OUPV 6-Pack Captain's License Course
“Taught by experienced captain's who know what it takes to pass the USCG exam.
”In person classes currently held in Michigan, Ohio, Port Charlotte and Sarasota, Florida
OUPV Six-Pack Course Outline
1. Introduction to OUPV Licensing
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Overview of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) OUPV License
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Eligibility requirements (age, sea time, medical exam, etc.)
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Application process and required documentation
2. Rules of the Road
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Navigation rules (Inland & International)
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Right-of-way, overtaking, and crossing situations
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Navigation lights, sound signals, and distress signals
3. Aids to Navigation & Chart Plotting
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Buoy systems (IALA-B in the U.S.)
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Navigational charts and symbols
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Latitude and longitude
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Plotting courses, bearings, and fixes
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Compass error and variation
4. Deck General & Seamanship
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Vessel terminology and construction
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Anchoring and mooring procedures
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Line handling, knots, and splices
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Vessel stability and loading considerations
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Weather patterns and effects on navigation
5. Navigation and Piloting
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Dead reckoning and piloting techniques
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GPS, radar, and electronic navigation
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Tides, currents, and their effects on navigation
6. Safety & Emergency Procedures
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Firefighting and fire prevention
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Life-saving equipment and survival techniques
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Emergency radio communications (Mayday, Pan-Pan, Sécurité)
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Man-overboard procedures
7. Maritime Law & Regulations
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USCG regulations for uninspected passenger vessels
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Liability and responsibilities of a licensed captain
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Drug and alcohol testing regulations
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Federal and state boating laws
8. Radio (FCC VHF )Operations
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Proper use of VHF radios
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Distress and routine communications
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Calling and response protocols
9. OUPV Exam Preparation & Final Exam
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Review of course materials
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Practice exams and navigation chart work
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Proctored USCG-approved exam
Types of OUPV Licenses
1. OUPV Inland
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Allows operation of uninspected passenger vessels on U.S. inland waterways (rivers, bays, lakes).
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Requires at least 360 days of documented sea time, with 90 days on inland waters.
2. OUPV Great Lakes & Inland
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Permits operation on both Great Lakes and inland waters.
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Requires 360 days of sea time, with at least 90 days on Great Lakes
3. OUPV Near Coastal
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Allows operation on inland waters and up to 100 nautical miles offshore in U.S. and international waters.
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Requires 360 days of sea time, with at least 90 days on near-coastal waters.
Master's License vs Six-Pack License
The Master’s License allows you to carry more than six paying passengers on a USCG Inspected vessel up to 100 gross tons. Most head-boat captains on large passenger vessels require a Master’s License.
This page focuses on the 6-Pack License, as it is sufficient for most captains. For a comparison of OUPV 6-Pack vs. Masters Captain's License. Read More
Experience Requirements
To Qualify for a 6-Pack (OUPV) New License
You must have:
• 360 days of documented sea time (time spent piloting or crewing a boat).
• 90 of those days within the last 3 years.
• 90 days on ocean waters for the Near-Coastal License.
OUV 6-pack requirements steps- Read more
To Qualify for the Master’s License
Requirements increase:
• 720 days of documented sea time for a new license.
• 360 days offshore, active license, 90 days within the last 3 years.
Success spotlight: Meet Ryan
From Student to Licensed Captain!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I had always wanted to get my captain’s license but didn’t know where to start. This course at Premier Maritime Training made everything simple! The material was easy to follow and the support I received from the instructor was incredible. I passed my exam on the first try.
The team at Windless helped ensure my sea time was documented correctly for my application. Now, I’m officially a licensed captain, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next!
— Ryan., OUPV Licensed Captain
