate is required. With an additional 24 hours of instruction, our students can continue in the program for the Master’s level license and take a 70 question examination. A 70% passing rate or greater is required for this exam, as well. Both exams are open book.

What will happen if I take the Captain's course final exam and do not pass?

The final examination is given in 4 sections: Rules of the Road, Navigation Plotting, Navigation General, and Deck General. You are allowed 3 chances to pass the four sections. For example, if you take the exam and fail 1 section, then you are only required to take that section again. You may retake a portion of your exam by scheduling an appointment with our office.

In the event that you are unable to pass the entire exam on the 3rd attempt, then you will be placed into a 60-day waiting period. Once this waiting period expires, you must retake the entire exam. During this 60-day waiting period, you may attend another course location for additional training, or contact our office to arrange for private tutoring.

Do I need a US Coast License to perform boat deliveries?

As long as there are no passengers for hire on board the vessel, a Captain’s license is not required by the U.S. Coast Guard, unless having such a license is a condition of employment for the delivery. Likewise, there can be no implied compensation on behalf of the owner for transporting guests (such as sales promotions or business-related activity). However, many of the insurance companies require that the vessel owner hire a licensed Captain to perform the delivery.

If you are considering providing a delivery service, please remember that you should be placed on the owner’s insurance policy for the duration of your trip as “other named insured” to protect yourself and the owner in the event that there are damages sustained during your trip.

What is STCW training and why is it required?

STCW stands for the international convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. These standards were agreed to by most maritime nations in 1995. All licensed mariners needing STCW were given until January 31, 2002 to meet all the requirements.

OUPV and Master Licensed Captains traveling to/from international ports under the authority of their license are required to have Basic STCW training.

Others who are required:

Personnel with designated safety and/or pollution prevention duties
Anyone assigned to muster duties
Deck and engineering personnel
Ordinary seaman and stewards bringing blankets to liferafts or lifeboats
All personnel involved in the general safety of the vessel

What is involved in the STCW Basic training program?

Licensing, Training, and Certification FAQs