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.

Last verified: 2026-05-20

Primary sources

46 CFR 11.422 — Tonnage limits for Master or Mate under 200 GRT (eCFR) (retrieved 2026-05-20)
46 CFR 11.428 — Master less than 100 GRT Near Coastal service (eCFR) (retrieved 2026-05-20)
46 CFR 11.455 — Master less than 100 GRT Great Lakes and Inland service (eCFR) (retrieved 2026-05-20)
46 CFR 11.457 — Master less than 100 GRT Inland service (eCFR) (retrieved 2026-05-20)
USCG NMC — Master less than 100 GRT Near Coastal checklist (retrieved 2026-05-20)
USCG NMC — Master less than 100 GRT Great Lakes/Inland checklist (retrieved 2026-05-20)

TL;DR

If you'll carry ≤6 passengers on an uninspected boat: OUPV. If you'll carry more than 6 passengers, or operate an inspected vessel: Master 25 / 50 / 100. Route and vessel-tonnage history decide whether the Master path is 360 or 720 days, and whether the limit lands at 25, 50, or 100 GRT.

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 less than 100 GRT is more route-sensitive: Near-Coastal uses 720 deck-department days on ocean, near-coastal, or Great Lakes waters, with up to 360 inland-water days allowed as substitute service; Great Lakes/Inland uses 360 total days. The 25 / 50 / 100 GRT tier is then assigned under the 46 CFR 11.422 tonnage formula, so a candidate can meet the route requirement but receive a lower tonnage limit if most service was on smaller vessels.

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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