Illinois Captain's License

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

TL;DR

Illinois 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 Toledo, OH / St. Louis, MO. Lake Michigan charter operators out of Chicago, Waukegan, and Burnham Harbor typically pursue OUPV Inland. Master 50 or 100 is common for larger sport-fish operations chasing king salmon.

The credentials charter captains pursue in Illinois

OUPV Inland (Six-Pack) — operates uninspected ≤6-passenger charter boats inside COLREGs demarcation lines (bays, sounds, lakes, rivers).
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 Illinois

Chicago Lakefront
Waukegan
Calumet Harbor

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 Toledo, OH / St. Louis, MO, 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.