The OUPV credential — called the "six-pack license" in working marinas — is the federal authorization issued by the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) that allows a licensed mariner to carry up to six passengers for hire aboard an uninspected passenger vessel.
What the license actually allows
An OUPV authorizes operation of uninspected passenger vessels of less than 100 gross tons. The passenger limit of six applies only to passengers carried for hire. On a near-coastal OUPV the route is limited to waters within 100 nautical miles of shore. Inland and Great Lakes endorsements cover those routes instead.
What it does not allow
An OUPV does not authorize operation of inspected passenger vessels — the category that covers vessels carrying more than six paying passengers. For a 65-foot charter yacht licensed for up to 49 guests, the captain needs a Master license (25, 50, or 100 gross tons) with appropriate endorsements, not an OUPV. An OUPV operating an inspected vessel as master is operating outside the credential.
The sailing endorsement
If more than 50 percent of the vessel's propulsion is provided by sail, the captain needs a sailing endorsement in addition to the base OUPV. Without it, the license covers power-driven vessels only. This is a separate application to the NMC and requires documented sail sea service.
Required items before applying
- 360 days of sea service (any combination of day and watch standing), with at least 90 days on near-coastal or ocean waters for the near-coastal route
- Current TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) from TSA
- Enrollment in a drug consortium (46 CFR Part 16)
- Physical exam: vision, hearing, and general health (46 CFR Part 10)
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Pass the USCG NMC written examination
Where the rules live
The governing regulations are 46 CFR Part 10 (licensing) and 46 CFR Part 16 (drug testing). The NMC publishes the current examination guides and application checklists at dco.uscg.mil/nmc. That page is the authoritative source — check it directly, because requirements and fees change.
JADA is a 1938 65-foot yawl chartering from Harbor Island, San Diego Bay. We are looking for mates, deckhands, and licensed captains for weekend charter sails.
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