Captain's License › Six-Pack License Guide
USCG Six-Pack License (OUPV) — Complete Requirements & Application Guide
The six-pack captain's license is the most common entry-level USCG credential for commercial boating. This guide covers everything: what it is, who needs it, the full requirements checklist, what's on the exam, how to apply through the NMC, costs, and the mistakes that get applications rejected.
The Short Version
The USCG Six-Pack License — officially called the OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) — lets you carry up to 6 paying passengers on uninspected vessels. You need 360 days of sea time, a physical exam, drug test, first aid certification, background check, and to pass a 4-section written exam at a USCG Regional Exam Center. Total cost ranges from roughly $500 to $2,000 depending on your study path.
What Is the USCG Six-Pack License?
The six-pack license is the informal name for the OUPV credential — Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels — issued by the United States Coast Guard under 46 CFR Part 11. It is a federal license (technically part of your Merchant Mariner Credential, or MMC) that authorizes you to operate as master of an uninspected vessel carrying passengers for hire.
The name "six-pack" comes directly from the legal passenger limit: federal law (46 U.S.C. 2101) defines an uninspected passenger vessel as one carrying no more than 6 passengers for hire. Once you exceed that number — even by one paying passenger — your vessel becomes an inspected passenger vessel and requires a Master license and a USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI).
This is the license that runs charter fishing boats, scuba diving charters, sunset cruises, eco-tours, water taxi operations (under 7 passengers), and countless other small commercial vessel operations across the United States.
What the OUPV Six-Pack License Authorizes
- ✓ Operate as master of uninspected passenger vessels
- ✓ Carry up to 6 passengers for hire
- ✓ Operate on inland, near-coastal, or ocean routes (depending on endorsement)
- ✓ Run charter fishing, dive trips, tours, and similar commercial operations
- ✓ Operate vessels of any length on uninspected routes
- ✓ Serve as mate on inspected passenger vessels (with some restrictions)
What the OUPV Six-Pack License Does NOT Authorize
- ✗ Carrying 7 or more paying passengers (requires Master license and COI)
- ✗ Operating as master of inspected passenger vessels
- ✗ Serving as master on vessels subject to SOLAS or international tonnage regulations
- ✗ Towing operations (requires separate towing endorsement)
- ✗ Operating sailing vessels commercially (requires sailing endorsement)
Why Is It Called a Six-Pack License?
The term "six-pack" is informal but universally understood in the maritime industry. The origin is purely numerical: federal statute limits uninspected passenger vessels to carrying no more than 6 passengers for hire. The license that allows you to operate those boats became known as the six-pack license.
The 6-passenger threshold matters operationally. The moment a charter operation takes money from a 7th passenger, the vessel crosses from uninspected to inspected status under federal law. That triggers an entirely different regulatory framework — USCG vessel inspections, a Certificate of Inspection posted aboard, fire suppression systems, additional life-saving equipment, and a Master license for the operator. The cost and complexity jump significantly.
Most small charter businesses stay comfortably within the 6-passenger limit. A 28-foot center console fishing charter with 6 clients is a classic six-pack operation. So is a 40-foot dive boat with 6 divers. The license fits the overwhelming majority of small commercial vessel operations.
OUPV vs Master License — Key Differences
The OUPV and Master are the two most common USCG captain's licenses. Here's how they compare on the factors that matter most:
| Factor | OUPV (Six-Pack) | Master 100 GRT |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers for hire | Up to 6 | Unlimited (per COI) |
| Vessel type | Uninspected only | Inspected and uninspected |
| Sea time required | 360 days | 720 days |
| Minimum age | 18 years | 19 years |
| Exam sections | 4 sections | 5 to 7 sections |
| Questions on exam | Approx. 160 | 200 or more |
| Cost to obtain | Lower | Higher |
| Time to earn | 3 to 6 months | 6 to 18 months |
| Upgrade path | Can upgrade to Master | Starting point for larger vessels |
| Most common use | Charter fishing, dive boats, tours | Ferries, crew boats, larger charters |
The vast majority of new captains start with the OUPV. It's faster to earn, cheaper, and sufficient for most commercial operations on small vessels. If you outgrow it, you can upgrade to Master without losing credit for the sea time you've already logged.
