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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.

A USCG Captain's License is the umbrella term for a federal Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed for passenger carriage. Anyone who operates a vessel for compensation in U.S. waters — including coastal or inland waters — must hold the appropriate license level, pass USCG exams, accumulate documented sea time, and complete a federally accepted physical and drug screening.

Licenses are tiered by vessel tonnage and passenger count. Entry-level captains typically start with an OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels), informally called a "six-pack," which caps them at six paying passengers. Higher tiers include 25-ton, 50-ton, 100-ton, 200-ton, and 500-ton Master licenses, each authorizing larger inspected vessels with more passengers.

Licenses are issued at the USCG National Maritime Center and must be renewed every five years with ongoing sea time, medical clearance, and drug testing.

Examples

  • A captain holding a USCG 100-ton Master is licensed to run a charter yacht up to 100 gross tons with the appropriate passenger endorsement.
  • A USCG OUPV-licensed captain can run six-pack fishing charters on an uninspected vessel.

On CharterXO

CharterXO requires every captained listing to name the licensed captain and display their license level. Owners upload credentials and the platform verifies them before the listing goes live.

Related Terms

OUPV License—USCG license authorizing a captain to operate an Uninspected Passenger Vessel carrying up to six paying passengers.Six-Pack License—Informal name for the USCG OUPV license, which caps carriage at six paying passengers on an uninspected vessel.Masters License—A tiered USCG license authorizing a captain to operate an inspected passenger vessel, sized by vessel tonnage.MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential)—The official USCG document containing all of a mariner's licenses, endorsements, and ratings.STCW—An international convention setting minimum training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for commercial seafarers.

References

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