OUPV vs Master — Which Captain's License Should You Get?

OUPV authorises six paying passengers on an uninspected vessel; Master authorises a USCG-inspected vessel of up to 25, 50, or 100 gross tons depending on the tier. Choose based on the boat you'll operate and the passenger count, not on perceived prestige.

TL;DR

If you'll carry ≤6 passengers on a non-inspected boat: OUPV. If you'll carry more than 6 passengers, or operate an inspected vessel: Master 25 / 50 / 100. Sea-time requirements double for Master, exam adds Plotting and tightened General modules.

Passenger limit

OUPV is hard-capped at 6 paying passengers. Master 25/50/100 has no fixed passenger ceiling — it's the vessel's USCG Certificate of Inspection that sets the maximum.

Vessel inspection

OUPV is for uninspected vessels (Subchapter C). Master is for inspected vessels (Subchapter T, K, etc.) — the boat itself must hold a Certificate of Inspection from the USCG.

Sea time

OUPV: 360 days. Master 25: 360 days. Master 50/100: 720 days, with 360 on vessels >50 GT for Master 100. Master tiers also typically require more time on inspected vessels in a deck-officer capacity.

Exam difference

OUPV: four modules (RoR, Deck General, Deck Safety, Nav General). Master: same four plus Plotting (chart-work) and a tighter General module on regulations. Master candidates typically need 1–2 extra weeks of prep for Plotting.

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