Alaska Captain's License

OUPV (Six-Pack) and Master credentials for charter operators in Alaska.

TL;DR

Alaska does not issue its own captain's license — the credential is the federal USCG OUPV or Master license. The nearest USCG Regional Examination Center is Anchorage, AK / Juneau, AK / Ketchikan, AK. Alaska runs three RECs (Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan), so candidates rarely travel far. Most professional captains hold Master 100 GT with Towing or Sailing endorsements, given the size of charter sportfish and lodge tender operations.

The credentials charter captains pursue in Alaska

Master 50 GT — mid-tier inspected-vessel master — typical for charter sport-fish operations under 50 gross tons.
Master 100 GT — full inspected-vessel master up to 100 GT — required for larger charter and tour vessels.
OUPV Near-Coastal (Six-Pack) — extends OUPV to 100 nautical miles offshore — the credential for offshore canyon and bluewater six-pack operators.

Charter hubs in Alaska

Sitka
Ketchikan
Homer
Seward
Kodiak
Bristol Bay

Path to the license

Document at least 360 days of sea service — see our sea-time requirements guide. 90 of those must be within the last 3 years.
Pass a USCG-approved physical (CG-719K) and drug test (CG-719P).
Submit your application package to the National Maritime Center.
Schedule and pass the written exam at REC Anchorage, AK / Juneau, AK / Ketchikan, AK, or at any USCG-approved third-party course that grants exam authority.
Complete the TWIC card application and CPR/First Aid certification before the credential is issued.

Start studying — free during early access

The federal exam is the same nationwide. CaptainsGround drills you against citation-backed questions from 33/46 CFR, COLREGs, and Bowditch.