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USCG License Requirements
General Requirements for Tonnage Licenses & Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV or Six Pack) On Inland or Near Coastal Waters
  • Minimum age - 18 years OUPV/ Tonnage Licenses up to 200 tons 19 years
  • Proof of Age, Citizenship, and Social security number (Notarized copies acceptable)
  • First Aid and CPR Training - Original or notarized copy of first aid and CPR course certificates. First aid certificate must be completed within the past 12 months from (a)The American Red Cross Standard First Aid and Emergency Care or Multi-media Standard First Aid Course, or (b) A Coast Guard approved first aid training course. CPR certificate must be currently valid from
    1. The American National Red Cross,
    2. The American Heart Association, or
    3. Coast Guard approved or accepted CPR training course.
  • Completed USCG information and application form is available via www.uscg.mil/d1/units/msobos
  • Drug Test - USCG "Drug Free" testing requirements are listed along with the required drug test form at www.uscg.mil/d1/units/msobos
  • Physical Examination Report - USCG form is included in your USCG application form, and must be completed within the past 12 months by a Physician, Physician's Assistant, or a Nurse Practitioner.
  • Three Notarized Character Reference Letters - Recommendation letters from 3 different persons who have knowledge of applicants suitability for duty.
  • Sea Service Documentation - the applicant's sea service must be documented by each vessel's owner. If applicant documents service on his/her own vessel, some form of proof of ownership must be included. Experience gained before age 13 will not be accepted. At least half of the required service must be obtained after the age of 16. One day of sea service consists of at least 6 hours underway. For all licenses, at least 90 days of sea service must be within the past 3 years.
  • Fingerprints. Two Copies.

    An OUPV and Inland Masters license requires a minimum of 360 days of experience in the operation of vessels. 90 days in the last three years.

    An OUPV Near Coastal license requires a minimum of 360 days of experience in the operation of vessels, including at least 90 days experience seaward of the Boundary Line.

    Near Coastal Master requires 720 days, 360 days of which can be from time in inland waters. of the 720 days, 90 days are required in the last three years.

    For Gross Tonnage Calculations go to:

    www.uscg.mil/hq/msc/T3/cg5397/cg5397.form.htm

General Requirements for Limited Master/Launch Tender

  • Minimum age 18 years
  • Completed USCG information and Application Form available from www.uscg.mil/d1/units/msobos
  • Approved Safe Boating course completed within 5 years 120 days of total sea service in the operation of vessel for which license is requested. 90 days of which must have been in the last three years.
  • Completion of a first aid class. The requirements being the same as for the Masters course above.

General Requirements for Towing Endorsements

  • Applicants who intend to use their Master, Mate, or OUPV license for commercial assistance towing (towing disabled vessels for consideration) must complete course to receive Towing Endorsement Certificate.

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