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United States · Captain’s license

Six-pack captain’s license (OUPV): what it covers and who qualifies

An OUPV endorsement lets you run an uninspected vessel of less than 100 GRT carrying six or fewer passengers, which is where the six-pack name comes from. You need 12 months of experience operating vessels and an age of at least 18. The route depends on where you got your time: 3 months on ocean or near-coastal waters gets you a near-coastal six pack captain license.

  • 6Passengers you can carry
  • Under 100 gross tonsVessels an OUPV covers
  • 100 milesNear-coastal limit offshore
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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What does a six pack captain license let you do?

It lets you take people out for pay on a boat that isn’t inspected by the Coast Guard. Federal law calls that boat an uninspected passenger vessel: under 100 gross tons, carrying not more than 6 passengers, including at least one passenger for hire.

Fishing charters, dive trips and sightseeing runs with six or fewer guests fit this pattern. More than 6 passengers, with at least one paying, make the boat a small passenger vessel. Small passenger vessels are subject to Coast Guard inspection, and an inspected one must have a Master in command.

Who needs which license →

Six-pack sea time by route

RouteSea serviceValid on
Near-coastal12 months operating vessels, with 3 months on ocean or near-coastal watersUp to 100 miles offshore, the Great Lakes and all inland waters
Great Lakes and inland12 months on Great Lakes or inland waters, with 3 months on the Great LakesThe Great Lakes and inland waters
Inland12 months operating vesselsInland waters, not the Great Lakes
Limited (camps, yacht clubs, schools, marinas)3 months on that type of boat, a recognized safe boating course and a limited examOnly that activity and place
Restricted (named inland waters)At least 3 months on that type of boat and on each body of water, if the local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) modifies the requirementsOnly the waters the OCMI approves

Your service must include at least 3 months in the 3 years before you apply.

Logging your days on the water →

Charter boats and the OUPV

A boat chartered with the crew provided or specified by the owner is still an uninspected passenger vessel if it carries not more than 6 passengers, so the person running it needs an OUPV or higher. A boat chartered with no crew provided becomes a small passenger vessel only above 12 passengers.

To tow or help a disabled boat for pay, an OUPV holder also needs an Assistance Towing endorsement, earned by a written exam or an approved course.

Taking the six-pack course online →

Who can hold an OUPV

It’s the one officer endorsement open to non-citizens, limited to vessels not documented under U.S. law. An applicant who speaks Spanish but not English can get an OUPV restricted to the waters near Puerto Rico. A Master endorsement also lets you serve as an OUPV, and a Mate of inspected vessels, other than a Great Lakes, inland or river Mate under 200 GRT, can too.

Moving up to Master →Age, medical and other requirements →
Sources: eCFR · govinfo and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

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

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