See the full side-by-side comparison: OUPV vs Master License — Which Do You Need?
Six-Pack License Requirements Checklist
To qualify for the OUPV six-pack license, you must satisfy all of the following requirements. Each item requires documentation submitted to the National Maritime Center (NMC) as part of your application package.
Minimum Age: 18 Years Old
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. There is no maximum age limit for the OUPV. Your date of birth on your application must match government-issued ID submitted with your package.
Documents needed: copy of government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or birth certificate).
360 Days of Sea Service
This is the most time-consuming requirement. You need 360 days of documented sea service, with these specific conditions:
- • 90 days must be in the last 3 years (the "recency" requirement)
- • 90 days must be on ocean or near-coastal waters (for near-coastal endorsement — inland-only OUPV does not require this)
- • Days can be recreational or commercial — recreational boating time counts
- • A "day" is any period of sea service in a calendar day — a 4-hour fishing trip counts as 1 day
- • Multiple trips in a single day still count as 1 day
See the detailed guide: USCG Sea Time Requirements for Captain's License
USCG Physical Examination
You must pass a physical examination performed by a licensed physician (MD or DO), physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The exam follows USCG standards under 46 CFR 10.215.
- • Vision: 20/200 or better in each eye correctable to 20/40 (with glasses or contacts)
- • Color vision: Must distinguish red, green, and white — tested with Ishihara plates
- • Hearing: Must hear a forced whispered voice at 5 feet or pass audiometric testing
- • Blood pressure: Controlled hypertension is generally acceptable with documentation
- • General fitness: No conditions that would impair safe vessel operation
The completed physical is submitted on USCG Form CG-719K. The form is valid for 12 months. Cost typically ranges from $100 to $300 depending on your provider.
Drug Test (DOT 5-Panel)
All USCG credential applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test administered under Department of Transportation (DOT) protocols. The standard 5-panel test screens for:
The test must be performed at a DOT-certified collection site and processed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). The result is valid for 185 days from collection. Cost is typically $50 to $150.
First Aid and CPR Certification
You must hold a current certification in first aid and CPR. The USCG accepts certifications from:
- • American Red Cross
- • American Heart Association
- • National Safety Council
- • USCG-approved maritime first aid courses
- • Other nationally recognized organizations
The certification must be current (not expired) at the time of application. Most CPR/first aid certifications are valid for 2 years. In-person or blended courses are both accepted. Cost is typically $50 to $200. Submit a copy of your certification card with your application.
Background Check and TWIC Card
The USCG conducts a character review as part of the credentialing process. You must disclose any criminal convictions on your CG-719B application. Drug offenses, DUIs, and certain other convictions can affect eligibility — but not always disqualify you. The USCG evaluates each case individually.
A TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is required for most USCG credential applicants. TWIC is issued by TSA after a separate security threat assessment and background check. Apply for TWIC at a TSA enrollment center. Current fee is $125.25. Processing takes 3 to 8 weeks.
You can apply for TWIC and your OUPV credential simultaneously to save time, but your MMC will not be issued until your TWIC application clears.
U.S. Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status
You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien (lawful permanent resident) to obtain a USCG credential. Proof of citizenship or immigration status is required with your application. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
Pass the OUPV Written Exam
You must pass all 4 sections of the OUPV written exam at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) or through a USCG-approved course. Details on exam content are in the next section below.
OUPV Six-Pack Exam Topics
The OUPV exam is administered at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC). It covers 4 sections. You must pass each section separately. Failing one section does not fail the others — you can retake individual sections. You have up to 3 attempts per section before you must restart the process.
Section 1: Rules of the Road (Navigation Rules)
90% to passThe highest-stakes section. The 90% passing threshold makes this the most demanding part of the exam. Most candidates spend the majority of their study time here.
