Captain’s License Requirements: Clearing the Fog
Embarking on the journey to get your captain’s license can feel like navigating through a sea of misinformation. From well-meaning advice from ‘licensed friends’ to ‘dockside expertise’, it’s easy to get lost and it’s remarkably easy to get bad information. That’s where Confident Captain comes in. We’re here to guide you with clear, accurate information directly from the US Coast Guard’s regulations, helping you understand the essentials of sea time and general requirements for becoming a licensed captain.
Here is a summary of the very basics of sea time requirements. It can get more complicated than this, but this is the best ‘first read’ for any mariner who is just getting started toward his or her license.
OUPV (Six-Pack) License
Eligibility: You qualify if you’re a U.S. citizen or resident alien, 18 years or older, can pass a drug test, and pay your USCG application/license fees.
Sea Service: 360 days total. Whether you’re at sea for 4 hours or 24, it all counts as one day.
Recency: 90 days of your sea time must be in the last 3 years.
Health Check: A basic medical physical to apply for a Medical Certificate along with the license from the USCG.
Learning: A US Coast Guard-recognized first-aid CPR course and, a Confident Captain OUPV course completion certificate in lieu of a US Coast Guard exam.
Master 25/50/100 Ton License
Eligibility: You qualify if you’re a U.S. citizen, 19 or older! Just pass that drug test and pay your USCG fees.
Sea Service:
Inland license – 360 Days
Near Coastal License – 720 Days
Also, your sea time must include the following:
For 25 GRT Master: 271 days on small boats or 90 days on 1-25 GRT boats.
For 50 GRT Master: 90 days on 26 GRT or bigger boats.
For 100 GRT Master: 360 days on inland waters, or 90 days on 51 GRT or bigger boats.
For 100 GRT Master Near Coastal: A total of 720 days with 360 being “outside the boundary line”. We’ll explain this “line” more soon, but think of it as offshore of the coastal US.
Health Check: A basic medical physical to apply for a Medical Certificate along with the license from the USCG.
Learning: A US Coast Guard-recognized first-aid CPR course and, a Confident Captain Master 25/50/100 GT course completion certificate in lieu of a US Coast Guard exam.
Endorsements: For an Auxiliary Sail or Assistance Towing endorsement you will need a short 4-hour online course for each. We offer both online after you complete your license course.
Documenting Your Sea Time
To document your sea time for the license, the Small Vessel Sea Service Form CG-719S is your go-to. It’s all about self-reporting your days at sea, whether on your own boat or someone else’s. Just make sure you have proof of boat ownership or a signed form from the boat owner if it’s not your vessel. No need for logbooks, your integrity is assumed. Please do not inflate your sea time. That is illegal.
Ready to set sail on your Captain’s License journey? Dive into our detailed online courses, perfectly tailored for these licensing requirements. Navigate to Confident Captain for a clear, reliable path to your captain’s license. With us, you’ll steer clear of the foggy waters of misinformation!
