Maine Captain's License Requirements (2026)

What a “Maine 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 Boston, MA.

Local route clue

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

Which Rules of the Road apply on Maine water#

Maine is the state most likely to catch a candidate out, because two of its three sections put the International Rules inside the harbours. 33 CFR 80.105 says the 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets of the east coast of Maine from the International Bridge at Calais down to Cape Small — that is Bar Harbor and Boothbay — and draws no line at all; 80.115 says the same from Portland Head south, and the lines it draws are in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, not here. The only demarcation line in Maine is Casco Bay at 80.110. A Bar Harbor, Boothbay or Kennebunkport operator is therefore steering by the International Rules in water that looks thoroughly inland, while a Portland boat inside the Casco Bay lines is not. That decides which Rules of the Road variant the exam should be sat in, so settle it before booking the course.

COLREGS Demarcation Lines covering Maine — 33 CFR Part 80

• 33 CFR 80.105Calais, ME to Cape Small, ME72 COLREGS apply — no inland water here
• 33 CFR 80.110Casco Bay, MEline drawn — Inland water inside
• 33 CFR 80.115Portland Head, ME to Cape Ann, MA72 COLREGS apply except inside the lines it draws

Both kinds of section appear above, so "Maine" is not by itself an answer — the water is. 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 Maine charter captains need?#

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

Credentials charter captains pursue in Maine

• 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.