- • COLREGS (International Rules) vs. Inland Rules — when each applies
- • Navigation lights and shapes — requirements by vessel type, time of day, and activity
- • Sound signals — underway, anchored, in restricted visibility
- • Right-of-way and stand-on/give-way vessel responsibilities
- • Vessel categories: sailing, power-driven, not under command, restricted maneuverability
- • Traffic separation schemes
- • Whistle signals, distress signals, and restricted visibility procedures
Section 2: Deck General and Safety
70% to passCovers practical vessel operations, safety equipment, and federal regulations for commercial passenger vessels. Expect questions drawn from 46 CFR and USCG safety standards.
- • Life-saving equipment — PFDs, EPIRBs, life rings, flares, and fire extinguishers
- • Fire prevention and fighting on small vessels
- • Man overboard procedures and crew rescue
- • Vessel stability basics — loading, free surface effect, and capsizing risk
- • Anchoring — scope, technique, and holding ground
- • Distress signals — visual, audio, and electronic
- • First aid — hypothermia, near-drowning, trauma at sea
- • Federal requirements for passenger vessels under 46 CFR
- • Weather recognition — cloud types, barometric pressure, sea state
- • Alcohol rules for vessel operators (BAC limits)
- • Marine pollution regulations (MARPOL / MPPRCA)
Section 3: Navigation General
70% to passTests your understanding of nautical navigation concepts, compass work, tides, currents, and seamanship. Heavy on applied knowledge.
- • Compass: variation, deviation, and correction (true vs. magnetic vs. compass)
- • Dead reckoning — speed, time, distance calculations
- • Tides and tidal current — predictions, flood/ebb, current vectors
- • Understanding nautical charts — symbols, depths, chart datums
- • Aids to navigation — buoy colors, numbers, lights, and IALA system
- • Ranges and bearings — relative, magnetic, and true
- • Weather and sea state seamanship
- • Electronic navigation — GPS, radar basics, AIS
- • VHF radio operation and DSC distress calling
- • Vessel documentation and numbering requirements
Section 4: Chart Plotting
70% to passThe hands-on section. You will use a parallel ruler, dividers, and a NOAA nautical chart to solve plotting problems. This is where many candidates struggle — primarily because they don't practice enough with actual plotting tools.
- • Plotting a course from point A to point B on a NOAA chart
- • Applying variation and deviation to find a compass course
- • Measuring distance using the latitude scale
- • Calculating estimated time of arrival (ETA) using speed and distance
- • Determining position using bearings (running fix, two-bearing fix)
- • Applying current to find course-made-good or set and drift
- • Reading depth soundings and identifying hazards on chart
- • Plotting a DR (dead reckoning) track
You are allowed to bring a non-programmable calculator, parallel rules, dividers, and pencils into the exam room. Charts are provided at the REC.
Step-by-Step OUPV Application Process (NMC)
All USCG captain's license applications are processed by the National Maritime Center (NMC)in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Here is the exact sequence to follow:
Gather and Document Your Sea Time
Before anything else, confirm you have 360 qualifying days. Collect your logbooks, gather CG-719S forms from vessel owners and masters, and organize your sea time documentation. The NMC will reject applications with incomplete or improperly completed sea service forms. Each form should identify the vessel name, vessel number or official number, route of operation, and dates of service.
Complete Your Physical Exam
Schedule and complete your USCG physical with a licensed medical provider. Have them complete USCG Form CG-719K. The physical is valid for 12 months. Schedule it early in the process since some providers have long lead times.
Pass Your Drug Test
Get your DOT 5-panel drug test at a certified collection site. Request a copy of the results for your records. The test is valid for 185 days — do not complete it too early, as it may expire before your application is processed by the NMC.
Obtain First Aid and CPR Certification
Complete an approved first aid and CPR course. Keep the certification card — you'll submit a copy with your application. If your certification expires during NMC processing, you may need to renew it before the MMC is issued.
