Minnesota Captain's License

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

TL;DR

Minnesota 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. Lake Superior and Lake of the Woods charters typically run OUPV Inland. Outfitters running canoe-camp ops on the Boundary Waters do not require federal credentials.

The credentials charter captains pursue in Minnesota

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.

Charter hubs in Minnesota

Lake Superior (Duluth)
Boundary Waters
Lake of the Woods
Mille Lacs 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.