Step 1: Pick the credential
OUPV Inland for inside-the-lines six-pack work. OUPV Near-Coastal for offshore six-pack. Master 25/50/100 if you'll operate inspected vessels with more than 6 passengers. See the OUPV vs Master decision matrix, then compare Master 100 captain's license requirements if inspected passenger work is the target.
Step 2: Document sea time
Fill out CG-719S for every vessel and time period. Get owner/operator signatures. 90 of the 360 days must be within the last 3 years.
Step 3: Physical, drug, TWIC
CG-719K physical, CG-719P drug test, TWIC enrolment, current CPR/First Aid card. Stack these in parallel — they each have their own lead time.
Step 4: Application package
CG-719B application + 719K + 719P + sea-service letters + TWIC status + CPR/First Aid + payment receipt. For an original lower-level officer endorsement such as OUPV or Master less than 100 GRT, the evaluation fee is $100; if you test at a REC, the $95 examination fee is due before testing.
Step 5: Pass the exam
After NMC issues an Approval to Test letter, schedule at a REC or take a third-party USCG-approved course. Use the captain license exam format guide to confirm the module split, pass marks, and retest rules before you pick a test date. CaptainsGround is free during early access — drill against citation-backed questions until you're consistently scoring 80%+ on practice mocks.
Step 6: Issuance
Pay the $45 issuance fee before the NMC prints and mails the Merchant Mariner Credential. Credential mailing commonly follows after the exam pass, medical review, safety/security screening, and TWIC verification are all clear.