Apply for Your TWIC Card
Schedule an appointment at a TSA TWIC enrollment center. Bring two forms of ID. Pay the $125.25 fee. TWIC processing takes 3 to 8 weeks — apply for this as early as possible since it is often the longest lead-time item in the application package. You can apply for TWIC and your MMC simultaneously.
Study for and Pass the Exam
Study all 4 exam sections thoroughly. Most candidates spend 60 to 120 hours of study time before taking the exam. Schedule your exam at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) — find your nearest REC through the NMC website at seamardoc.uscg.mil. You can schedule your exam before your application is fully processed.
Complete and Submit the CG-719B Application
Fill out USCG Form CG-719B (the main application form for a Merchant Mariner Credential). Answer all questions honestly — including the character/conviction questions. Incomplete or incorrect answers are a leading cause of delays and deficiency letters.
- • CG-719B application form
- • Proof of citizenship or qualified alien status
- • All CG-719S sea service forms
- • Completed CG-719K physical form
- • Drug test results
- • First aid and CPR certification copy
- • TWIC card copy (or evidence of application)
- • Passport-style photo
- • Application fee payment
- • Exam results (if already taken)
Wait for NMC Processing (60 to 90 Days)
Once the NMC receives your complete application, processing takes approximately 60 to 90 days. You can track your application status online at seamardoc.uscg.mil. If the NMC issues a deficiency letter requesting additional documentation, respond promptly — delays in responding reset your processing timeline.
Receive Your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
If your application is approved, the NMC will mail your MMC to the address on your application. Your MMC contains your OUPV endorsement along with your license grade and route. Keep it aboard any vessel you operate commercially.
OUPV Route Endorsements
Your OUPV six-pack license is issued with one or more route endorsements that specify where you are authorized to operate. The endorsement is determined by your sea time documentation and exam results.
Near-Coastal
Authorizes operation within 200 miles offshore of the U.S. coastline. Requires at least 90 days of sea time on ocean or near-coastal waters. This is the most useful endorsement for coastal charter operations.
Inland
Covers bays, sounds, rivers, lakes, and other inland waters. Does not require ocean sea time. If your operation is entirely inland — river tours, lake charters, bay cruises — this endorsement is sufficient.
Rivers
Specific to river systems. Required for commercial passenger operations on the inland river system. Often combined with an inland endorsement. Certain rivers have specific endorsements (Western Rivers, etc.).
License Validity and Renewal
Your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with OUPV endorsement is valid for 5 yearsfrom the date of issuance. You must renew before it expires to maintain your credential.
Renewal Requirements
- •Sea service: At least 1 year of qualifying sea service in the last 5 years, OR pass a refresher exam
- •Updated physical: New CG-719K from your physician
- •Drug test: New DOT 5-panel drug test
- •First aid recertification: Current first aid and CPR certification
- •TWIC renewal: TWIC is valid for 5 years — if it has expired, renew it separately
- •Renewal fee: Current NMC processing fees apply
Cost Breakdown: Six-Pack License Total
Here is a realistic breakdown of what you will spend to obtain your OUPV six-pack license from scratch. Costs vary by region and provider.
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NMC application fee | $100 – $175 | Paid to USCG/NMC |
| TWIC card | $125.25 | Required for most applicants |
| USCG physical exam (CG-719K) | $100 – $300 | From your MD, DO, PA, or NP |
| DOT drug test | $50 – $150 | Certified collection site |
| First aid and CPR course | $50 – $200 | Red Cross, AHA, etc. |
| Passport photo | $10 – $20 | 2 copies needed |
| Sea service form notarization | $0 – $50 | If required for recreational time |
| Study materials (self-study) | $0 – $500 | NailTheTest: $497 |
| Approved course (optional) | $500 – $1,500 | Replaces REC exam |
| Total (self-study path) | $435 – $1,395 | With NailTheTest |
| Total (approved course path) | $935 – $2,395 | With approved school |
Common Mistakes on OUPV Applications
These are the most common reasons the NMC issues deficiency letters, delays processing, or rejects applications outright. Avoid them by reading the NMC guidance carefully before submitting.
