Interested in getting your captain's license?  If so, you may be interested in this information.

Sea experience requirements, Exam Modules, Application, Fee Schedule, Practice questions for U.S.C.G. license exam, U.S.C.G. approved courses

Sea Experience Requirements
Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels -- "Launchtender"

 
  • Minimum age: 17
  • 90 days operating a small vessel
  • 90 days within the last 3 years
  • Letter from prospective employer at Yacht Club, Marina, or Educational Institution
  • Boating Safety Certificate (included with New England Maritime's Launch Course)
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels Upon Inland Waters -- "Six-Pack"

 
  • Minimum age: 18
  • 360 days operating a small vessel
  • 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years.
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels Upon Near Coastal Waters -- "Six Pack"

 
  • Minimum age: 18
  • 360 days operating a small vessel, of which 90 days must be upon near coastal or ocean waters
  • 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years.
Limited Master Inland -- "Launchtender"

 

 
  • Minimum age: 18
  • 120 days operating a small vessel
  • 90 days within the last 3 years
  • Letter from prospective employer at Yacht Club, Marina, or Educational Institution
  • Boating Safety Certificate (included with New England Maritime's Launch Course)
Master Inland Steam or Motor Vessels of Not More Than 100 Gross Tons 

 
  • Minimum age: 19
  • 360 days operating a small vessel
  • 90 days of the 360 must be within the last 3 years.
  • Auxiliary Sail Endorsement, 180 days service on sail or auxiliary sail
Master Near Coastal  Steam or Motor Vessels of Not More Than 100 Gross Tons

 
  • Minimum age: 19
  • 720 days operating a small vessel, of which 360 must have been on near coastal or ocean waters
  • 90 days of the 720 must be within the last 3 years
  • Auxiliary Sail Endorsement, 360 days service on sail or auxiliary sail

Exam Modules
 

OUPV # of questions

Passing Grade

Masters # of questions

Passing Grade
Rules of the Road 30 90% 30 90%
Nav General 20 70% 20 70%
Plotting 10 70% 10 70%
Deck General 60 70% 70 70%
Towing Endorsement 20 70% 20 70%
Auxiliary Sail - - 20 70%

Coast Guard Application

The Coast Guard issues nearly sixty different operator licenses or certificates. Each has its own qualifying requirements. These operator licenses are issued by Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers. To get information and details on applying for the type of license you need, call the Coast Guard Customer Infoline for the telephone number of the Coast Guard Regional Examination Center nearest to you. The Infoline number is 1-800-368-5647. In the Washington, DC, area call 202-267-0780. TDD numbers are 1-800-689-0816 and in Washington, DC area 202-267-6707.

Application Form Complete required sections for an original license.  Three character references must be included.  Application valid for one year from receipt.

Physical Exam Form  Form must be completely filled out.  An incomplete form will delay your application.  Not meeting a vision, hearing, or general physical condition requirements does not automatically disqualify the applicant.

Drug Test  All applicants must be certified "Drug Free"  by:

- having a physician submit a completed Drug Free form after a SAMHSA approved drug test or
- submitting a letter stating the applicant is currently enrolled in a Coast Guard required random drug testing program.

Sea Service Form  You must tabulate your experience in operating your own vessels on the the Sea Service Form.  If  necessary use added copies to account for service on more than four vessels.  One day of service consists of a minimum of four hours underway, not at the dock.  You can claim only one day in a 24 hour day.

Documentation of Sea Service  If sea time is documented on your own vessel, use state registration, documentation certificate, bill of sale, or insurance papers.  Service on vessels not owned by you must be supported by letters in the form of the supplemental Small Boat Experience Letter.

Proof of Age and Citizenship  Must be verified by one of the following:

- Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
-Passport (original or certified copy)
-Baptismal Certificate (issued within a year of birth)
-Certificate of Naturalization (original only)
-Proper documentation for name change

Proof of Social Security Number You must submit an original or duplicate, not a copy.

CPR / First Aid Card(s)  A certificate dated within 12 months of your application date from one of the following courses:

-American Red Cross
-American Heart Association
-Coast Guard Approved Course

Fees: The Coast Guard will evaluate your paperwork and issue your license using the following fee schedule (effective October 4, 1999):

Fee Schedule
(effective October 4, 1999)
  Evaluation Exam Issuance
Original License (includes endorsements) $115 $95* $45
Renewal License $50 $45 $45
Duplicate/Replacement     $45
Endorsement Only $50 $45 $45
Continuity Endorsement**     $45

Licensing 2000

One of Licensing 2000's goals is to have a better educated mariner by the year 2000. Licensing 2000 includes approved facilities which hold Coast Guard Approved Courses teaching approved curriculum, to prepare you for your USCG License. Instead of cramming for an exam, you will take a 66 hour Operator of Uninspected Vessels Near Coastal (OUPV/6 Pack) or a 92 hour Masters 100 Ton Near Coastal course. This allows you to learn and retain the information in a timely manner and apply this knowledge in real situations.