Complete your USCG-approved training and exams online, on your schedule, with experienced captain-instructor support when you need it.
Qualify for a 25, 50, or 100 Ton Master credential based on your documented sea service.
Move beyond the six-passenger limit and qualify to operate inspected passenger vessels.
Pursue more work in charter, tour, ferry, launch, and other professional vessel operations.
Complete your USCG-approved course and take our USCG-approved exams entirely online—without leaving home or traveling to a Coast Guard testing center. Start anytime, work at your own pace, and get help from an experienced captain-instructor when you need it.
This 80-hour course covers Navigation, Rules of the Road, Deck Safety, and the practical knowledge required of a professional vessel operator. Pass our exams and receive a course certificate accepted by the Coast Guard in place of the corresponding Coast Guard examinations.
Our course. Our exams. All online.
Ferries and Passenger Vessels
Operate inspected passenger vessels within the limits of your credential.
Fishing, Tour, and Sailing Charters
Carry more than six passengers on qualifying charter operations.
Commercial and Working Vessels
Expand into professional vessel operations beyond six-pack charters.
Vessels Up to 100 Gross Tons
Qualify for 25, 50, or 100 tons based on your documented sea service.
You do not need to complete every Coast Guard application requirement before beginning your course. You can start training now and complete the remaining sea-service, medical, TWIC, drug-testing, and application requirements while you work through the program. Your course certificate must be submitted to the Coast Guard within one year of course completion.
Sea Service Experience
Sea-service requirements depend on the route you seek. A Master Inland or Great Lakes endorsement generally requires 360 days of qualifying service. A Master Near Coastal endorsement requires 720 days, with some inland service accepted toward that total. At least 90 days must have been earned within the past seven years. Your qualifying vessel experience determines whether your license is issued at 25, 50, or 100 GRT.
Age Requirements
You must be at least 19 years old to receive a 25, 50, or 100 GRT
Master endorsement. OUPV applicants may qualify at age 18. Sea service earned before age 16 is generally not creditable.
Physical and Drug Test
You must meet Coast Guard medical standards and provide acceptable drug-testing documentation. A standalone DOT five-panel drug test must be completed within 185 days of your application, or you may provide evidence of participation in a compliant random drug-testing program.
TWIC Card
You must obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, which includes a TSA security threat assessment. Eligible TWIC holders may also use the identification number on their card to receive TSA PreCheck benefits.
CPR and First Aid Certification
You must have a valid CPR and First Aid certification from a USCG-approved provider such as American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Application Package
Submit a complete application package, including all required documentation, forms, and fees, to the National Maritime Center online.
Sea Service Requirements by Credential
Master Inland
and OUPV
Master Inland Mate Near Coastal
Master Near Coastal (to 100NM offshore)
The Coast Guard permits inland service to substitute for up to 360 days of the 720-day total.
• Weems & Plath #176 Marine Navigation Ultralight Divider
• Weems & Plath Marine Navigation Parallel Ruler (Aluminum Arms, 15-Inch)
• Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 67th Edition (Chapman Piloting and Seamanship)
• NOAA Training Chart: 13205 TR – Block Island Sound
• NOAA Training Chart: 12221TR – Chesapeake Bay
• NOAA Training Chart: 12354TR – Long Island Sound
These can be purchased at your local marine retailer or online.
You do not need these materials for the Auxiliary Sailing or Assistance Towing Endorsement courses.
Sign up for more details.
