USCG Master 100 Gross Ton Upgrade License
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 16; 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 16; 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 16; 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 16; 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
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card)
What is the Master 100 GT Upgrade Class?
The USCG has approved the 24 hour BOATWISE MASTERS UPGRADE Curriculum and test as a substitute for taking the full Masters Upgrade test with the USCG. Upon completion of the 24 hour class, the student studies the materials at their own pace and returns to take our test, generally 1 week following course completion. If the student upgrades within 1 year of the OUPV License issuance date only the Deck General exam is required. If more than 1 year from the OUPV License issuance date has transpired, a Deck General exam is required and a Rules of the Road exam may be required. After successfully passing our multiple-choice exam you receive a Master 100 GT Upgrade certificate that is submitted with the USCG application package 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 size vessels.
Note: As you gain experience on larger vessels, tonnage ratings can be increased up to 100 tons without re-testing.
Master 100 GT UPGRADE Total cost is $400