Types of USCG Captains Licenses

Choose the Right License for Your Goals

*Note: Learn about the various USCG captains licenses, including OUPV, Master Inland, and more. Understand the qualifications, limitations, and opportunities associated with each to help navigate your maritime career.

OUPV Inland (6 PAK) – Uninspected Passenger Vessel Operator

• 6 paying passengers plus crew
• License is good up to 100 Gross Tons
• The vessel must be operated within the US Coast Guard dedicated boundary lines
• Time is not required outside the US Coast Guard dedicated boundary lines to obtain the license
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age to be an operator
• To operate a vessel of less than 5 net tons, around 26ft, you do not need to be a US citizen. It is required to be a US citizen when operating a documented vessel for hire over 5 net tons.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card)

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OUPV Near Coastal (6 PAK) – Uninspected Passenger Vessel Operator 

• 6 paying passengers plus crew
• License is good up to 100 Gross Tons
• A licensed captain is often required for deliveries and relocations by the insurance companies.
• Operating vessels inland and up to 100 miles offshore
• STCW training could be required when operating in international waters and traveling to international ports.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age to be an operator
• To operate a vessel of less than 5 net tons, around 26ft, you do not need to be a US citizen. It is required to be a US citizen when operating a documented vessel for hire over 5 net tons.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card)

Master Inland  – 25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TONS

• Vessels are permitted to carry more than 6 passengers with the maximum number of passengers regulated by the vessel certificate of inspection.
• Based on experience the US Coast Guard assigns the tonnage rating
• A licensed captain is often required for deliveries and relocations by insurance companies
• The vessel must be operated within the US Coast Guard dedicated boundary lines
• Time is not required outside the US Coast Guard dedicated boundary lines to obtain the license
• Must be a minimum of 19 years of age to be an operator
• You must be a US citizen to obtain and hold a Master’s license
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card)

Master Inland – 25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TON  /  OUPV Endorsement

• Vessels are permitted to carry more than 6 passengers with the maximum number of passengers regulated by the vessel certificate of inspection.
• The US Coast Guard assigns the tonnage rating based on your operation of the similar vessels you’ve operated in the past three years
• The vessel must be operated within the US Coast Guard dedicated boundary lines
• Must be a minimum of 19 years of age to be an operator
• You must be a US citizen to obtain and hold a Master’s license
• Within the authorization of OUPV endorsement, uninspected vessels can be operated up to 100 miles from shore
• A UPV vessel can carry up to 6 paying passengers and crew
• Within the OUPV portion of your masters license is good up to 100 gross tons.
• A licensed captain is often required for deliveries and relocations by the insurance companies
• STCW training could be required when operating in international waters and traveling to international ports.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card)

Master Inland 25, 50 OR 100 GROSS TON  /  Mate Near Coastal Endorsement

• Holds the same authority as the Master Inland / OUPV, in addition allows the operator to act as a mate on inspected vessels up to 200 miles offshore and also allows the holder to operate uninspected vessels up to 200 miles offshore.
• Master Near Coastal 25, 50 or 100 Gross Ton
• Vessels are permitted to carry more than 6 passengers with the maximum number of passengers regulated by the vessel certificate of inspection.
• Based on experience the US Coast Guard assigns the tonnage rating
• A licensed captain is often required for deliveries and relocations by the insurance companies
• Both inspected and uninspected vessels an be operated inland and up to 200 miles offshore
• STCW training could be required when operating in international waters and traveling to international ports.
• Must be a minimum of 19 years of age to be an operator
• You must be a US citizen to obtain and hold a Master’s license
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card)