Michigan Captain's License Requirements (2026)

What a “Michigan 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 Toledo, OH.

Local route clue

Six-passenger operators on the Great Lakes around Traverse City need the Great Lakes and Inland OUPV route (or a qualifying Near-Coastal endorsement), then compare Master 50/100 for larger inspected boats.

Which Rules of the Road apply on Michigan water#

Michigan touches four of the five Great Lakes and has no 33 CFR Part 80 demarcation line at all, because Great Lakes water does not need one: 33 CFR 83.03(q) defines inland waters to include the waters of the Great Lakes on the United States side of the International Boundary, so the Inland Rules apply by definition. Two consequences are Michigan-specific. 83.01(a) extends those Rules to United States vessels on the CANADIAN waters of the Great Lakes to the extent there is no conflict with Canadian law — which matters on the Detroit River and in Lake Huron's North Channel. And 83.23(e) lets a power-driven vessel on the Great Lakes carry an all-round white light in lieu of the second masthead light and sternlight. The credential trap is 46 CFR 11.467(b): an OUPV inland endorsement excludes the Great Lakes, so Traverse City, Ludington and Frankfort work needs the Great Lakes and inland route.

33 CFR Part 80 draws no demarcation line in Michigan. Its 106 sections cover the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Pacific islands and Alaska; a state with no coast has no section, which is itself the answer.

Great Lakes water (Lakes Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie) needs no Part 80 line: 33 CFR 83.03(q) defines inland waters to include the waters of the Great Lakes on the United States side of the International Boundary. Under 46 CFR 11.467(b) a plain inland OUPV endorsement covers all inland waters except the Great Lakes.

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 Michigan charter captains need?#

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

Credentials charter captains pursue in Michigan

• OUPV Great Lakes & Inland (Six-Pack) — authorizes six-passenger work on the Great Lakes and inland waters after 12 months of service, including at least 3 months operating vessels on Great Lakes waters.
• OUPV Inland (Six-Pack) — operates uninspected <=6-passenger charter boats on inland waters other than the Great Lakes — bays, sounds, inland lakes, and 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.