A Look at Different Types of USCG Licenses

The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center oversees all official licensing of those employed aboard vessels traveling in national waters. Mariners may seek licenses with formal training, coursework and hands-on experience.

The U.S. Coast Guard offers a wide range of licenses and endorsements based on an applicant’s qualifications, nationality, vessel size (gross tonnage), and waters upon which he or she will operate. All licenses, endorsements and other credentials can be located within one’s merchant mariner credential.

Categorization of Charter Boat Captain Licenses

Below is an overview of some of the types of captain licenses and credentials issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or “6-Pack” Officer Endorsement – This endorsement limits the holder to captaining boats-for-hire with six or fewer passengers. This license is most appropriate for those wishing to operate small vessels used for recreational or tourist activities, such as charter or sport fishing excursions, nature watching tours, and SCUBA or snorkeling trips.

OUPV Limited Credential – This niche license grants the holder authority to operate a small, uninspected vessel in a limited capacity. One example is a small vessel used to transport limited numbers of passengers from a yacht or sailboat mooring to a dock.

Master of Steam & Motor Up to 200 GRT (Upon Near Coastal Waters or Inland) – This is the appropriate officer endorsement for boat captains intending to operate U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessels carrying more than six passengers. Such vessels may include larger charter excursions, certain ferries, dinner cruises, and recreational and tourist trips.

Other Licensed Positions in the Maritime Industry

A number of additional licenses, credentials and endorsements exist within the maritime industry. These are used to designate who is qualified to assume certain functions aboard a wide variety of vessels. Below is an overview of some of the key licensed positions one may find aboard a general steam or motor vessel.

Master Mariner – This licensed member of the deck department serves as captain of the vessel. This role bestows authority over all aspects of the vessel’s operations, including safe passage, cargo, crew and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This role also affords control over the ship’s personnel and may include overseeing clerical matters such as payroll, inventory and the maintenance of vessel logbooks.

Chief Mate – A licensed role in charge of overseeing a vessel’s deck crew and cargo. The chief mate often is the second-in-command aboard a vessel. He or she is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure vessel and crew. This position generally requires standing 4-8 watch and may require specialized training in emergency protocol and search and rescue.

Second Mate – This licensed deck member’s primary roles include navigation and keeping watch. This role may include medical officer duties, as well as reading nautical charts, tracking weather conditions and monitoring vessel dynamics.

Third Mate – This licensed position grants authority over matters of vessel safety and communication. There exists other classifications for mate – all of whom must be licensed.

Visit our blog to find more information about maritime employment and requirements. Already in the industry? Order your required vessel logbooks – including deck logbooks and crew and passenger logs – online or by calling 888- 468-3757.