License Requirements

The USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/SixPack Captain's License) allows the holder to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (about 75-90 feet long). These are usually smaller vessels that normally engage in charter fishing, SCUBA diving, or tour cruises. As such, these vessels are limited to six paying passengers plus crew-hence the term "Six-Pack." The OUPV License is issued in three forms:

OUPV Inland License: The OUPV Inland license is restricted to operation shoreward of the boundary line, excluding the Great Lakes. As a general rule, the U.S. Boundary Line follows coastal shorelines and across the entrances to small bays, inlets, and rivers. This license is valid on uninspected vessels to 100 gross tons.

• This license requires at least 360 days of Documented Experience in the operation of vessels, with 90 of the 360 days occurring in the last three years. Experience gained prior to 15 years of age may not be counted.
• The Six-pack Inland License can be upgraded to a Near Coastal License once 90 days experience seaward of the U.S. Boundary has been achieved.

OUPV Great Lakes & Inland: 360 total with at least 90 days service on the Great Lakes.

OUPV Near Coastal: This license is valid on vessels up to 100 gross tons and out to 100 nautical miles.

The OUPV Near Coastal License also requires at least 360 days of documented experience in the operation of vessels, 90 of which must be gained seaward of the boundary line. Ninety of the 360 days must be in the last three years. Experience gained prior to the age of 15 will not be counted.

Note: Sea Service experience can be counted on your own vessel. A Small Vessel Sea Service Form and proof of ownership are required. Experience on other people's vessels can also be counted. In this instance, to verify experience claimed and vessel details, a completed Sea Service Form with the owner's signature must accompany the application.

Additional Requirements Include:

• Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card)
• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Pass a Physical Examination
• Take a Drug Test unless enrolled in a USCG - approved random drug testing program for at least 60 of the last 180 day5 days, and with no failure or refusal to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.
• CPR/First Aid training
• Provide Three Character References
• Completion of Mariners Learning System™ USCG-approved OUPV/Six-Pack online course
• Completed USCG Original License Application Package

No testing at the USCG Regional Exam Centers is necessary. All testing is done at our facilities.

Upon successful completion of the Mariners Learning System™ online OUPV course, the student studies the materials and takes a proctored exam at one of our Coast Guard approved testing sites. Once the student passes our multiple choice exam, he or she will receive a Mariners Learning System™ certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Simply submit, within one year, the original certificate along with your application package and applicable fees to the USCG Regional Exam Center. Upon their approval of your package, they will send you your original License.

Overview

The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/Charter Boat Captain) is the most popular of the Captain's Licenses and is required for those who wish to operate fishing and sailing charters, run a dive boat, or offer sightseeing tours, etc.

Mariners Learning System™ has developed an intuitive learning approach that's direct, clear, and effective. By providing a methodical, well-organized program of professionally produced, on-demand lectures, videos, and companion materials, our students are able to absorb and retain what they have learned.

Course Subjects Include:

• Navigational Rules of the Road
• Aids to Navigation & Chart Plotting
• Electronic Navigation
• Characteristics of Weather Systems
• Lifesaving Equipment & Safety

Authorization

This license entitles the holder to carry up to six passengers "for hire." Including the Captain and Mate, that adds up to eight people authorized onboard power or sailing vessels up to 100-tons.

Sea Service

For this license, a day of sea service is defined as at least 4 hours underway on any given calander day and can be counted back to your 15th birthday. You do not have to know the exact dates - just the number of days each year.

License Operating Area

This license can be issued for the Great Lakes, U.S. Inland Waters or U.S. Near Coastal waters (depending on where you gained your experience).

Instructors

Included with each Mariners Learning System™ course is 24/7 access to our online instructors. Each instructor is a USCG Licensed Master that has gone through a rigorous approval process meeting the standards of the United States Coast Guard to become a certified instructor. They bring a level of knowledge, experience, and professionalism that adds to the total learning process. In the rare event than an online instructor cannot answer your question, toll free telephone support with one of our Staff Instructors will be provided.

Testing

Once the student completes the course quizzes and online Module Exam they make an appointment to take their final proctored exam with Mariners Learning System™. No testing at the Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers. The grading standards are:

The student must pass all modules to receive a certification of completion. If a student fails one or more modules, he or she may retest twice more without delay on the failed modules. Those who do not pass an exam module after three attempts must wait a period of 45 days to retest. The student will be required to complete the entire course prior to being allowed another three attempts at each module. In this case the student must retest and pass all four Exam Modules.

Course Materials

Mariners Learning System™ includes one complete set of the following training materials to each student:

Mariners Learning System™ – One year's access to our Internet based narrated lecture and interactive learning system. This program is based on the Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved OUPV class room course. Thousands of students have earned their Captains License by participating in this program.

Mariners Learning System™ – Textbooks: Rules of the Road; Navigation General; Deck general.

