OUPV vs Master License — Which Captain's License Do You Need?
The two most common USCG captain's licenses are the OUPV (Six-Pack) and the Master. Here's how they compare and which one makes sense for you.
Quick Answer
If you want to run fishing charters, dive trips, or small boat tours with 6 or fewer paying passengers, get the OUPV. If you want to carry more passengers, work on larger vessels, or advance your maritime career, get the Master. Many captains start with OUPV and upgrade later.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | OUPV (Six-Pack) | Master (100 Ton) | Captain's Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passengers | Up to 6 | Up to vessel capacity | Up to vessel capacity |
| Vessel type | Uninspected | Inspected or uninspected | Inspected or uninspected |
| Tonnage limit | No tonnage limit (uninspected only) | Up to 100 GRT (upgradeable) | Up to 100 GRT (upgradeable) |
| Sea time required | 360 days | 720 days (360 on ocean/near-coastal) | 720 days |
| Minimum age | 18 | 19 | 19 |
| Exam sections | 4 sections, 160 questions | 6 sections, 200+ questions | 8 sections (all) |
| Endorsements | None included | None included | Sailing + Towing |
| Exam difficulty | Moderate-Hard | Hard | Hard |
| NailTheTest price | $497 | $697 | $797 (save $494) |
| Time to earn | 3-6 months | 6-12 months | 6-12 months |
| Common uses | Fishing charters, dive boats, small tours | Larger charters, ferries, crew boats | Full maritime career flexibility |
| Route options | Inland, Near Coastal, Great Lakes | Same + Oceans (with upgrade) | All routes + endorsements |
OUPV (Six-Pack) — Best For Most New Captains
The OUPV license is the most common entry point for aspiring captains. The name "six-pack" comes from the 6-passenger limit. It covers uninspected vessels only — meaning your boat doesn't need a USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI).
Advantages
- ✓ Less sea time required (360 days vs 720)
- ✓ Easier exam (4 sections vs 5-7)
- ✓ Lower cost and faster to earn
- ✓ Sufficient for most charter fishing and small tour operations
- ✓ Can upgrade to Master later without retaking passed sections
Limitations
- ✗ Maximum 6 paying passengers
- ✗ Cannot operate inspected vessels
- ✗ Some employers require Master license
- ✗ Cannot serve as mate on larger vessels
Master License — For Larger Operations
The Master license (typically starts at 25 or 100 gross register tons) allows you to carry more passengers on inspected vessels. It's required for larger charter boats, ferries, crew boats, and towing operations.
Advantages
- ✓ No passenger limit (depends on vessel COI)
- ✓ Can operate inspected vessels
- ✓ More job opportunities and higher pay
- ✓ Can serve as mate on larger vessels
- ✓ Tonnage can be upgraded (100, 200, 500, 1600 GRT)
- ✓ Includes OUPV privileges
Requirements
- ✗ 720 days of sea service (double the OUPV)
- ✗ Harder exam with additional sections
- ✗ More expensive to obtain
- ✗ Takes longer to earn
USCG Endorsements — Sailing & Towing
Endorsements are additional credentials you add to your OUPV or Master license. They require a separate exam section and are available as standalone products on NailTheTest.
Sailing Endorsement — $197
Required to operate sailing vessels commercially. Covers sailing rules, rigging, and vessel handling. Available as a standalone purchase or included in Captain's Complete.
Towing Endorsement — $197
Required for towing barges and disabled vessels. Covers TOAR prep, barge operations, and hawser/wire handling. Available as a standalone purchase or included in Captain's Complete.
Upgrading from OUPV to Master
This is the most common path. Start with OUPV, build experience and sea time, then upgrade to Master when you're ready. Here's what's involved:
Additional sea time
You need 720 total days, so if you already had 360 for OUPV, you need 360 more. Time operating under your OUPV license counts.
Additional exam sections
The Master exam includes additional sections beyond what OUPV covers. You may receive credit for sections you already passed on the OUPV exam.
New application
Submit a new CG-719B application for the Master credential. Updated physical, drug test, and fees apply.
Which Should You Get?
Get the OUPV if...
- • You want to run a small charter fishing business
- • You only need to carry 6 or fewer passengers
- • You want to start earning as a captain sooner
- • You don't have 720 days of sea time yet
- • You want the most cost-effective path to a captain's license
Get the Master if...
- • You want to work on inspected passenger vessels (ferries, large tour boats)
- • You already have 720+ days of sea time
- • Your employer requires a Master license
- • You plan to operate vessels over 100 GRT
- • You want maximum career flexibility in the maritime industry
Studying for Your Captain's License?
NailTheTest covers all 8 exam sections — OUPV ($497), Master 100 GRT ($697), Sailing ($197), Towing ($197), and Captain's Complete ($797) — with 1,628+ practice questions, 866 flashcards, 398 lessons, and an AI-powered learning engine that tells you when you're ready to pass.