Massachusetts Captain's License Requirements (2026)

What a “Massachusetts 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 Cape Cod usually start with OUPV Near-Coastal, then compare Master 50/100 for inspected boats.

Which Rules of the Road apply on Massachusetts water#

Massachusetts is cut into six sections and the pattern flips twice along the coast, so the standard formula matters here more than anywhere: "Except inside lines specifically described in this section, the 72 COLREGS shall apply" means International Rules by default with inland water as the pocket. North of Cape Ann (33 CFR 80.115) and from Cape Ann to Marblehead Neck (80.120) that is the arrangement — Gloucester's outer water is COLREGS water, with 80.120(b) closing the harbour itself from the breakwater light to the twin towers. Then lines are drawn from Marblehead Neck to Nahant (80.125), at the Boston Harbor entrance (80.130) and from Hull to Race Point (80.135), so Boston Harbor and Cape Cod Bay are inland water outright. Round Race Point and 80.145 flips it back for the whole south coast, with its own pocket behind the Elizabeth Islands chain — Nobska Point to Tarpaulin Cove to Naushon, Nashawena and Cuttyhunk — so Buzzards Bay is inland while Vineyard Sound and the Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket runs are not. A Cape Cod operator crosses between rulebooks more often than almost anyone in the country.

COLREGS Demarcation Lines covering Massachusetts — 33 CFR Part 80

• 33 CFR 80.115Portland Head, ME to Cape Ann, MA72 COLREGS apply except inside the lines it draws
• 33 CFR 80.120Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA72 COLREGS apply except inside the lines it draws
• 33 CFR 80.125Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MAline drawn — Inland water inside
• 33 CFR 80.130Boston Harbor entranceline drawn — Inland water inside
• 33 CFR 80.135Hull, MA to Race Point, MAline drawn — Inland water inside
• 33 CFR 80.145Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI72 COLREGS apply except inside the lines it draws

Both kinds of section appear above, so "Massachusetts" 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 Massachusetts charter captains need?#

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

Credentials charter captains pursue in Massachusetts

• 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.