Looking to become a USCG Captain?

Merchant Mariner Credential

The U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center is responsible for issuing the Merchant Mariner Credential (NMC). The NMC or colloquially called “Captain’s License”. A captain’s license is required for those who wish transport passengers for money. There are many ways to leverage a Captain’s License including:

• Boat Deliveries

• Airboats

• Towing

• Boat Clubs

• Charters

• Dive Boats

• Excursion Boats

• Ferry Boats

• Fishing Guides

• Head Boats and Party Boats

• Houseboats

• Marinas and Haul-Out facilities

• Marine Surveyors

• Pilot Boats

• Recreational Boats

• Sailing Instruction

• Saltwater Sportfishing

• Workboats

In order or an individual to get a Captain’s License there are a number of requirements that must be completed. These include among others the following: Application, Medical Certificate, Sea Service Form, TWIC Card, Drug Testing, etc. For a more complete list, see the section on OUPV general requirements. Besides completing the forms, you will need to document your sea time and also take an exam to test your knowledge. Topics on the exam include Rules-of-the-Road (50 questions with 90% pass score); Plotting (10 questions with 90% pass score); Navigation General (50 questions with 70% pass score); and Deck General (50 questions with 70% pass score). There are several ways to prepare for and take the test including online (e.g., Mariners Learning System) and traditional in-classroom settings (e.g., True North Maritime Academy).

Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV)

The Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) License (Charter Boat Captains License or 6 Pack License) allows the holder to Captain uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (roughly 75-90 feet long). An uninspected passenger vessel is any vessel carrying six or fewer passengers for hire.

The term ‘uninspected’ refers to the provision under the Passenger Vessel Act of 1993 that vessels carrying six or fewer passengers do not require an inspection by the Coast Guard. They are still expected to comply with the law and carry all required equipment and have a USCG licensed captain.

Most pleasure vessels are in the uninspected vessel category and these vessels are limited to 6 paying passengers plus crew. OUPV Inland License (lakes, bays, rivers, sounds) is restricted to operation shoreward of the boundary line, excluding the Great Lakes. OUPV Great Lakes is the endorsement for Great Lakes, and OUPV Near Coastal which enables one to cruise up to 100 miles offshore, Great Lakes and inland waters of the U.S. and its territories.

License Application Process

Step 1. Determine the Officer and/or Ratings that you wish to obtain by visiting the NMC’s Checklist Page. Specific requirements can be found on the checklists. Then come back to this page.

Step 2. Obtain a Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential. This is credential for all personnel requiring un-escorted access to secure areas of regulated facilities and vessels. Be sure to list your occupation as a Merchant Mariner. Make photocopy of TWIC or copy of the TWIC application receipt. Click here for info on how to obtain a TWIC.

Step 3. Fill out a CG-719B Application for Merchant Mariner Credential.

Step 4. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out a CG-719C Conviction Statement.

Step 5. Fill out a CG-719K Application for Medical Certificate or CG-719K/E Application for Medical Certificate for Entry Level Ratings.

Step 6. (OPTIONAL) 3rd Party Release: Can be listed on Page 5 of the CG-719B, Page 10 of the CG-719K, Page 5 of the CG-719K/E and/or on an alternate form.

Step 7. Obtain Drug Testing using a CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form or options listed on Page 2.

Step 8. Pay user fees at www.pay.gov (preferred payment method). Print a copy of your payment receipt to send with your application package.

Step 9. (IF APPLICABLE) Fill out CG-719S Sea Service or obtain other documented sea service.

Step 10. (IF APPLICABLE) Obtain relevant Training Course Certificate(s) and/or Assessment(s). Make photo copies of all course completion certificates and/or completed assessments.

Step 11. Submit all of your forms, photo copies, and supporting documentation to a Regional Exam Center. You must apply at an REC (emailing your application is the preferred method). Missing information will cause applications to be delayed or rejected.