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The OUPV (Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel) license is the US Coast Guard's "starter" license. It allows you to operate a vessel of up to 100 gross tons with up to six paying passengers, plus crew, onboard (hence the term "6-Pack"). The term "uninspected" means that it is not subject to the Coast Guard's strict design and equipment standards for commercial vessels. The vessels are usually smaller vessels engaged in charter fishing, whale watching, SCUBA diving, and tour cruises.
OUPV licenses are issued for one of the following routes, depending on where you gained your seagoing experience:
INLAND - Restricted to operation on all inland waters, excluding the Great Lakes.
NEAR COASTAL - Allows for operation up to 100 nautical miles offshore.
GREAT LAKES/INLAND - Similar to the Inland license, but requires at least 90 days of service on the Great Lakes.
American Maritime Academy's OUPV course consists of an intensive 56-hour course that includes, but is not limited to, the following subject areas:
- Navigation
- Rules of the Road
- Marlinspike Seamanship
- First Aid
- Deck Safety
- Boat Registration & Documentation
- Anchoring
- Boat Equipment
Upon completion of the course, students take a USCG-approved exam right here at AMA. A certificate of completion will be given if the student successfully passes the exam. The student can then submit that certificate to the USCG, along with the other application requirements listed below, in order to be evaluated for issuance of the license.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 18 years old
- Must have Social Security card
- Must have 360 days of sea service
- Must have 90 sea days in last three years ("recency")
- Physical exam
- Drug test
- 1st Aid/CPR certificate from approved source
General USCG License Requirements (Click to download .PDF file)
OUPV (All Routes) (Click to download .PDF file)
OUPV Limited (Click to download .PDF file)
See course schedules and cost for more information.
For those students who want to challenge themselves further, the OUPV license can be upgraded to a Master, 100 Tons license by merely taking the additional 24-hour Master, 100 Tons Upgrade course offered by AMA. Please see the course description for details.
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