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Six-Pack License

Informal name for the USCG OUPV license, which caps carriage at six paying passengers on an uninspected vessel.

Six-pack is industry slang for the USCG OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) license. The name comes from the hard limit of six paying passengers. A seventh paying passenger legally converts the trip into an inspected-vessel operation, which requires a COI on the boat and a higher-tier captain's license.

Six-pack holders can run bareboat-chartered vessels as the bareboat captain-for-hire, operate small commercial tours, lead fishing charters, and tender passengers. The license is endorsed for Near Coastal or Inland operation; a Master of Near Coastal or Master of Inland upgrade expands carriage to seven-plus passengers on inspected vessels.

Examples

  • A six-pack captain hired for a private fishing trip with four guests.
  • A captain who adds a seventh paying passenger mid-trip is operating outside their license.

On CharterXO

CharterXO displays the six-passenger cap clearly on every six-pack-captained listing so customers know not to attempt a seven-person booking.

Related Terms

OUPV License—USCG license authorizing a captain to operate an Uninspected Passenger Vessel carrying up to six paying passengers.USCG Captain's License—A Merchant Mariner Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that authorizes the holder to operate a vessel for hire.Masters License—A tiered USCG license authorizing a captain to operate an inspected passenger vessel, sized by vessel tonnage.COI vs. Uninspected—The regulatory distinction between inspected passenger vessels (7+ paying passengers) and uninspected vessels (up to 6).

References

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