OUPV/Six-pack Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam

Course Options

On-the-Go Learning Tools

License Requirements

The USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/Six-pack 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 16 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 and an additional written requirement is passed.

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 16 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
• Pass a DOT Drug Test unless enrolled in a USCG - approved random drug testing program for the last 180 days, and with no failure or refusal to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.
• CPR/First Aid training
• Completion of Mariners Learning System^™ USCG-approved OUPV/Six-pack online course
• Complete a USCG Original License Application Package

No testing at the USCG Regional Exam Centers is necessary. All testing is done online through the MLS account.

Upon successful completion of the Mariners Learning System^™ online OUPV/Six-pack Captain's License course, the student studies the materials and takes our proctored exam online. Once the student passes our multiple-choice exam, they will receive a Mariners Learning System^™ certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Simply submit, within one year, the original certificate along with the application package and applicable fees to the USCG Regional Exam Center. Upon their approval of your package, they will mail the license.

ONLINE TESTING

Mariners Learning System™ offers Coast Guard approved remote testing for those looking to become a licensed Captain. Our eLearning system makes it easy to take your Captain’s Licensing course and final proctored exam online when it’s convenient for you. Any Day. Any Time. Any Place. To learn more about our online testing for USCG captain’s licenses CLICK HERE.

HOW MLS TESTS ARE GRADED

Once the student completes the course quizzes and online module exam(s), they can test on-demand online for 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, they will be able to retest after the previous exams are reviewed and reattempts unlocked. This re-examination must occur within 3 months of the original testing attempt or prior to the course expiration date, which ever date comes first. Those who do not pass an exam module after three attempts must retake the entire online course and retest all modules online prior to the year course expiration date and wait a period of 45 days to retest.

TEST REQUIREMENTS

Students must have a high-speed internet connection and an up-to-date desktop or laptop with a webcam and microphone. Also, students must have the ability to download software through the MLS account. This is required to access the exam.

When testing online for the proctored exam, students will be required to display a legible photocopy of their Coast Guard recognized photo identification to the computer screen. The student will be required to complete the course evaluation form prior to testing. These copies will be retained for our records per USCG requirements.

The list of acceptable forms of photo identification includes:

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to provide a clear and legible copy of identification. If an ID is not provided and/or MLS is unable to read the copy, it will result in a failure. No exceptions per Coast Guard policy. No other forms of identification will be accepted.