USCG Sailing Endorsement
Add sailing vessel authority to your OUPV or Master captain's license. Here's what you need to know about requirements, sea time, the exam, and how to prepare.
Sailing Endorsement at a Glance
180 days
Sailing sea service required
1 Section
Added to your license exam
$197
NailTheTest prep (standalone)
Why You Need the Sailing Endorsement
A standard OUPV or Master captain's license only authorizes you to operate power-driven vessels. If you want to carry passengers for hire on a sailing vessel — charter sailing, bareboat charters, eco-tours, or any commercial sailing operation — you must have the Sailing Endorsement.
Who this endorsement is for
- • Charter sailing boat captains
- • Sailing instruction professionals
- • Bareboat charter delivery captains
- • Ocean crossing delivery crew wanting to carry paying passengers
- • Any mariner who wants full OUPV/Master privileges on both power and sail
Note: COLREGS defines a vessel "proceeding under sail" as one using sails with its engine off or not running. If your sailboat's engine is running and it's being used for propulsion, you're treated as a power-driven vessel under the Rules — but your license still needs the sailing endorsement to carry passengers commercially.
Sea Time Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total sailing sea service | 180 days minimum |
| Days as operator/watchstander | 90 days minimum |
| Day definition | 4+ hours underway counts as 1 day |
| Documentation | Personal logbook or employer letters |
| Vessel types | Must be sailing vessels |
| In combination with base license | Can run concurrently with OUPV/Master days |
Sea time requirements are set by 46 CFR Part 10. Verify current requirements at your Regional Examination Center before applying, as interpretations may vary.
What's on the Sailing Endorsement Exam
The sailing endorsement exam section tests your knowledge of sail vessel operations, rigging, and emergencies. NailTheTest includes a dedicated sailing endorsement section with practice questions and explanations.
⛵Sail Vessel Rules & Operations
- •Sail vs. power vessel right-of-way (COLREGS Rule 12)
- •When a sailing vessel is treated as a power vessel
- •Points of sail: close-hauled, beam reach, broad reach, running
- •Tacking and jibing procedures
- •Anchoring and mooring a sailing vessel
- •Sailing in restricted visibility and narrow channels
🪝Rigging & Equipment
- •Standing vs. running rigging components
- •Sail parts: luff, leech, foot, clew, tack, head
- •Types of sails: mainsail, jib, genoa, spinnaker, staysail
- •Blocks, winches, cleats, and hardware
- •Mast, boom, forestay, backstay, shrouds
- •Sail trim and telltales
⚠️Emergencies & Safety
- •Man overboard recovery under sail
- •Dismasting — immediate actions
- •Broaching and capsize prevention
- •Squall and heavy weather procedures
- •Engine failure on auxiliary sailboat
- •Rigging failure at sea
Study Tips for the Sailing Endorsement
Master sail trim vocabulary first
The exam uses precise rigging and sail terminology. Make flashcards for all sail parts, rigging components, and points of sail before anything else.
Know COLREGS Rule 12 cold
Rule 12 governs sailing vessels meeting one another — which tack has right of way, what happens when tack can't be determined. This comes up heavily on the exam.
Understand when a sailboat loses sailing vessel status
A sailing vessel using its engine for propulsion is treated as a power vessel under COLREGS. You'll see exam questions testing whether you know when this applies.
Practice MOB under sail
Man-overboard recovery under sail is a common exam topic. Know the Quick Stop method and the Figure-8 recovery, and when each is appropriate.
Combining Endorsements
The most efficient path is to earn multiple credentials simultaneously. The Captain's Complete package on NailTheTest ($797) prepares you for all 8 exam sections: OUPV (4 sections), Master 100 GRT (2 additional sections), Sailing Endorsement, and Towing Endorsement.
Captain's Complete — $797
All 8 sections. Saves $494 vs. buying separately.
Start Practicing for the Sailing Endorsement
NailTheTest includes a sailing endorsement section with practice questions, explanations, and an private tutor to help you master the material. Available standalone at $197 or included in Captain's Complete.