Looking for Answers?
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 CAPTAIN'S 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 OUPV LICENSE REQUIREMENTS?
- An OUPV license requirement is you need to 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.
