Georgia does not issue this credential. The license is federal, evaluated by the USCG National Maritime Center, and examined through a Regional Examination Center or approved course.
Try the Georgia exam — 5 freeTry a sample question — no sign-up
Quick read
Use this page to check OUPV Near-Coastal captain license requirements in Georgia: sea time, offshore route, exam, TWIC, medical, and REC Charleston, SC / Miami, FL planning. In Georgia, candidates commonly operate around Savannah, Brunswick, St. Simons Island. The nearest REC is Charleston, SC / Miami, FL.
Credential requirements last verified .
Credential
OUPV Near-Coastal
Nearest REC
Charleston, SC / Miami, FL
Route
Near coastal
Use the Georgia overview to choose between OUPV, Master 25, Master 50, and Master 100 before narrowing this credential checklist. Because the credential is federal, the national OUPV six-pack guide carries the full requirement detail — Georgia only changes your nearest REC and local operating context.
Document 360 days of sea service, including qualifying near-coastal/ocean time for the offshore route and 90 qualifying days within the last 7 years.
Complete the CG-719K physical, drug test, TWIC, CPR, and First Aid requirements.
Study Rules of the Road, Deck General, Deck Safety, and Navigation General.
Schedule the exam at REC Charleston, SC / Miami, FL, or use an approved school that administers the USCG exam.
Georgia OUPV Near-Coastal candidates need the six-passenger authority plus qualifying offshore or near-coastal service. Use this route when your charters leave protected waters around Savannah, Brunswick, St. Simons Island and you need the COLREGs exam path.
Under 46 CFR 11.467, an OUPV Near-Coastal applicant needs 12 months (about 360 days) of vessel-operation experience, including at least 3 months (90 days) on ocean or near-coastal waters. Separately, current USCG Policy Letter 02-25 applies a 90-day recency test within the 7 years before application. The endorsement authorizes Georgia six-passenger charters on waters not more than 100 miles offshore, plus the Great Lakes and all inland waters.
Under 46 CFR 11.211 a creditable day is generally 8 hours of watchstanding or day-working. Great Lakes service counts day-for-day; inland-waters service outside the Great Lakes is creditable day-for-day for up to 50% of the total requirement, and towing or ATB/ITB service counts on a two-for-one basis up to 50%.
46 CFR 11.467 only issues the Near-Coastal route when at least 90 of the 360 days were earned on ocean or near-coastal waters. Inland-only days keep you on the Inland OUPV, so log offshore time on the right route to avoid a downgraded endorsement.
Coastal Georgia captains usually pursue OUPV Near-Coastal for offshore Black Gum and bluewater trips. Inland river guides on the Savannah or Altamaha typically hold OUPV Inland. For exam prep, the federal question set does not change by state, but your likely route matters: inland candidates lean harder on Inland Rules and aids to navigation, while near-coastal candidates need COLREGs, navigation, weather, and chart-work discipline.
Try it free
The written test is the same federal exam nationwide. Answer one citation-backed question right here — no sign-in.
Try a sample question
No sign-up needed.
Passenger-for-hire authority is federal. A state may regulate businesses, fishing guides, or local permits, but the captain credential itself is issued by the USCG.
Start with sea-service letters, the CG-719K medical exam, drug-test compliance, TWIC, CPR/First Aid, and Rules of the Road study. Missing paperwork usually slows the application more than the exam.
Choose Inland for protected or inland waters inside the COLREGs demarcation lines. Choose Near-Coastal when your work requires offshore authority and qualifying ocean or near-coastal sea time.
Last verified .
Lessons and drills cite 33/46 CFR, COLREGs, and Bowditch so your prep matches what the USCG tests. Answer 5 real, cited questions free.