Mariner Learning System™ – Coast Guard approved on demand videos containing the following (8) training topics:

• Conducting Onboard Drills
• Emergency Radio Procedures
• Emergency Information Radio Beacons
• Marine Fire: First Response
• Immersion Suits
• Inflatable Floatation Devices
• Personal Floatation Devices
• Visual Distress Signals

Plotting Tools

Each student will receive a complete navigator’s package which will include the following plotting tools:

• Long Island Sound Training Chart -12354TR
• Dividers
• Nautical parallel rule
• Calculator
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Tote bag

Reference Aids

For reference and use during the course the students will have access to the following on-line resources:

• Publication No. 102
• Publication No. 117 – Radio
• Reprints from the Light Lists and Coast Pilots COMDTPUB P16721.38
• Reprints from the Tide Tables – COMDTPUB P16721.46
• Chart No. 1
• Merchant Marine Deck Examination Illustration Book – COMDTPUB P16721.7C
• Title 46 Shipping – United States Code Annotated
• Title 33, CFR

Lesson Plan

Module I - Navigation Rules of the Road

• Part A – General
• Section I – Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
• Section II – Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
• Section III – Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
• Part C – Lights and Shapes
• Part D – Sound and Light Signals
• Differences between International and U.S. Inland Rules of the Road

Module II - Deck Safety

• Fire Fighting
• Marine Engine Operations
• Marine Radiotelephone
• Lifesaving Equipment
• Pollution Prevention

Module III - Deck General

• Basic Seamanship
• Characteristics of Weather systems
• Ship Handling
• Emergency Procedures
• Maritime Law

Module IV - Piloting and General Navigation

• Piloting
• Compasses
• Plotting
• Tides and Currents
• Approaches to Anchorages and Harbors
• Electronic Navigation Equipment

Test Sites

Click the map below to view our testing locations by state, date and time.

We currently offer testing in the states that are dark blue.

What You Need to Know About Testing...

Mariners Learning System™ has Coast Guard approved testing facilities located throughout the country. Each student wishing to complete one of Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved courses is required to pass a proctored exam to receive a Certificate of Completion. This Certificate of Completion will be accepted by the Coast Guard in lieu of taking one of their exams for licensing purposes. If a student fails one or more modules, he or she may test twice without delay of the failed modules. Those who do not pass an exam module after three attempts must wait a period of 45 days to retest. The student will be required to complete the entire course prior to being allowed another three attempts at each module. In this case the student must retest and pass all exam modules.

To sit for a proctored exam you are required to have a confirmed date and seat in the Mariners Learning System™ proctored exam room. Without this electronic confirmation you will not be permitted to test.

Testing dates/locations close 14 calendar days before the scheduled test date, therefore you must register more than 14 calendar days before the scheduled test date.

Students testing for the first time and also retest students must register via the online registration. Only students who are currently enrolled in a Mariners Learning System™ Course are permitted to register to take a Proctored Exam.

When you arrive to take the proctored exam you will be required to provide the proctor with a copy of the electronic proctored exam enrollment form, a legible copy of your Coast Guard recognized photo identification, and your online final exam completion letter(s). These copies will be retained for our records per USCG requirements. The list of acceptable forms of photo identification includes:

• U.S. Military identification card
• U.S. drivers license
• U.S. Passport
• Official identification card issued by a State, or local government.
• Official identification card issued by the Federal Government.
• Law enforcement credential, with photograph of the applicant, issued by Federal, State or local government
• Merchant Marine Document issued after February 3, 2003
• Foreign Passport

In addition you will also be required to supply a copy of the Final Online Exam Completion letters.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is your responsibility to provide legible copies of both your identification and Final Exam completion letters. The proctor will not allow you to test unless these documents are provided. If you arrive to the testing facility without any of these required documents you will not be permitted to take the scheduled exam. No exceptions per Coast Guard policy. No other forms of identification will be accepted.

Mariners Learning System™ Proctored Testing Cancellation Policy

Registered students who are unable to attend their scheduled proctored exam are required to cancel their appointment for testing in writing at least 14 calendar days before the scheduled test date.

Cancellation for testing must sent to the Mariners Learning System™ staff in writing via email to Testing@MarinersLearningSystem.com and the student must receive written confirmation from Mariners Learning System™ staff in order for the cancellation to be valid.

If a student does not notify Mariners Learning System™ via email of their intention to change their confirmed proctored exam date at least 14 calendar days prior to the test date or if a student does not attend the registered test date, a $95.00 fee will be assessed the next time the student registers to take a proctored exam.

If a student does not follow the testing policy once again at a future test date, the student will be charged another fee of $95.00 when they reschedule.

As long as this policy is followed there is NO additional charge for changing a confirmed proctored test date.

Any student who has questions regarding this policy is directed to contact our corporate office for clarification at Support@MarinersLearningSystem.com