California Captain's License

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

TL;DR

California 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 Oakland, CA / Long Beach, CA. California has two RECs (Oakland for NorCal, Long Beach for SoCal). Sport-fish charter operators south of Point Conception typically run OUPV Near-Coastal or Master 100, while bay-only operators stay with OUPV Inland.

The credentials charter captains pursue in California

OUPV Inland (Six-Pack) — operates uninspected ≤6-passenger charter boats inside COLREGs demarcation lines (bays, sounds, lakes, rivers).
OUPV Near-Coastal (Six-Pack) — extends OUPV to 100 nautical miles offshore — the credential for offshore canyon and bluewater six-pack operators.
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.

Charter hubs in California

San Diego
Newport Beach
Marina del Rey
San Francisco Bay
Monterey
Lake Tahoe

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 Oakland, CA / Long Beach, CA, 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.

Nearby state guides

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.