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Requirements for a Captain's License

The USCG "Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels" License allows the holder to Captain uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (about 75-90 feet long). Most pleasure vessels are in the uninspected vessel category due to the materials and method of construction. As such, these vessels are limited to 6 paying passengers plus crew - hence the term "6-pak". The OUPV License is issued in two forms:

OUPV Inland License - Requires at least 360 days experience in the operation of vessels. 90 of the 360 days must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained prior to the age of 13 will not be counted. Half of the required service must be acquired since the age of 16.

This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons.

This license is restricted to operation within the Boundary Lines ( as described in the USCG application package) excluding the Great Lakes. This license is good on uninspected vessels to 100 gross tons.
This license can be upgraded to a OUPV Near Coastal once you have achieved 90 days experience outside the Boundary Lines.

OUPV Near Coastal - This license also requires at least 360 days experience in the operation of vessels, 90 of which must be gained outside the Boundary Lines.

90 of the 360 days must be in the last 3 years. Experience gained prior to the age of 13 will not be counted. Half of the required service must be acquired since the age of 16. This license is good on vessels to 100 gross tons and out to 100 nautical miles. NOTE: Experience can be counted on your own vessel. A letter and proof of ownership are required. Experience on other persons' vessels can also be counted however, a letter from the owner must accompany the application verifying experience claimed and vessel details.

What are the USCG 6-Pak requirements?
The primary requirements for a Coast Guard Application are:

  • Application Form - Complete required sections for an original license. Three character references must be included. Application valid for one year from receipt.
  • Physical Exam Form - must be completely filled out. An incomplete form will delay your application. Not meeting a vision, hearing, or general physical condition requirements does not automatically disqualify the applicant.
  • Drug Test - All applicants must be certified "Drug Free" by:
    - having a physician submit a completed Drug Free form after a SAMHSA approved drug test or
    - submitting a letter stating the applicant is currently enrolled in a Coast Guard required random drug testing program.
  • Sea Service Form - You must tabulate your experience in operating your own vessels on the the Sea Service Form. If necessary use added copies to account for service on more than four vessels. One day of service consists of a minimum of four hours underway, not at the dock. You can claim only one day in a 24 hour day.
  • Documentation of Sea Service - If sea time is documented on your own vessel, use state registration, documentation certificate, bill of sale, or insurance papers. Service on vessels not owned by you must be supported by letters in the form of the supplemental Small Boat Experience Letter.
  • Proof of Age and Citizenship - Must be verified by one of the following:
    - Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
    -Passport (original or certified copy)
    -Baptismal Certificate (issued within a year of birth)
    -Certificate of Naturalization (original only)
    -Proper documentation for name change
  • Proof of Social Security Number - You must submit an original or duplicate, not a copy.
  • CPR / First Aid Card(s) - A certificate dated within 12 months of your application date from one of the following courses:
    -American Red Cross
    -American Heart Association
    -Coast Guard Approved Course
  • Certificate of Completion from an approved class....or take the USCG exam!

Other Cost Involved

For-Hire Licensing Requirements

1) A small, medium, or large state vessel license (dependent on the number of passengers that you would want to carry). This will cover the passengers on your vessel from having to purchase a recreational fishing license.

Small Vessel License - for any vessel carrying 4 or fewer customers - $201.50
Medium Vessel License - for any vessel carrying 10 or less customers - $401.50
Large Vessel License - for any vessel carrying more than10 customers - $801.50

2) You must register your boat as a commercial vessel. This documentation will be required in order to obtain a state vessel license.

3) The county you are doing business in may require you to have an occupational license.

4) The Coast Guard requires a Captain's License for all operators of for-hire vessels. You can call 1-800-982-9374 for information on the Coast Guard Captain's license. This documentation will be required in order to obtain a state vessel license.

5) If you are operating a for-hire vessel in a Park or a Refuge, you may be required to have additional permits (example: Everglades National Park). Please check with the local Park or Refuge headquarters for any specific permitting requirements for those areas.

6) If you are operating a for-hire vessel in federal waters (outside of 9 nautical miles on the Gulf and 3 nautical miles on the Atlantic), some species do require a federal charter vessel/headboat permit in order to fish for them. Contact the National Marine Fisheries Service, Licensing and Permitting office at (727) 570-5326 for information on federal charter/headboat permits.

Numbers 1 - 3 can be taken care of at your local tax collectors office.

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