Requirements for Getting a Boat Captain License

by | Tuesday, January 14, 2014 | 0 comment(s)

Individuals who seek a U.S. Coast Guard-issued boat captain’s license must meet certain requirements in terms of training, experience and citizenship. Likewise, requirements will vary depending on the type of license sought. There are a number of professional and financial advantages to earning a boat captain’s license. This includes the ability to apply for higher-paying positions and additional opportunities for generating income.

Overview of Various Types of U.S. Coast Guard-Issued Licenses

The U.S. Coast Guard categorizes boat captain licenses based upon the gross tonnage of the vessel, the applicant’s practical experience and waters upon which the applicant has served.

Below are some of the key categories and associated requirements:

  • Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or “6-Pack” Officer Endorsement – Requires at least 360 days of boating experience. At least 90 of those days must include offshore experience and have taken place within the past three years. An applicant without coast experience may apply for an inland boat captain’s license. This endorsement is issued to US citizens but there are exceptions to this citizenship requirement. For instance, a non-citizen may apply for endorsement for undocumented vessels at five or fewer gross tons.
  • Limited OUPV – An application for such endorsement must include prior approval by the Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections.
  • Master Inland/Mate Near Coastal – This endorsement requires at least 360 days of practical boating experience with at least 90 days logged in the past three years. An applicant with 180 days of offshore experience may also qualify for a Mate Near Coastal license.
  • Master Near Coastal – This upper-tier endorsement requires at least 720 days of boating experience. At least 360 days must have been spent offshore, with 90 days having been logged in the past three years. Those who logged all boating experience on vessels sized less than five gross tons will qualify for a 25 gross ton license. Those with more than 180 days of boating experience on a vessel of more than five gross tons qualify for a 50 gross ton license.

All applicants must apply for credentials via a local Regional Exam Center. Applications should include supportive documentation and required signatures. A failure to do so may result in a delay in issuing an endorsement.

Materials to Be Included in the USCG Application Package

An applicant must submit an application package within one year of completing a training course for a boat captain endorsement. Some of the items required from an applicant include:

  • three notarized letters of reference;
  • official application for license (including proof of having undertaken oath);
  • evidence to support boating experience;
  • proof of clean drug screen (must have been completed within previous six months);
  • First Aid and CPR certification; and
  • more.

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