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United States · Captain’s license

Getting a captain’s license online: what you can and can’t do

You can do the classroom part of a captain’s license online: some Coast Guard-approved schools run the OUPV course and its final exam over the internet, with a proctor watching by webcam. Your sea time, medical exam, drug test and TWIC enrollment still happen in the real world. You can also send the application to the Coast Guard electronically, so the paperwork side of getting a captain’s license online can be done from home.

  • $650Sea School’s online OUPV course
  • $695Captain’s License Class online OUPV
  • 12 monthsOnline course access at both schools
Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Can you get a captain’s license online?

Partly. The Coast Guard may allow distance learning and e-learning under the STCW Code’s training standards, and some schools have online OUPV and Master upgrade courses approved. Their exams replace the Coast Guard’s, so there’s no trip to a Regional Examination Center for the test.

What you can’t do online is earn the sea time. TSA also fingerprints and photographs you in person at a TWIC application center, though you can pre-enroll online.

Online 6 pack captain’s license courses compared

CoursePriceExam
Sea School, online OUPV$650Online proctored final, retakes available
Captain’s License Class, online OUPV$695Online proctored, four modules

Both OUPV courses include 12 months of access. Captain’s License Class uses the Mariners Learning System course, and its exam needs a computer with a webcam and microphone.

Classroom courses and more detail →

Applying online

The Coast Guard accepts applications in person, by mail or by other electronic means, and since January 19, 2025 its rules have allowed required credentialing information to be sent electronically. Fees must be paid electronically, for the exact amount. The National Maritime Center publishes the current online submission options.

What goes with the application →
Sources: eCFR · Federal Register · Sea School and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

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

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