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How to Get Your OUPV License
Looking to captain a charter boat, become a certified instructor, or offer guide services commercially?Learn how to get your OUPV boat captain's license today.
Infographic: How to Get Your OUPV License


Common OUPV Questions
1 What is the OUPV captain’s license?
The OUPV license is a U.S. Coast Guard boat captain's license that allows the holder to take up to six paying passengers and crew out on the water. It is issued in three forms: Inland License, Great Lakes & Inland License, and Near Coastal. Many aspiring charter boat captains go after the OUPV license unless they plan to operate charter boats with more than six passengers, but being a charter boat captain is only one of many careers you can pursue with an OUPV boat captain's license.
2 What are the requirements for an OUPV license?
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a U.S. citizen OR show lawful admittance to the United States for permanent residence.
- Have a minimum of 360 days boating experience. Ninety of those days must have occurred in the last three years.
- Pass a physical and a drug test.
- Hold a valid adult CPR and Basic First Aid card.
- Obtain a TWIC card.
- Pass the Mariners Learning System OUPV course.
Next Steps for Getting Your License
- Find out why Mariners Learning System is the best choice for getting your boat license.
- Learn more about documenting your boating experience for the OUPV license.
- Purchase the Mariners Learning System OUPV license course.
Ready to Get Your Captain’s License?


The Definitive Guide to Becoming a Licensed Captain
It's all in this eGuide!
Learn how to get your Captain's License, determine which license is right for you, and understand the USCG license requirements.