Delaware Captain's License Requirements (2026)

What a “Delaware 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 Baltimore, MD.

Local route clue

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

Which Rules of the Road apply on Delaware water#

Delaware's two coasts are governed by two lines with very different geometry. Delaware Bay is closed by a single long line at 33 CFR 80.503 — Cape May Light to Harbor of Refuge Light to the northernmost extremity of Cape Henlopen — so the entire bay, including the Lewes waterfront, is Inland Rules water. Indian River Inlet is a jetty-to-jetty line at 80.505(a), a few hundred yards wide, so a Rehoboth-based boat is on the International Rules within minutes of clearing it. Note that 80.503 is shared with New Jersey: the same line is the eastern shore's demarcation, which is worth knowing if service was earned on both sides of the bay.

COLREGS Demarcation Lines covering Delaware — 33 CFR Part 80

• 33 CFR 80.503Delaware Bayline drawn — Inland water inside
• 33 CFR 80.505Cape Henlopen, DE to Cape Charles, VAline drawn — Inland water inside

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 Delaware charter captains need?#

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

Credentials charter captains pursue in Delaware

• OUPV Inland (Six-Pack) — operates uninspected <=6-passenger charter boats on inland waters other than the Great Lakes — bays, sounds, inland lakes, and 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.