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OUPV or 6 Pack License Up To 100 Ton Requirements - Merchant Mariner Credential

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U.S. Coast Guard Requirements for Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV or 6 Pack License) Less Than 100 GRT

The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) License (Charter Boat Captains License or 6 Pack License) allows the holder to Captain uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (roughly 75-90 feet long). An uninspected passenger vessel is any vessel carrying six or fewer passengers for hire.

The term ‘uninspected’ refers to the provision under the Passenger Vessel Act of 1993 that vessels carrying six or fewer passengers do not require an inspection by the Coast Guard. They are still expected to comply with the law and carry all required equipment and have a USCG licensed captain.

Most pleasure vessels are in the uninspected vessel category and these vessels are limited to 6 paying passengers plus crew. OUPV Inland License (lakes, bays, rivers, sounds) is restricted to operation shoreward of the boundary line, excluding the Great Lakes. OUPV Great Lakes is the endorsement for Great Lakes, and OUPV Near Coastal which enables one to cruise up to 100 miles offshore, Great Lakes and inland waters of the U.S. and its territories.

The OUPV 6-Pack License is the lowest level of Deck officer endorsement of the Merchant Marine Credential. There are other endorsements of licenses such as Limited OUPV (for formal camps, yacht clubs, educational institutions, and marinas), Restricted OUPV (restricted to a specific body of water as approved by the OCMI), Limited OUPV (this is to satisfy the unique qualification requirements of an applicant or distinct group of mariners per 11.201(l)) etc. Please refer to our Limited Master/OUPV Section for more information.

Note: Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101 (42)(B) upon inland or great lakes or operator of uninspected passenger vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101 (42)(B) upon near coastal waters not more than 100 miles offshore.

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The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) License (6 Pack License) allows the holder to Captain uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons with a maximum of 6 passengers
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OUPV or 6 Pack General Requirements

  • Age: 18
  • TWIC
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required for unrestricted license. (Non-U.S. Citizens may be issued OUPV, Limited to Undocumented Vessels). Non-U.S. citizens must be able to show lawful admittance to the United States for permanent residence.
  • Language: English (Those who speak Spanish, but not English, may be issued an OUPV Restricted to Navigable Waters of the United States in the vicinity of Puerto Rico)
  • Medical Certificate
  • Drug Testing Compliance
  • Sea Service Letters or Discharges

USCG OUPV or 6 Pack License Less Than 100 GRT Requirements

Sea Service Requirements

  • Recency: 90 days in the past 3 years on vessels
  • OUPV Inland: 360 days in the operation of vessels
  • OUPV Great Lakes: 360 days of service, OF WHICH 90 days operating vessels on Great Lakes waters
  • OUPV Near Coastal: 360 days in the operation of vessels, OF WHICH 90 days of service on Ocean, Near Coastal or Great Lakes waters
  • Non-U.S. Citizens License: Non-U.S. Citizens may be issued OUPV, Limited to Undocumented Vessels. They will be drafted with the following limitation - Limited to Uninspected Vessels Not Documented Under the Laws of the United States. They will not include entry level ratings unless record of Permanent Resident Alien card provided. A Permanent Resident Alien card is the only acceptable document to issue entry level ratings to non-US Citizens.
  • License for Spanish Speaking: An applicant, who speaks Spanish, but not English, may be issued an OUPV Restricted to Navigable Waters of the United States in the vicinity of Puerto Rico.

Exams

Commercial Assistance Towing 

Other Requirements

  • First Aid
  • CPR

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