Incomplete or Improperly Completed CG-719S Forms
Missing vessel numbers, incorrect route descriptions, unsigned forms, or forms from people who were not actually present during the sea service. Every form must be complete, accurately reflect the service described, and be signed by an authorized person (vessel master, owner, or licensed officer — or notarized if the applicant self-certifies).
Expired Documentation at Time of NMC Review
The drug test (185 days), physical (12 months), and first aid certification all have expiration dates. If any of them expire while your application is pending — especially if you were slow to respond to deficiency letters — you may need to redo them. Stagger your document dates so they all expire well after your expected MMC issuance.
Not Enough Recent Sea Time
You may have 360 total days but fail the requirement that 90 days be in the last 3 years. This is the "recency" requirement. If your sea time is old, you need to get back on the water before applying. This also applies at renewal.
Applying for Near-Coastal Without Near-Coastal Sea Time
The near-coastal endorsement requires 90 days on ocean or near-coastal waters. If your sea time is entirely inland, you can get an inland OUPV — but not near-coastal. Some applicants assume all sea time qualifies for all endorsements. It does not.
Wrong Drug Test Protocol
The drug test must be DOT-compliant (not a simple employment screening or home test). It must go through a certified lab with a Medical Review Officer. Non-DOT tests are rejected outright by the NMC.
Failing to Disclose Convictions
The CG-719B application asks about criminal history. Failing to disclose a conviction is considered fraud and is far worse than the underlying conviction itself. The USCG often grants licenses to people with minor criminal histories — but not to people who lie on their applications. Disclose everything and let the NMC evaluate it.
Failing the Rules of the Road Section
The 90% passing requirement on Rules of the Road surprises many candidates. This section requires near-perfect knowledge of navigation light configurations, right-of-way rules, and sound signals. Most candidates who fail the overall exam fail on this section. Study it harder and longer than any other.
Exam Prep Tips — How to Actually Pass
The OUPV exam is not impossibly hard, but it catches people who underestimate it. Here is what separates candidates who pass on the first attempt from those who have to retake sections.
1. Start with Rules of the Road
Because it requires 90% to pass, spend the first third of your study time exclusively on Rules of the Road. Learn every light configuration by vessel type, situation, and time of day. Know which vessel is stand-on and which is give-way in every crossing, meeting, and overtaking scenario. Run practice questions daily until you can consistently score 92% or higher.
2. Practice Chart Plotting with Real Tools
You cannot study your way through the chart plotting section using only reading. Get a set of parallel rules, dividers, and a NOAA practice chart (Chart 1210Tr is the standard training chart used at most RECs). Practice plotting courses, applying variation, measuring distances, and working current vectors until the mechanics are automatic. Speed matters on exam day — fumbling with the tools wastes time.
3. Use Practice Questions Extensively
The USCG draws exam questions from a published question bank. While you won't see the exact questions in advance, you can study from question banks that closely mirror the exam content. NailTheTest includes over 1,600 practice questions across all 4 sections with detailed explanations for every answer.
4. Know Your Compass Math Cold
Variation and deviation problems appear throughout both the Navigation General and Chart Plotting sections. Know the mnemonic for converting between true, magnetic, and compass: Can Dead Men Vote Twice (Compass, Deviation, Magnetic, Variation, True). Know when to add and when to subtract. A single compass calculation error can cascade into multiple wrong answers on a plotting problem.
5. Schedule Your Exam When You're Ready — Not Before
Failing a section wastes time and may require you to restart part of the application process if you fail 3 times. Use a readiness score or practice test before you schedule the REC exam. NailTheTest gives you a readiness score that predicts your likelihood of passing each section before you walk in the door.
Ready to Start Studying?
NailTheTest covers all 4 OUPV exam sections — Rules of the Road, Deck General, Navigation General, and Chart Plotting — with 1,628+ practice questions, 866 flashcards, 398 lessons, and an AI readiness score that tells you when you're actually ready to pass. One-time $497. No subscription.
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