OUPV (6-Pack) Captain's License Course
The most widely-held commercial USCG license in America — and the one most fishing guides,
dive operators, and charter captains start with.
Whether you’re planning to guide fishing trips, operate dive excursions, or launch your own charter business, this license provides a clear and practical path to getting started without unnecessary complexity.
USCG-Approved
54–56 Hours of Instruction
No USCG Testing Center Required
What is the OUPV License?
The OUPV license — Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, commonly called the "6-Pack" license — is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and authorizes you to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons. It's the license most professional charter captains hold when starting out, and for many, it's all they ever need.
If you're running a fishing charter, a dive boat, a sailing trip, or any kind of paid excursion on an uninspected vessel, this is the license the law requires. Operating without it — even once — can result in substantial federal fines and the revocation of your ability to work commercially on the water
Who should take this Course?
Fishing guides who charge clients to fish, whether offshore or inshore
Dive boat operators running paid dive excursions
Sailing charter captains on vessels up to 100 gross tons
Delivery captains who operate vessels for hire
Anyone who wants to earn income on the water legally and professionally
You do not need to have a Master license first. You can take the OUPV course as your first step, then upgrade later if your business grows to require it.
What you'll Learn (~54–56 hours)
Rules of the Road — COLREGS (International & Inland Navigation Rules) · 50-question module, 90% pass mark required
Chart plotting and coastal navigation — reading nautical charts, plotting courses, using parallel rules and dividers
Deck general and seamanship — boat handling, anchoring, docking, line and rigging fundamentals
Safety and emergency procedures — USCG distress signals, man overboard, fire, flooding
Meteorology — reading weather, understanding tides and currents, VHF weather channels
Marine environment and federal regulations — discharge laws, no-wake zones, federal waters compliance
First aid and CPR — USCG-approved certification (arranged separately or through us)
USCG Eligibility Requirements
Age: At least 18 years old
Sea service: 360 days of documented boating experience (at least 90 days in the past 3 years; 90 days in near coastal or offshore waters for the near coastal endorsement)
DOT physical: Completed within 12 months of application; must meet USCG vision and hearing standards
Drug test: DOT-compliant; negative result; through USCG-approved consortium
CPR/First Aid: USCG-approved; verify at the NMC approved course list
TWIC card: Issued by TSA; allow 8–12 weeks for processing
Citizenship: U.S. citizen or Legal Resident Alien
Tip: Start your TWIC card application early. It's the longest lead-time item in the licensing process and the #1 reason applications stall.
2026 Tuition Comparison
We believe you should understand the market before you enroll anywhere. Here's what comparable USCGapproved programs charge for the OUPV course in 2026:
Beyond tuition, plan for these additional costs (required of all USCG applicants):
USCG FEES
~$145
TWIC CARD
~$125
DOT PHYSICAL + DRUG TEST
$150–$325
CPR / FIRST AID
$40–$150
Total budget for most OUPV candidates: $1,300–$1,900 all-in.
FAQ
Can I take this course before I have enough sea service days?
Yes. You can enroll and complete the course at any time. Your course certificate is valid for one year from completion. Many students complete the course while still accumulating their sea service hours, then submit their USCG application once they've reached 360 days.
What counts as documented sea service?
Any time spent underway on a vessel. You'll document this using USCG Form CG-719S, signed by someone who can verify your time — a vessel owner, marina manager, or licensed captain. Personal logs may also be accepted with supporting documentation.
Is there a test at the Coast Guard regional exam center?
No. Our course is USCG-approved, which means successful completion satisfies USCG examination requirements under 46 CFR 11.201. You submit our course certificate with your application directly to the National Maritime Center. No visit to a regional exam center (REC) required.
How long is the OUPV license valid?
USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) are issued for 5 years. You can renew without retesting if you meet the renewal requirements — including 1 year of sea service within the previous 5 years, a current TWIC card, and a current medical certificate.
CAPTAINSLICENSESCHOOL.COM
USCG-approved captain's license training. Two focused courses — OUPV (6-Pack) and Master 25/50/100 Ton — built for captains who are serious about getting licensed.
COURSES
OUPV (6-Pack) License
Master 25/50/100 Ton
Cost Breakdown
USCG Requirements
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