Alaska Captain's License Requirements (2026)

What a “Alaska captain's license” actually means#

It isn't a state license — it's the same federal USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with an OUPV or Master endorsement, used nationwide.

Credential issuer

USCG National Maritime Center.

Nearest exam route

REC Anchorage, AK / Juneau, AK / Ketchikan, AK.

Local route clue

Offshore or coastal charters around Sitka usually start with OUPV Near-Coastal, then compare Master 50/100 for inspected boats.

Which Rules of the Road apply on Alaska water#

Alaska is the shortest section in Part 80 and the one with the largest consequence: 33 CFR 80.1705 puts the 72 COLREGS on all the sounds, bays, harbors, and inlets of Alaska, with no line drawn anywhere. A lodge tender in Sitka Sound, a sportfish out of Homer, and a skiff inside Ketchikan's harbour are all on the International Rules, so the Inland-only material — the Rule 34(h) cross-signals, the Western Rivers provisions, the Rule 9 downbound right-of-way — is not the rulebook in force on any Alaska water. Candidates sitting the closed-book Rules of the Road module should be certain which variant their route calls for before they book it.

COLREGS Demarcation Lines covering Alaska — 33 CFR Part 80

• 33 CFR 80.1705Alaska72 COLREGS apply — no inland water here

This decides which rulebook you steer by, not where your credential may operate: the route limit is the 46 CFR Part 7 Boundary Line, and the two lines are not drawn in the same place. How the two lines differ · International Rules · Inland Rules

33 CFR Part 80 and the Part 83 definitions above read from eCFR on 12 Aug 2026. Any specific water is a determination for the cognizant Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

Which credential do Alaska charter captains need?#

Not sure the trip needs a credential at all? The captain's-license trigger guide.

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.