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Frequently
Asked
Questions
1) Are there any prerequisites?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years of age (for OUPV) or 19 years of age (for Master) and able to pass a physical, drug test, and background check. In addition, you will need to meet the sea time requirement. You will need to show that you've been on the water at least 360 days (since your 16th birthday), with at least 90 of those days being within the last 7 years. There are additional sea service requirements for the Master 100 Tons license that we will cover on the first day of our Upgrade to Master class. We provide all of the USCG paperwork and assistance in filling it out. Please call us if you have questions about any of this!
2) Is there anything I should study before class starts?
Nope! We recommend coming to class well-rested and ready to learn. Our curriculum is based on students starting from scratch, with minimal prior knowledge of the subject material.
3) What does this license allow me to do?
The OUPV license (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) allows one to operate uninspected passenger vessels of up to 100 gross tons, carrying 6 or fewer passengers plus crew. In order to operate a for-hire towing vessel, the mariner must also possess the Assistance Towing Endorsement. The Assistance Towing Endorsement class is taught in conjunction with each of our OUPV class for an additional $200.
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The Upgrade to Master 100 Tons will allow the license holder to operate inspected vessels carrying more than 6 passengers.
4) Are there any additional requirements to get my license besides the class?
Yes. In addition to attending the class and passing all exams, students will need to complete a physical, drug test, background check, USCG-approved First Aid & CPR course, and provide the minimum required sea service experience.
The good news is that you will not be left to navigate these requirements on your own. On the first day of class, we walk you through each step of the application process, including the First Aid & CPR and drug testing requirements, so you know exactly what needs to be completed and when. Depending on the course and available options, we will either help coordinate the next steps or point you in the right direction so the process feels simple, organized, and manageable.
We also provide the necessary paperwork, a helpful checklist, and free paperwork proofing to help make sure your application is completed correctly. Once everything is sent to the USCG, the mariner must wait to receive their official license before operating a vessel for hire.
5) How long does it take to get my Captain’s License?
From the time you start class to the time you have your license in hand, the timeline has two parts: (1) completing your course and exams and (2) the USCG processing your application. Our classes are completed over the course of 9 days during our in-person class sessions. After that, you’ll submit your application packet to the National Maritime Center (NMC). Processing times vary by season and workload, but it often takes several weeks for the Coast Guard to review your paperwork, approve your credentials, and mail your license. We help you assemble a clean application to avoid delays wherever possible.
6) Where are your classes held?
We currently offer in-person USCG-approved captain’s license classes in Florida, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Minnesota. Specific locations and dates are listed on our Course Schedule pages for each state. Each classroom is chosen for easy access, comfortable seating, and a learning environment where you can focus, ask questions, and prepare for your exam without distractions.