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United States · Captain’s license

What size boat requires a captain’s license?

When it carries people, a boat’s size doesn’t decide whether a captain’s license is needed. Passengers for hire do: once a self-propelled boat carries even one, federal law requires a Coast Guard-credentialed operator, and the number of passengers then decides between an OUPV and a Master. Size matters on its own only for big seagoing vessels and towing vessels.

  • 1Paying passenger is enough to need a license
  • 6Passenger limit on an uninspected vessel
  • 200 gross tonsDocumented seagoing size needing a Master
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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Does the size of the boat decide whether you need a captain’s license?

Not for a boat that carries people. For those, the rules turn on passengers for hire, and the boat’s tonnage then decides which endorsement fits. Size on its own matters only for bigger or working vessels: every self-propelled, seagoing documented vessel of 200 gross tons or more needs a credentialed Master, and a towing vessel of 8 meters (26 feet) or more needs a towing officer.

VesselWho must run it
Uninspected, under 100 gross tons, up to 6 passengers with at least one for hireAn OUPV, or a higher endorsement
Small passenger vessel, under 100 gross tons, more than 6 passengers with at least one for hireA Master, on an inspected vessel
Uninspected passenger vessel of 100 gross tons or moreA Master
Self-propelled, seagoing documented vessel of 200 gross tons or moreA Master

A self-propelled uninspected passenger vessel must be operated by someone the Coast Guard has licensed for that type of vessel, under 46 U.S.C. 8903.

Who counts as a passenger

Under 46 U.S.C. 2101, a passenger is anyone on board except the owner or the owner’s representative, the master, and crew working for the vessel who haven’t paid to be carried. On a chartered boat, an individual charterer doesn’t count either. A passenger for hire is one who contributes consideration as a condition of being carried, whether it goes directly or indirectly to the owner, charterer, operator or anyone else with an interest in the vessel. Consideration doesn’t include a voluntary sharing of the actual expenses of the trip, such as chipping in for fuel, food, drinks or supplies.

Chartered boats count passengers differently, including bareboat charters; the six-pack page sets out the charter rules.

The six-pack license →The 100 ton Master license →OUPV or Master: the overview →

Other commercial work

Towing has its own rules. A towing vessel of 8 meters (26 feet) or more must be run by a Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels, or by a Master or Mate of vessels over 200 GRT with a towing endorsement or a signed Towing Officer Assessment Record. That rule doesn’t apply to assistance towing, helping disabled boats for pay, but OUPV and Master holders under 200 GRT need an Assistance Towing endorsement to do it.

Sources: govinfo · eCFR and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewCoursesCostOnlineRequirementsHow to get itSix-pack (OUPV)100 ton MasterCredential (MMC)

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