Iowa Captain's License

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

TL;DR

Iowa 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 St. Louis, MO. Iowa guides on the Mississippi River system typically hold OUPV Inland with awareness of Western Rivers Rules under 33 CFR Subchapter E.

The credentials charter captains pursue in Iowa

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

Charter hubs in Iowa

Mississippi River
Lake of Three Fires
Coralville Lake

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 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.